Six Nations:Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll has been named 6 Nations player of the tournament for the third time in four years after leading his country to the first Grand Slam in 61 years.
The Leinster centre took 30 per cent of the votes and came in ahead of Italian number eight Sergio Parisse (27.9) and teammate Paul O’Connell in the poll, in which 24,000 fans voted.
“It has been such an immense week already and to be named the RBS Player of the Championship is a fantastic end to what has been a phenomenal Championship,” said O’Driscoll today.
“This year's RBS Six Nations has been a special tournament for me and the team for lots of reasons - it's been fantastic for Irish rugby and for the whole country. To be voted RBS Player of the Championship by the
fans makes it extra special but I'm really proud of our team effort right the way through the tournament and I would not be in this position if it wasn’t for my teammates.
“The support of the fans throughout our campaign has been unwavering and a huge part of the team's success on the pitch - I'm just glad we could reward them too by bringing home the Grand Slam.”
Former England wing Jason Robinson has predicted more success for O’Driscoll in tipping him to the captain the Lions in South Africa.
The Lions Tour ambassador said: “He's back to his best and has led this Ireland team very well in winning the Grand Slam.
“He's a match-winner, as he proved against England in the Six Nations.
“He has a great temperament, and your captain needs that composure. Time and again, he's delivered when the pressure is on.
“Most people like him, and he'll bridge the relationship between players and managers very well.”
Previous winners of the RBS Player of the Championship:
2003 – Jonny Wilkinson
2004 – Gordon D'Arcy
2005 – Martyn Williams
2006 – Brian O'Driscoll
2007 – Brian O'Driscoll
2008 – Shane Williams
2009 – Brian O'Driscoll
