Ireland forward Aoife Wafer has been crowned the Women's Six Nations Player of the Championship for 2026, becoming the first player to retain the award. The 23‑year‑old back‑row secured 40% of the fan vote, edging out England captain Meg Jones, Italy’s Francesca Sgorbini and France scrum‑half Pauline Bourdon Sansus.

Wafer started every match at number eight as Ireland finished third, trailing England and France for the third consecutive year. She crossed the line five times in the tournament, surpassing her four tries from 2025, and logged 78 carries – the highest tally among forwards. Her club, Harlequins, praised her dual success at club and international level.

Winning the accolade cements Wafer’s status as the tournament’s standout forward and gives Ireland a focal point as they aim to break the England‑France duopoly. Her consistency also boosts the profile of the Harlequins women’s side, where she returns after each Six Nations campaign. Aoife Wafer’s back‑row dominance will shape Ireland’s strategies this season.

The repeat win also highlights the growing fan engagement in women’s rugby, with the online poll attracting thousands of votes across the six nations. Analysts note that Wafer’s work rate and try‑scoring ability set a new benchmark for back‑row players. Her performance underscores why Ireland remains a competitive force despite finishing outside the top two.