The trophy is just one of many well-deserved pieces of silverware one of Welsh rugby’s most feted figures has won across a glittering international career – one which started in Argentina’s Puerto Madryn in 2006. Since then, he has amassed 125 Wales caps (winning Grand Slams in 2008, 2012, and 2019 – as well as the 2013 Championship), with a further nine for the British and Irish Lions (including winning and drawing a series in Australia and New Zealand respectively).
Ahead of going to a public vote, a shortlist of six potential players of the Championship, four Welsh and two English, were chosen by an expert panel of distinguished rugby writers and broadcasters from across the six participating countries: Alun Wyn Jones (Wales); Hadleigh Parkes (Wales); Josh Adams (Wales); Liam Williams (Wales); Jonny May (England); and Tom Curry (England).
On receiving the award Jones, who has been been offered the freedom of Swansea, said, “I’m very flattered to be named the Guinness Six Nations Player of the Championship. For me as the captain, it’s a validation of what we’ve done as a squad throughout the campaign. To be up there as a nominee with three other Welsh players and two outstanding players from England would have been more than enough and I’m very grateful to the people who have taken the time to vote.
“To have the tip of the cap from other nations shows what a wholesome competition we’ve got and the respect that is shared, so I’m very appreciative. I’m part of a very strong-minded squad. That’s been shown in our performances and the way we’ve gone about the Championship.”
Wales’s 2019 Guinness Six Nations commenced with a resolute comeback win versus France in the Championship opener in Paris. The side continued with a series of dominant performances throughout the Championship, winning against Italy, England and Scotland, before an unforgettable triumph against the title holders Ireland at Principality Stadium capped off an impressive Grand Slam Championship.
Watch the story of Wales’ 2019 Grand Slam-winning campaign by clicking here.Â
To celebrate Guinness’s first year as Title Sponsor of the tournament, in a six-year deal, they have created a brand new bespoke Guinness Six Nations Player of the Championship Trophy with one of Ireland’s leading bronze sculptors, Jarlath Daly.
