Gabrielle Vernier, the France and Blagnac Rugby centre, has been named the 2023 TikTok Women’s Six Nations Player of The Championship, following a fan vote to determine the winner.
Vernier was a standout player throughout the Championship, appearing in the top group for player statistics, with her five tries and eight offloads, showing her threat in attack. Vernier was a key member of a France side that took the Grand Slam and Championship to the final weekend against England, in front of a record-breaking crowd at Twickenham, although her side were ultimately denied the title.
Fans were asked to vote for their 2023 Team of The Championship, with the top four players being earning votes forming the shortlist of nominees for the TikTok Women’s Six Nations Player of The Championship. Vernier was joined on the shortlist by Red Roses duo, Marlie Packer and Hollie Aitchinson and Wales prop Sisilia Tuipulotu.
It was then over to the fans to cast their votes to decide the winner of this year’s award, with Vernier claiming nearly 40% of the votes to secure the title of Player of The Championship.
Commenting on her award, Gabrielle Vernier said: “To win the Player of The Championship award is a huge honour, but it also belongs to all of my teammates, as our campaign this year was a collective effort. I would like to congratulate all the other players named on the shortlist, and there are many more names that could have been added. This just goes to show how much women’s rugby is developing, and the standard of rugby on show.”
Rich Waterworth, General Manager Operations Europe, TikTok, added: “Huge congratulations to Gabrielle on her award. Her performances across the entire Championship were incredible and entertained the millions of fans following the content across TikTok and the coverage of all the action. It’s fitting that fans had the chance to reward her with this accolade, and the 100% rise in fans voting for the award is testament to our commitment to bring fans even closer to these incredible moments.”
As well as her TikTok Women’s Six Nations Player of The Championship award, fans cemented Vernier’s place in the Team of The Championship. She is joined by her fellow centre Marine Ménager, and France scrum half Pauline Bourdon. England dominate the fans XV, with nine players making the team sheet, including Red Roses Captain, Marlie Packer, backrow Sadia Kabeya and winger Abbie Dow. Scotland’s Chloe Rollie and Wales prop Sisilia Tuipulotu complete the team selected by fans.
