Wales captain Jones crowned Six Nations Player of the Championship

Alun Wyn Jones has been named the Six Nations Player of the Championship after guiding Wales to their first Grand Slam in seven years.

After a comeback victory over France on the opening weekend, Wales defeated Italy before getting the better of England in round three. A monumental defensive display at Murrayfield saw them hold off Scotland and the Grand Slam was wrapped up in style with a 25-7 triumph over Ireland in Cardiff.

Jones featured in all five wins, starting four and coming off the bench in Wales' 26-15 success in Rome.

The 33-year-old was one of six players to be nominated ahead of a public vote, and he becomes the fifth Welsh player to be awarded the accolade after Martyn Williams, Shane Williams, Dan Lydiate and Leigh Halfpenny.

"I'm very flattered to be named the Guinness Six Nations Player of the Championship," he told the tournament's official website.

The fans have spoken... Captain @AlunWynJones has been crowned the 2019 #GuinnessSixNations Player of the Championship. Mae'r seren o Abertawe wedi disgleirio dros Gymru ers ennill ei gap gyntaf yn yr Ariannin yn 2006. Full story https://t.co/Yqv8HmGb6J pic.twitter.com/PSdQd3BTjb

— Welsh Rugby Union (@WelshRugbyUnion) March 22, 2019

"For me as the captain, it's a validation of what we've done as a squad throughout the campaign.

"To be up there as a nominee with three other Welsh players and two outstanding players from England would have been more than enough and I'm very grateful to the people who have taken the time to vote."

Jones beat off competition from team-mates Hadleigh Parkes, Josh Adams and Liam Williams, with England duo Jonny May and Tom Curry also nominated.