Watson becomes only the second Scottish player to win the award and follows in the footsteps of current Scotland captain Stuart Hogg who picked up the accolade in both 2016 and 2017.

The openside flanker made 321 metres, 67 carries – the second most any player in the tournament – broke 14 tackles, and contributed heavily on the defensive side with 55 tackles – five of which were dominant.

On top of that, Watson did not concede a single penalty in the Championship, a feat matched only by Iain Henderson of players with at least four turnovers.

Here is how Hamish found out he had won the award…

Speaking to scottishrugby.org, after winning the 2021 Guinness Six Nations Player of the Championship award, Watson said: “I’m very surprised, obviously loads of top players were up for the award and I think when you do win something like that, it’s full credit to the team I’m in as well and to all of the guys who have won it previously.

“It shows what good teams you’re playing for and I think the Scotland team we’re all playing in at the moment there is a great team and we really believe we can achieve things in the next few years.

“We think we’re heading in the right direction and full credit to the whole team, because without them, boys can’t win these personal accolades.”

“We really believe we can achieve things in the next few years.”
Hamish Watson

Watson was also happy with his side’s efforts in the recent Championship, with Scotland securing famous away victories over England and France and a record win at home against Italy.

He added: “The two away games we won against England and France were by five points and four points and the games we lost were by one point and three points, so it’s such fine margins at this high end of international rugby.

“We had two great away wins against England, where we hadn’t won in 38 years and then against France, where we hadn’t won since 1999 and a record home victory against Italy.

“I think we’re really heading in the right direction, which is great for the fans and all the players and coaches to be involved in a successful Scottish team.”