ULSTER’S Sophie Barrett is among six of Europe’s most promising young rugby players to receive the Most Valuable Player (MVP) accolade following the conclusion of the inaugural U20 Women’s Six Nations Summer Series.
Ireland prop Sophie, Margherita Tonelotto, the Italian backrow, French centre Hawa Tounkara, England hooker Niamh Swailes, Scotland’s flanker Gemma Bell and Wales prop Maisie Davies, have been named MVPs of their respective teams following standout performances across the three match days in Parma, Italy.
Sophie, from Enniskillen, featured as Ireland gained their first win at this level with a 37-7 victory over Scotland in muggy conditions in Parma.
The MVP awards were decided by performance statistics, accompanied by insight from the Women’s Summer Series match commentator who covered every minute of the action. However, it was a peer vote that ultimately decided the award winners. Each Six Nations side had a shortlist of three players named, before teammates were asked to vote for their MVP.
The Women’s Summer Series, a first of its kind at U20 level, was staged at the iconic Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi, home of Zebre Rugby Club. Introduced by Six Nations Rugby and its member unions, the new tournament offers young players, coaches, and match officials a vital opportunity to gain further international rugby experience.
With a Women’s Rugby World Cup on the horizon in England next year, and the Guinness Women’s Six Nations establishing itself as an annual appointment to view, the rise of women’s rugby is continuing at pace. For the players taking part in Parma, the pathway to follow in the footsteps of the stars of the elite international women’s game reflects the rise of the sport.
Following the conclusion of the Six Nations Women’s Summer Series and the naming of the MVPs for 2024, Julie Paterson, Chief of Rugby at Six Nations Rugby, commented: “The Women’s Summer Series highlighted the next generation of exciting young women’s rugby players. It also showed just how important it is for Six Nations Rugby and its Unions and Federations to create opportunities for the players, coaches and match officials to gain invaluable experience that could propel them towards senior international honours in the Women’s Six Nations, or even the Rugby World Cup later next year.
“The MVP award winners, and those on the shortlists, are a testament to the incredible talent coming through the development pathway at each of the six nations, and highlights the great work led by our Unions and Federations to accelerate the growth of the women’s game. The MVP winners have been nominated by their peers, which makes these awards more meaningful and relevant for all nominees. Congratulations to all the players, coaches and the brilliant team of match officials and making the first-ever Women’s Summer Series an experience for all involved.”
