From England's bloody back-rower to Wales unstoppable speedster, RUCK profiles the players who’ve seriously enhanced their reputation during the 2019 Guinness Six Nations.
1. Antoine Dupont
He is a very exciting player. The 22-year-old was the light in the darkness for French rugby. He was undeterred and a bright spot for Les Bleus despite their poor showings in the first five outings of 2019. Fly-half Romain Ntamack, 19, was also one of France's better performers.
2. Josh Navidi (Wales)
Navidi was the breakthrough star of the campaign. Looked at home in the No 6 shirt despite his preference to be on the openside and even got a run out at No 8 against Italy, ensuring he was one of few players to play in every match. His work-rate around the breakdown and in defence was extraordinary
3. Tom Curry (England)
England's best player in the tournament by quite some distance. The No 7 made 86 tackles over the course of the men's Six Nations, the most out of anyone in the tournament, and also turned the ball over five times, which was the most by an Englishman.
The 20-year-old has now overtaken Sam Underhill in the pecking order and is now widely regarded as one of the most exciting prospects in world rugby.
4. Josh Adams (Wales)
He sparked Wales’ fightback in France, brilliantly plucked the ball out of the air to touch down and ensure victory over England, before finishing superbly against Scotland. The winger is probably now a guarenteed starter heading into the Rugby World Cup.
5. Jess Breach (England Women)
Jessica Breach continued her impressive rise in international rugby by scoring two tries against Scotland on the final weekend to take her tally for this year's Six Nations to nine - an incredible feat.
The winger is still only 21 years old, but is an integral part of the team's go-forward - and given England beat Scotland 80-0, that go-forward is in good shape overall.
6. Darcy Graham (Scotland)
In the middle of an injury crisis, Graham did not let Gregor Townsend down. The diminutive wing finished the tournament strongly against Wales and England, after answering his country’s call against France.
His work rate, footwork and ability to sniff out space were a welcome silver lining to a poor Six Nations for Scotland.
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