Twitter has been working overtime today with tributes to the Dragons back row man, with his team mates leading the charge to show their appreciation for a player who picked up the Man of the match award for his performances against Scotland and France.
Grand Slam skipper Sam Warburton led the congratulations with his tweet:
“Congratulations to my partner in crime @dan_lydiate for carving up 6 nations!! Player of the tournament!! – Sam Warburton
Then many of the rest of the pack joined in, no doubt wanting to bask in the glory of a fellow forward picking up the top award with more than 25% of the 30,000 votes cast:
@dan_lydiate congratulations my good man!! this must mean you win Brecon and Radnorshire sports personality of the year now!!!!! – Adam Jones
Congratulations @dan_lydiate for man of the tournament Edwards will be happy his hitter is back!!! – Gethin Jenkins
Congrats @dan_lydiate – Ken Owens
To the main man @dan_lydiate congrats mate well deserved! well done ya big goose!! – Ryan Jones
Congratulations 2 @dan_lydiate for getting man of the tournament in the six nations #buddy – Andy Powell
@dan_lydiate just heard big man! Well deserved! – Alun Wyn Jones
@dan_lydiate well deserved mate!!! #toptackler – Matthew Rees
The coach joined in as well, adding his seal of approval after Wales secured a third Grand Slam in eight seasons – and the second of his tenure.
“Dan Lydiate has been an unsung hero of this Wales team in the past and I am delighted that he has been given this recognition after coming through another great tournament having further enhanced his reputation as a world class player. When you consider he has battled back to the highest of standards after what was a serious neck injury a few short years ago his achievement is even more impressive,” said Gatland.
“The award is no less than he deserves after all the hard work and effort he has put into this side, he is tireless on the pitch and the definition of a team player. Dan is someone every youngster coming into the game will do well to look up to and attempt to emulate.“
Not to be outdone, the Welsh backs weighed in with their messages of goodwill to a player who makes their life so much easier through his hard work and commitment:
Congrats @dan_lydiate well deserved #chopthemdown – Jonathan Davies
Congrats to the chief chopper @dan_lydiate player of the 6 nations!! Well deserved – George North
@dan_lydiate congrats mate easily the player of the 6 nations ! Full farm need more in the team” – Mike Phillips
Great to see @dan_lydiate get player of the 6N…..richly deserved… #lovesatackle – Jamie Roberts
And to round things off, a few legends joined Lydiate’s growing army of fans:
@dan_lydiate congratulations well deserved. – Scott Quinnell
@dan_lydiate Congratulations as Man of the Championship. Huge part in a huge team. #strongfarmer – Colin Charvis
@dan_lydiate Congratulations on award pal! Well deserved!! – Shane Williams
