The Six Nations have revealed the four-man shortlist for the 2025 Six Nations Player of the Championship award, featuring stars from four Investec Champions Cup clubs who will be returning to action in the knockout stages. Louis Bielle-Biarrey (Union Bordeaux-Bègles), Tommaso Menoncello (Benetton Rugby), Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints) and Blair Kinghorn (Stade Toulousain) are all shortlisted for the individual accolade having topped performance statistics charts across the tournament.
In addition to the Player of the Championship nominees, Leinster Rugby’s young talent Sam Prendergast has also been recognised for his exceptional performance with Ireland, receiving up the inaugural BKT Rising Player Award.
As the dust settles on what has been a record breaking Six Nations, and as the players return to their respective clubs, their attentions will begin to turn to the Investec Champions Cup knockout stages. Widely regarded as Test rugby in club colours, the stars of the Six Nations will have the chance to build on their national form as the knockout stages kick off 4,5,6 April, with all roads now leading to May’s Final at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium.
Louis Bielle-Biarrey (France, Union Bordeaux-Bègles)
In a standout performance during the 2025 Six Nations Championship, Bielle-Biarrey made history by scoring eight tries, surpassing Jacob Stockdale’s record for the most tries in a single Six Nations tournament. The young winger’s extraordinary pace and skill on the field have made him one of the tournament’s most formidable players.
In addition to his impressive try-scoring feats, Bielle-Biarrey also provided four assists, bringing his total try involvements to 12 – the highest of any player in the Men’s Six Nations this year.
Bielle-Biarrey success for his national side has been reflected in his form for Union Bordeaux-Bègles this season, with the young winger currently third in the Investec Champions Cup’s try-scoring table. His club qualified first for the Round of 16, after an undefeated run in the pool stage, winning all their matches with try bonus points.
Bielle-Biarrey and Union Bordeaux-Bègles will return to Investec Champions Cup action on Sunday, April 6, when they host Ulster Rugby at Stade Chaban-Delmas in what promises to be an exciting encounter.
Tommaso Menoncello (Italy, Benetton Rugby)
Benetton Rugby’s Menoncello, the 2024 Six Nations Player of the Championship, continues to showcase his exceptional skill on the international stage.
The dynamic centre scored two tries during this year’s Six Nations, made over 320 metres in carries, as well as more breakdown steals (three) and tackles (59) than any other back in the competition, demonstrating his ability to impact both attack and defence.
In his club colours with Benetton, Menoncello’s all-round dominance has proved pivotal again this season, with big-time victories over Bath Rugby and Stade Rochelais in the Investec Champions Cup, that saw the team progress to the knockouts for the first time in the club’s history.
Menoncello is likely to be key in Benetton’s Round of 16 clash against Castres Olympique at Stade Pierre-Fabre on Saturday 5 April, as the Italian club aims for glory in Europe.
Tommy Freemman (England, Northampton Saints)
Northampton Saints’ Freeman made history, becoming the first England men’s player to score a try in all five matches of a Six Nations campaign. Freeman achieved this remarkable feat when he broke through the Welsh defence in the 35th minute during England's clash at the Principality Stadium.
In addition to his try-scoring success, Freeman also ranked second across all the teams for line breaks with an impressive total of eight. His standout performances were instrumental in helping England achieve their best finish in the Championship since 2019.
Earlier this season, Freeman had a stellar Investec Champions Cup pool stage with Northampton Saints. The club finished top of their pool, securing third place overall to advance to the knockout rounds. Now, Freeman will look to carry his England momentum into club competition as Northampton Saints prepare to host ASM Clermont Auvergne for the opening match of the Round of 16 at cinch Stadium @ Franklin’s Gardens on April 4.
Blair Kinghorn (Scotland, Stade Toulousain)
Stade Toulousain player, Kinghorn, made a remarkable impact during the Six Nations Championship, leading the way in several key categories, including most carries, metres gained, line breaks and offloads.
Over the course of Scotland’s five games, Kinghorn amassed an astonishing 580 metres, setting a new record for the most metres gained in a single edition of the Six Nations. This surpasses the previous record of 543 metres set by England's Mike Brown in 2014.
In addition to his record-breaking performance, Kinghorn scored two tries during Scotland's victory over Wales, further cementing his status as one of the tournament's standout players.
Kinghorn will now return to club action with Stade Toulousain on 6 April, when the French side takes on Sale Sharks at the Stadium de Toulouse in a crucial match as they continue their bid to progress in the Investec Champions Cup.
Sam Prendergast wins BKT Rising Player Award (Ireland, Leinster Rugby)
Leinster Rugby’s rising star, Prendergast, has made an impressive mark on international test rugby during his debut Six Nations. His standout performances throughout the tournament have been hailed as a crucial factor in Ireland’s successful campaign.
Further solidifying his status as one of the most exciting young talents in the game, Prendergast was awarded the prestigious BKT Rising Player Award. This honour is given to players earning their first Men’s Six Nations cap, recognising their breakthrough on the elite international stage.
At just 22 years old, Prendergast has also been an instrumental figure for Leinster in this season's Investec Champions Cup. His contributions have helped the team secure qualification for the knockout stages, qualifying in second place after winning every match in the pool phase.
Looking ahead, Prendergast and Leinster will return to the iconic Croke Park, where they will face a determined Harlequins side in the Round of 16 on April 5.
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