WALES full-back Leigh Halfpenny has been voted the 2013 RBS 6 Nations player of the tournament.
Halfpenny, who hails from Gorseinon, was the overwhelming winner from a 15-man shortlist, securing 40 per cent of the public vote.
Over 80,000 people voted with Italian flanker Alessandro Zanni the surprise runner-up with 11 per cent and Scotland full-back Stuart Hogg third with 8 per cent.
Halfpenny was Wales's Mr Consistent during their title-winning campaign, scoring 74 points to equal Neil Jenkins's championship record.
Halfpenny said: "I can't thank the people who voted for me enough. It's a real honour and privilege to be voted RBS 6 Nations Player of the Championship, and I'm overwhelmed to be in amongst the players shortlisted.
"It's the icing on the cake of an exceptional year for Wales, and it is a privilege to be part of such an exceptional group of people.
"For my name to be added to the list of players who have won this award in the past is incredible and extremely humbling."
Halfpenny follows the likes of Martyn Williams (2005), Shane Williams (2008) and Dan Lydiate (2012) as previous Welsh winners.
Halfpenny, who hails from Gorseinon, was the overwhelming winner from a 15-man shortlist, securing 40 per cent of the public vote.
Over 80,000 people voted with Italian flanker Alessandro Zanni the surprise runner-up with 11 per cent and Scotland full-back Stuart Hogg third with 8 per cent.
Halfpenny was Wales's Mr Consistent during their title-winning campaign, scoring 74 points to equal Neil Jenkins's championship record.
Halfpenny said: "I can't thank the people who voted for me enough. It's a real honour and privilege to be voted RBS 6 Nations Player of the Championship, and I'm overwhelmed to be in amongst the players shortlisted.
"It's the icing on the cake of an exceptional year for Wales, and it is a privilege to be part of such an exceptional group of people.
"For my name to be added to the list of players who have won this award in the past is incredible and extremely humbling."
Halfpenny follows the likes of Martyn Williams (2005), Shane Williams (2008) and Dan Lydiate (2012) as previous Welsh winners.
