O'Connell wins Six Nations award

Ireland captain Paul O'Connell has been named as the RBS 6 Nations player of the championship six days after leading his side to a successful title defence.

The 35-year-old Munster lock secured more than 26 per cent of a public vote, beating Welsh lock Alun Wyn-Jones, Irish centre Robbie Henshaw and Welsh fly-half Dan Biggar into second, third and fourth place respectively.

O'Connell is the first Irish player to win the award since Tommy Bowe triumphed in 2010.

A shortlist of 12 players was compiled through a combination of match statistics and put to a public vote.

O'Connell received 18,842 votes of a total of 70,448 cast.

"I am delighted to receive the RBS player of the championship trophy," O'Connell said.

"When you see the names that have gone before, you realise what a great honour it is. I am very grateful for all the supporters who voted for me."