Poppy Cleall did not know what to do with herself after being surprised with the trophy for the Women’s Six Nations Player of the Championship during Red Roses training.
England head coach Simon Middleton had the honour of handing over the prize to the No.8 after she won the first ever public vote for the award, proudly supported by Guinness.
Poppy Cleall crowned 2021 Women’s Six Nations Player of the Championship
Joined by her Women’s Six Nations-winning teammates as they prepare for their friendly with France on Friday, Cleall was clearly over the moon to receive the recognition.
Cleall was one of three players nominated for the award alongside fellow England forward Zoe Aldcroft and Caroline Boujard of France following a superb Championship.
Middleton explained that the nominees had been picked by a panel featuring the head coaches, captains and an equal representation of members of the media from all six nations.
Maggie Alphonsi reflects on the 2021 Women’s Six Nations and selects her Team of the Championship
The fans then had their say and overwhelmingly backed Cleall, who becomes only the second ever winner after teammate Emily Scarratt having received 62% of over 12,000 votes.
But the award came as a surprise to the 28-year-old, who said: “I don’t know what to do” before sharing it around her teammates and remarking on the significant weight of the trophy.
Cleall was a force to be reckoned with at the back of the England scrum, winning Player of the Match against Scotland after a powerhouse performance alongside sister Bryony.
She followed that up with the match-winning try in the final against France, having also come off the bench for a storming cameo in England’s Round 2 victory over Italy.
