Rugby Union Sensation Tommaso Menoncello Crowned Six Nations Player of the Championship
Published: 12:09 BST, 5 April 2024 | Updated: 23:20 BST, 5 April 2024
The tattoos and nasty scar on Tommaso Menoncello’s body tell the story of a short but incredible journey to rugby’s highest level for the new superstar of the Italian game. At just 21 years old, Menoncello has been named the Six Nations men’s player of the Championship for 2024, capping a remarkable comeback from injury.
Menoncello is already a shining light in an Azzurri side looking towards a bright future after years of misery. “I was the 717th player to play for Italy,” he tells Mail Sport, pointing at the number inked on the back of his forearm. The young center-wing also shows off the scar from the operation he had last summer on a bicep problem that forced him to miss the 2023 World Cup.
“This award is a huge thing for me after the injury I had because that was a really difficult period,” Menoncello says. “Everybody thought it would be very hard for me to come back, but the only thing in my mind was that I had to come back better. I showed in this Six Nations what I can do.”
Indeed, Menoncello’s extraordinary performances in Italy’s best Six Nations campaign in terms of results announced him to a wider audience. He is only the second Azzurri player to win the Championship’s coveted individual award and the youngest from any country to do so.
As reported by BBC Rugby Union, the 21-year-old’s impact was pivotal to Italy’s progress, with wins over Scotland and Wales and a draw with France showcasing real Azzurri progress under new head coach Gonzalo Quesada. Menoncello averaged an impressive five metres gained per forward carry, highlighting his back-line power.
“It was our best Six Nations and the best period for Italian rugby for a long time,” Menoncello says. “We didn’t like the comments we saw in the newspapers and on social media saying Italy shouldn’t be in the Six Nations. One of our goals this year was to show what we can do, especially after the World Cup which ended in not the best way. For us, this is a start.”
Menoncello, who was born and raised in Treviso, is fresh-faced but already possesses the physique required to thrive in international rugby. His dream is to move to a TOP14 club in France when his Benetton contract expires, and the sponsors will surely be lining up to be associated with the rising star.
“I’m still only 21 so I know I can still grow more,” Menoncello says. “I will concentrate on myself to improve. Treviso is one of the cities in Italy with the most interest in rugby, and the people here stop me in the street and ask for a photo or a chat. It’s still a bit unusual for me, but it makes me very proud.”
With his sights set on future success, Menoncello’s remarkable journey has only just begun.
🔗 Source
