Tuesday 13 March 2012– The final shortlist for the official 2012 RBS Player of the Championship has been announced, with a fans’ poll deciding the result now open on www.rbs6nations.com.

With Wales favourite to lift the trophy on Saturday, four Wales names dominate the shortlist of 12 players with Sam Warburton, Dan Lydiate, Alex Cuthbert and Mike Philips all receiving a nod. Despite not being in the running for the title this year, France has three votes with Julien Malzieu, Yoann Maestri and Imanol Harinordoquy all making the shortlist.

The two teams battling to avoid the wooden spoon have also made the list, Scotland has two nominations with David Denton and Ross Rennie and Italy captain Sergio Parisse also makes the final list. The most noticeable absence this year is England, who do not have any players on the shortlist. Finally Ireland’s Jonathan Sexton and Donnacha Ryan will be looking to take the award back to Dublin, after it was won by their team mate Tommy Bowe in 2010 and former Ireland player Brian O’Driscoll in 2009.

All players recognised by the relevant television host broadcaster as RBS Man of the Match during the first four weekends of the Championship were automatically placed in contention for the prestigious award. The winner will be chosen by rugby fans from across the six nations who are being asked to vote for their RBS Player of the Championship, based on performance, form and achievement.

Fans can vote for the 2012 RBS Player of the Championship at www.rbs6nations.com and voting will remain open until midnight on Sunday 18th March. Once the votes have been counted and verified, the announcement of the official RBS Player of the Championship will be published on www.rbs6nations.com on Wednesday 21st March.

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For further information on the RBS 6 Nations and the RBS Player of the Championship award, please contact:
Jenny Mitton
RBS 6 Nations Press Office
+44 (0)20 3128 6844 / +44 (0)7855 323 245
pressoffice@rbs6nations.com

Notes to Editors:
• A press release announcing the 2012 RBS Player of the Championship will be issued to press on Wednesday 21st March. Opportunities for media access will be advised and confirmed nearer the time.

RBS Player of the Championship – previous winners
2011 – Andrea Masi
2010 – Tommy Bowe
2009 – Brian O’Driscoll
2008 – Shane Williams
2007 – Brian O’Driscoll
2006 – Brian O’Driscoll

RBS 6 Nations Man of the Match 2012

Weekend 1 Fral v Ita Julien Malzieu France
Sco v Eng David Denton Scotland
Ire v Wal Mike Phillips Wales
Weekend 2 Ita vs Eng Sergio Parisse Italy
Fra v Ire Yoann Maestri France
Wal v Sco Dan Lydiate Wales
Weekend 3 Ire v Ita Jonathan Sexton Ireland
Eng v Wal Sam Warburton Wales
Scot v Fra Ross Rennie Scotland
Weekend 4 Wal v Ita Alex Cuthbert Wales
Ire v Sco Donnacha Ryan Ireland
Fra v Eng Imanol Harinordoquy France