Four Irish, one Italian and a Frenchman up for award

Johnny Sexton, Conor Murray, Jacob Stockdale, Matteo Minozzi, Guilhem Guirado and Keith Earls are nominated for Player of the Six Nations.

Ireland half-back duo Sexton and Murray helped inspire Ireland to the Grand Slam while Stockdale and Earls shone on the wings.

Meanwhile, Italy full-back Minozzi was excellent for the Azzurri and France hooker Guirado led from the front this Championship.

For the first time, this year’s NatWest Player of the Championship shortlist was selected by a media panel of well-respected rugby writers and broadcasters from each of the six nations. The panel each provided their top three nominations for the award following the conclusion of round five. All votes were compiled and added together to identify the six-man shortlist.

The shortlist is now open for public voting on NatWest 6 Nations digital channels so that rugby fans around the world can choose the player they believe should pick up the accolade as the 2018 NatWest Player of the Championship.

The winner will be announced on Friday.

Vote here before midnight, Tuesday 20th March.

2018 NatWest Player of the Championship Shortlist:

Jonathan Sexton, Conor Murray, Jacob Stockdale, Matteo Minozzi, Guilhem Guirado, Keith Earls