St Mary’s Student Retains Six Nations Player of the Championship Award

St Mary’s University Physiotherapy student, Aoife Wafer, has been named Guinness Women's Six Nations Player of the Championship for the second year in a row.

The Irish international had an exceptional tournament where she helped the team win all three of their home games, and finish third in the tournament overall.

Aoife ended the Six Nations with the second highest number of carries and joint third highest tries scored.

In 2025, Aoife became the first Irish player and youngest player ever to win the Six Nations Player of the Championship award. She now becomes the first player to win the award in back-to-back years.

This is the third year in a row that a St Mary’s University student has won the award, with alumna Ellie Kildunne taking the title in 2024.

A handful of players are put forward each year for their performances during the Six Nations, with the public then voting for the winner.

Speaking on this achievement Aoife said, “I’m incredibly honoured and grateful to win this award again. Last year I was the first ever Irish woman and the youngest to do it, and to back it up is very special. These sorts of things don't happen without the Irish team and my own circle of people. I'm just grateful that I'm part of an incredible team, and I get to come back to Quins and be a part of an incredible team here too.”

Andrew Reid-Smith (Head of Sports St Mary’s) said, “We are incredibly proud of Aoife on being named Six Nations Player of the Championship for a second consecutive year. This is a fantastic achievement and recognition of her outstanding performances for Ireland, as well as her dedication and hard work.

“Aoife is an excellent ambassador for St Mary’s, and it is particularly special that a St Mary’s student has now received this award for three consecutive years. We congratulate Aoife on this well-deserved recognition and look forward to seeing her continued success.”

St Mary's has a proud sporting history and longstanding reputation for nurturing elite athletes across a range of sports. The University continues to support student athletes competing at the very highest level while combining their sporting ambitions with academic study.