Halfpenny named Six Nations 'player of the championship'

Welsh full-back Leigh Halfpenny has won this season's RBS 6 Nations player of the championship award.

Halfpenny, who scored 74 points in the competition as Wales successfully defended the title, was a clear victor.

He gained 40 per cent of the public vote, putting him well clear of runner-up, Italy flanker Alessandro Zanni, with Scotland full-back Stuart Hogg third, competition organisers announced.

More than 80,000 people voted after a 15-player shortlist was compiled through a mixture of technical statistics and supporter opinion on social media sites.

Cardiff Blues star Halfpenny is a firm favourite to be the British and Irish Lions full-back against Australia this summer.

And he now follows his Wales colleague Dan Lydiate, who took the top Six Nations individual award last season.

Halfpenny said that he couldn't "thank the people who voted for me enough."

Halfpenny was presented with his trophy in Cardiff today, less than a week after Wales secured the Six Nations crown with a record 30-3 victory over Grand Slam-chasing England at the Millennium Stadium.

Wales' interim head coach Rob Howley paid tribute to Halfpenny saying that he was fearless, courageous and one of the best full-backs in world rugby.

He said he was "proud of his performances throughout the championship."

"He is a model professional in every facet of the game, and I am delighted for him. His contribution to the side has been huge."