CARDIFF — Wales flanker Dan Lydiate has been voted the Six Nations' player of the tournament after helping his country win the Grand Slam.

Lydiate earned 25 percent of a public ballot that attracted 30,000 votes on the Six Nations' official website.

The 12-man shortlist for the award was made up of players who received man-of-the-match awards during the tournament.

Lydiate, who played in four of Wales' five wins, says "to be part of such a talented Wales team and win the Grand Slam in Cardiff on Saturday was incredible in itself, but to then be voted player of the championship is absolutely unbelievable."

Ireland flyhalf Jonathan Sexton was second in the voting, with Italy captain Sergio Parisse third.