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Jacob Stockdale beats Conor Murray, Jonathan Sexton to Six Nations award

Ireland wing Jacob Stockdale has been named Six Nations Player of the Championship, beating teammates Keith Earls, Conor Murray and Jonathan Sexton in the process.

The record-breaking Ulsterman scooped almost a third of the public vote as he topped the six-man poll that also included Italy fullback Matteo Minozzi and France captain Guilhem Guirado.

Stockdale, 21, enjoyed a breakthrough championship as he became the first player to score seven tries in a single campaign since Italy made it Six Nations in 2000.

His tries helped Ireland to a third Grand Slam, and ensured that he tallied 32 percent of the vote. That put him 13.8 percent ahead of Murray in second, with Sexton 0.2 percent further back in third.

Stockdale is the fifth Irishman to win the award since it was introduced in 2004, joining Gordon D'Arcy, Brian O'Driscoll [who won it twice], Tommy Bowe and Paul O'Connell.

"It's been a truly memorable few weeks, making my first Six Nations appearance, winning the championship then going on to complete the Grand Slam against England," Stockdale said after receiving the award from Ulster and Ireland teammate Iain Henderson. "Breaking the try-scoring record was the cherry on top!

"It's an absolute honour to win the NatWest Player of the Championship, especially when you look at the amazing calibre of those shortlisted. Thank you to everyone who voted and for all the fans who gave us so much support throughout the championship."