Ireland’s flying winger, Tommy Bowe, has today been announced as the official RBS Player of the Championship for the 2010 RBS 6 Nations.
With France the final victors, having lifted the trophy after their Grand Slam-winning victory against England last weekend, it was perhaps not surprising that four French names dominate the shortlist of six players. Imanol Harinordoquy, Mathieu Bastareaud, Morgan Parra and Thierry Dusautoir all received a nod. 2008 RBS Player of the Championship Shane Williams offered a Welsh nomination and Ireland’s Bowe finished the list of six competing for the accolade.
On receiving the trophy, Bowe commented:
‘It has been a Championship of mixed emotions for the Irish team but to be named the RBS Player of the Championship is a fantastic way to end what has been an exciting year for the RBS 6 Nations. The Tournament is always enjoyable and fantastic for rugby fans across Europe with some sensational, competitive rugby produced year after year. To be voted RBS Player of the Championship by the fans is a huge compliment and I thank them for taking the time to vote.’
The 2010 RBS Player of the Championship was decided as a result of a public vote, hosted on www.rbs6nations.com. A panel of former internationals from all six nations submitted their top three nominations, from which the shortlist of six nominees was compiled. Panellists included BBC Sport pundits Keith Wood, Raphaël Ibañez and Jonathan Davies, RBS RugbyForce supporters Andy Nicol, Ieuan Evans and Jason Leonard, as well as former RBS Ambassador Alessandro Moscardi.
Tommy Bowe ensured that the RBS 6 Nations Player of the Championship Award stayed in Ireland with over 50% of the votes going his way – last year’s winner Brian O’Driscoll received nearly 30% of the votes cast. The remaining votes were dominated by RBS 6 Nations Champions France with Imanol Harinordoquy receiving 20.9% and Morgan Parra with 11.5% of the votes.
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RBS Player of the Championship – previous winners:
2009 – Brian O’Driscoll 2008 – Shane Williams 2007 – Brian O’Driscoll 2006 – Brian O’Driscoll
