IRELAND HAS TWO representatives on the 15-man shortlist for the Six Nations Player of the Championship.

Centre Brian O’Driscoll and scrum-half Conor Murray have been named as part of an elite player’s group.

O’Driscoll was named as the RBS [tournament sponsor] man-of-the-match after the 30-22 win over Wales in February while Murray claimed the accolade in the 13-13 home draw with France.

There are four players from Wales, who retained their championship crown, and four from France, who finished bottom with one win and one draw.

Leigh Halfpenny, who kicked 74 points for Wales, England’s inspirational captain Chris Robshaw, Sergio Parisse of Italy and France No.8 Louis Picamoles are all nominated. A winner should emerge from that quartet.

A nominations blurb on the official Six Nations website reads:

According to match statistics and fan opinion, these are the best performing players. Now it’s your chance to have the final say by voting who should be crowned the Player of the Championship.”

Voting closes at midnight on Wednesday, 20 March.

Last year’s award went to Wales’ Dan Lydiate, who missed this year’s successful campaign through injury.

You can register your vote here.

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