Announced earlier today, Scottish full-back Stuart Hogg has won the 2016 Six Nations player of the Championship award. According to BBC, the 23-year-old fullback accumulated 30% of the public votes. Meanwhile, England International and Number 8 Billy Vunipola came in second with a public vote of 27%.
In addition, Welsh winger George North came in third with a public vote of 11%, following being the top try-scorer with four tries.
In an interview with BBC Scotland, Hogg told them the award “means a great deal.”
I played in a very good Scotland side these past few weeks, and to get the award is really pleasing. I was playing with confidence, I was having lots of fun as well. The game plan suited our back division and it was good to get a couple of good wins on the board.For us now, that’s the minimum standard; we’ve got to be winning game after game and looking to win trophies.
Hogg was a major factor in Scotland’s matches against Italy, France, and Ireland. The Scots were desperate for a win after nine Six Nation defeats in a row. However, Hogg rejuvenated the side by creating two tries, which helped Vern Cotter’s side claim victory after Italy in Rome.
In addition, Hogg’s bold flick against France to send Tim Visser in the corner claimed Scotland their first victory over France in nearly a decade. The 23-year-old went on to light up Aviva Stadium when he scored beautifully from inside his own half against Ireland.
Stuart Hogg concluded his interview saying:
We’re all thrilled to have a Scottish player recognised by the public in a year where three teams finished above them in the Six Nations. That shows what an impact he had. It’s a testament to how Stuart has conducted himself, how he’s worked really hard during games and shown his ability.
