Ireland skipper Brian O'Driscoll poses with yet another piece of silverware © Inpho Photography

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Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll has capped a superb Six Nations by being named the Player of the Championship.

The talismanic centre steered Ireland to only their second Grand Slam, and first for 61 years, with a series of eye-catching displays including four vital tries. His performances were recognised by fans around with the 30-year-old topping an online poll ahead of Italy's Sergio Parisse and fellow Irishman Paul O'Connell.

"It has been such an immense week already and to be named the RBS Player of the Championship is a fantastic end to what has been a phenomenal Championship," said O'Driscoll, who has been widely tipped to lead the British & Irish Lions on this summer's tour to South Africa.

"This year's Six Nations has been a special tournament for me and the team for lots of reasons - it's been fantastic for Irish rugby and for the whole country. To be voted Player of the Championship by the fans makes it extra special but I'm really proud of our team effort right the way through the tournament and I would not be in this position if it was not for my team mates.

"The support of the fans throughout our campaign has been unwavering and a huge part of the team's success on the pitch - I'm just glad we could reward them too by bringing home the Grand Slam."

Former internationals Jason Leonard, Keith Wood, David Sole, Ieuan Evans, Philippe Saint Andre and Alessandro Moscardi each put forward their three recommendations for the award and these were combined to create the shortlist of: England's Delon Armitage, Wales' Lee Byrne, Ireland's Jamie Heaslip, Paul O'Connell and Brian O'Driscoll and Italy's Sergio Parisse.

Over 24,000 fans went online to cast their vote with O'Driscoll collecting nearly 30% of all the votes cast. Like last year, Sergio Parisse (27.9%) was ranked in close second.