DArcy received half the 12,000 votes cast - four times as many as team-mate Paul OConnell who finished in second place - in a poll run by the BBC Sport website.

The little Leinster back forged a blistering midfield partnership with Brian ODriscoll and was in such fine from that he made the number 13 jersey his own, even forcing ODriscoll to move to inside centre.

Its flattering to win this award by such a large margin. What can I say? Its been a dream, this last couple of months, said DArcy.

Since Christmas everything seems to have gone right, so to win something like this is the icing on the cake.

Having played for Ireland before and not really made any impact, I know I have to work even harder now to stay where I am.

England winger Ben Cohen finished third in the vote, Gareth Thomas of Wales fourth and Frances powerhouse flanker Serge Betsen was fifth.