The Welsh fullback Leigh Halfpenny has won the 2013 Six Nations Championship player of the year award.
Halfpenny, who scored 74 points in the tournament as Wales retained their title, was well out in front of a public vote, gaining 40 percent of the ballot - well ahead of the runner-up, Italy flanker Alessandro Zanni, with Scotland fullback Stuart Hogg third.
More than 80,000 people voted after a 15-player shortlist was compiled through a mix of rugby statistics and fans' opinion on social media sites as Halfpenny succeeded Wales teammate Dan Lydiate in winning the Six Nations' top individual honour.
Cardiff Blues' Halfpenny is widely regarded as the overwhelming favourite to be the British and Irish Lions fullback in Australia later this year.
