Related items

• Dupont makes history by winning 2023 Six Nations Player of the Championship

  Antoine Dupont has been named the 2023 Six Nations Player of the Championship, while grand slam victors Ireland dominate the Team of the Championship.

  France’s scrum-half is just the third player to win the award back-to-back, and only the second to claim it three times after also winning in 2020.

  It puts him alongside Brian O’Driscoll, who won in 2006, 2007 and 2009, after receiving 26 per cent of the fan vote.

  He edged out team-mates Thomas Ramos and Damian Penaud – leading try-scorer of the 2023 Championship with five – as well as Irish trio Caelan Doris, Hugo Keenan and Mack Hansen who were also shortlisted.

  The Team of the Championship also sported a blue and green flavour with a combined 13 players named between the two teams after their superb performances.

  Lock Thibaud Flament was the only non-Irishman included the forward pack, while Dupont was partnered with Johnny Sexton at fly-half after the latter ended his final Six Nations tournament with victory. 

  Penaud, Doris, Keenan and Hansen were all also included, with Andrew Porter, Dan Sheehan and Finlay Bealham completing a front row lockout for Ireland among the selections.

  Scotland centres Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones marked the only representation from beyond Andy Farrell and Fabien Galthie's sides, following an impressive campaign that saw Gregor Townsend's men come third.

  Ireland and France will now set their sights on a successful World Cup campaign later this year, with the latter set to play host when the tournament begins in September.

• 'You make it so special' – Bale bids farewell to Wales supporters after retirement

  Gareth Bale bade an emotional farewell to Wales fans after his retirement, telling the supporters who "make it so special" they "are Welsh football" on Tuesday.

  Rob Page's side made it four points from two games in Euro 2024 qualifying after Kieffer Moore scored in a 1-0 victory over Latvia at Cardiff City Stadium.

  Wales fans were met by a familiar face prior to kick-off as Bale, who announced his retirement from professional football in January, spoke to the crowd to say his final farewell.

  "I just want to say what an honour it has been to represent this country and play in front of the best fans in the world," he said.

  "You've supported me and my family through the lowest of the lows and the highest of highs. I can't thank you enough."

  Bale has been central to Wales' successes on the international stage, leading his country to their first European Championships in 2016, in which they reached an unlikely semi-final before defeat to Portugal.

  The former Real Madrid winger scored in all three group-stage matches at that tournament, before Wales and Bale returned to the same competition five years later and progressed to the last 16 at Euro 2020.

  A first World Cup appearance in 64 years followed for Wales as they made it to Qatar, with Bale scoring their first goal at the tournament in a 1-1 draw with the United States.

  That campaign ultimately ended in an early exit and disappointment, but Bale urged Wales fans to get behind their side as he moves from the pitch to the stands to become a supporter.

  "It's been the biggest pleasure playing in front of you for my whole career," he added. "Obviously I'm going to miss playing in front of you, but make sure you support the boys.

  "You, the fans, are Welsh football, you make it so special, you make it what it is. I'll be cheering on like you lot, and hopefully I'll see you soon in the future. Thank you."

• Scotland and Exeter full-back Hogg to retire after Rugby World Cup

  Scotland and Exeter full-back Stuart Hogg has announced he intends to retire after this year's Rugby World Cup.

  The 30-year-old this month became only the fourth player to reach a century of appearances for Scotland after Ross Ford, Chris Paterson and Sean Lamont.

  But Hogg, who also leads the way for the most tries scored by a Scotland player (27), will hang up his boots after competing in France later this year.

  "After RWC2023, my professional rugby journey will end and I will be retiring from the game," Hogg said in a statement posted on his personal Instagram account.

  "As a young kid growing up in The Borders, all I wanted to do was to play rugby for Scotland. 

  "I feel privileged to have represented my country on 100 occasions, play on 3 British & Irish Lions tours and represent some amazing clubs. I couldn't have asked for any more.

  "Rugby has allowed me to meet some incredible characters, make lifelong friends, travel the world and be part of some unbelievable experiences that I will cherish forever."

  As well as representing Scotland since 2012 and featuring on three British and Irish Lions tours, Hogg also spent nearly a decade with Glasgow Warriors before joining Exeter.

  Explaining the reason behind his shock retirement call, Hogg's statement added: "I don't feel my body can achieve the standards that I set myself for much longer.

  "I've always wanted to finish at the top end of the game. A new career beckons and I will attack it in the same manner as I play the game. I hope I have done you proud."

  Hogg signed off his statement with the words "100 not out (just yet)" in reference to the caps milestone he recently reached with Scotland.

  He won the European Champions Cup and Premiership with Exeter in the 2019-20 season, following Pro12 success with Glasgow in 2014-15.

  The Melrose native was also named Six Nations Player of the Tournament in 2016 and 2017.

  Should he be selected as expected, Hogg will feature in his third World Cup, having played eight times across the past two tournaments.