Full-back Emilie Boulard has been voted Women’s Six Nations Player of Round 3 for her superb try-scoring display in France’s victory over Ireland.
Boulard took the prize after receiving 36% of the public vote to finish ahead of Italian captain and hat-trick scorer Manuela Furlan, who took second place in the poll with 22%.
Third place went to Furlan’s teammate Beatrice Rigoni with 21% of the vote after her Player of the Match performance during the Azzurre’s 41-20 triumph over Scotland.
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Marjorie Mayans, Player of the Match for Les Bleues against Ireland, also received 21% of the vote as the smallest of margins separated all four Player of the Round nominees.
Boulard’s win continues her impressive start to her international career, having made her France debut in their 2021 Women’s Six Nations curtain-raiser against Wales.
Les Bleues made eight changes to their starting XV for the Round 3 trip to Dublin but the identity of their full-back remained the same – and her performance showed why.
Boulard was influential from the outset at Energia Park, drawing two defenders before setting Caroline Boujard free to score the visitors’ opening try in the 56-15 success.
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She then turned from provider to scorer, winning the race to Laure Sansus’ perfectly-judged box-kick to dot down her second try from two Championship appearances.
Boulard continued to play a key role throughout the contest as France eased into the Super Saturday final, where they will lock horns with defending champions England.
Women’s Six Nations Player of Round 3 voting results
Emilie Boulard (FRANCE) – 36% Manuela Furlan (ITALY) – 22% Beatrice Rigoni (ITALY) – 21 % Marjorie Mayans (FRANCE) – 21%
