AFP19 May 2025 | 17:00

Ireland back row wins player of the Six Nations by Wafer-thin margin

The 22-year-old Irishwoman received 41% of the more than 18,500 votes cast, just 333 votes more than France lock and co-captain Manae Feleu, the committee said.

Ireland back row wins player of the Six Nations by Wafer-thin margin

Irish back row forward Aoife Wafer has been named best player of the 2025 women's Six Nations. Picture: @Womens6Nations/X.

PARIS, FRANCE - Irish back row forward Aoife Wafer has been named best player of the 2025 women's Six Nations following a public vote, the competition's organising committee announced on Monday.

The 22-year-old Irishwoman received 41% of the more than 18,500 votes cast, just 333 votes more than France lock and co-captain Manae Feleu, the committee said.

England's Abby Dow, the tournament's top try scorer with six, and Scotland back rower Evie Gallagher were also in the running.

"It's huge for me but also for our team," said Wafer in the press release.

"It really shows how much we have done in the last two years and how much we are growing. This trophy is not just mine. It's for the team, it's for my family. It's more for them than it is for me."

Wafer, who was in World Rugby's 2024 Team of the Year, finished the tournament as the equal second highest try-scorer with four and also made a remarkable 70 carries -- more than any other player.

Ireland finished third in the championship behind England and France.