Ireland backrower Aoife Wafer became the first player to win the Guinness Women’s Six Nations Player of the Championship award in back-to-back years.

Wafer was shortlisted for the award alongside England captain Megan Jones, France scrum-half Pauline Bourdon Sansus and Italy back-row Francesca Sgorbini.

On winning the award for a second consecutive year, Wafer said: “"I don't even know what to Last year I was the first Irish woman and the youngest to do it, and to back it up is special.”

“The girls back home will agree with me that these sorts of things don't happen without them. I'm just grateful that I'm part of an incredible team, and I get to come back to Quins and be a part of an incredible team here too."

Wafer received 40% of the fan vote after she helped Ireland to finish third in this year’s championship thanks to her dominance for the Ireland team throughout the tournament.

The 23-year-old finished the tournament with the second highest number of carries (78) in the Championship and the joint top-ranked player for dominant tackles (8) and post-contact meters (129).

On Wafer being named Player of the Tournament, the CEO of the IRFU, Kevin Potts, said: “Aoife is a truly world-class player, and her achievement in being named Guinness Women’s Six Nations Player of the Championship for a second consecutive year is truly exceptional and a testament to her consistency, work rate and impact at the highest level.”

“To stand out in such a competitive field of world-class players speaks volumes about her quality and mindset. Everyone in Irish rugby is incredibly proud of Aoife, and we look forward to seeing her continue to grow, excel and make her mark in green in the years ahead.”

In Ireland’s final fixture, which was played in front of ‘the biggest crowd ever for a standalone women’s rugby fixture at the Aviva Stadium, in Dublin’, Wafer was named the Player of the Match as they recorded a 54-5 win over Scotland.

Wafer also crossed over the line five times throughout all of her matches, which left her joint third in the rankings after the completion of the five-round tournament.

On Wafer’s performances and the fans' recognition, the Global Sports Marketing Manager for Guinness, Paddy Carberry said: “Aoife’s performances throughout this year’s Guinness Women’s Six Nations have been nothing short of exceptional. Her relentless work rate and leadership on the pitch embody the very spirit of the Championship — combining physical dominance with relentless drive and clarity of purpose.”

“To be recognised by fans for a second consecutive year speaks volumes, not only about her consistency at the highest level but also the connection she has built with supporters of the game. Aoife continues to raise the standard and inspire, and we’re incredibly proud at Guinness to see her legacy grow as a back-to-back Player of the Championship.”