Winning Ireland captain Paul O’Connell was on Friday awarded the Six Nations trophy for player of the rugby championship.

The veteran lock came out on top of a 12-man shortlist ahead of Welsh second-row forward Alun-Wyn Jones, Irish centre Robbie Henshaw, Wales fly-half Dan Biggar and Italy captain and No.8 Sergio Parisse.

“I’m delighted to receive the RBS Player of the Championship Trophy,” said O’Connell, who made his 101st Test appearance during the championship won by Ireland in a frenzied final day when 27 tries were scored across three games.

“When you see the names that have gone before, you realise what a great honour it is.”

O’Connell received 26 per cent of the public vote, nearly 19,000 of the 70,488 total votes.

It’s the fifth time an Irishman has received the award in its 10-year history.