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BBC Rugby Union: England’s Ben Earl in Contention for Six Nations Player of the Championship
Published: March 19, 2024 | Updated: March 19, 2024
In the world of BBC rugby union news, England’s Ben Earl has emerged as a strong contender for the prestigious Six Nations player of the championship award. The Saracens forward showcased an impressive rugby union gameplay during the Six Nations, as Steve Borthwick’s England national rugby union team finished third in the competition.
Earl’s outstanding performance has not gone unnoticed. The dynamic No. 8 made the most carries (73) of any player in the tournament, while also recording the highest number of carry metres (419), metres in contact (127), and defenders beaten (24) among all forwards.
The England star was particularly impressive in their victory over Ireland at Twickenham and the narrow defeat against France in Lyon. His consistently high-level rugby union scores and influential performances have earned him a well-deserved spot on the four-man shortlist for the coveted award.
“Earl’s combination of raw power, dynamic ball-carrying, and solid defensive work has made him a standout performer in the 2024 Six Nations.”
Competing against Earl are Ireland’s Bundee Aki, Scotland’s Duhan van der Merwe, and Italy’s Tommaso Menoncello. Given Aki’s crucial role in Ireland’s Six Nations title triumph and their near-miss of a second consecutive Grand Slam, the Irish centre is considered the front-runner for the honour.
However, rugby union enthusiasts and experts agree that Earl’s impressive display throughout the tournament makes him a strong contender for the prestigious award.
In other BBC rugby union news:
- World Rugby has ratified the first step of implementing new rules aimed at speeding up the game and making it more attractive to fans. These changes include outlawing the controversial “Dupont law” and the “crocodile roll” tackle, while the introduction of a 20-minute red card is also being considered.
- Leicester Tigers have signed Junior Springbok No. 8 Corne Beets on a long-term deal, as he prepares to replace current South African international Jasper Wiese at Welford Road.
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