Who was your standout player of the 2016 RBS 6 Nations? Read the profiles below for a reminder of the achievements of our nominees.

Gareth Davies:

The Wales scrumhalf took the opportunity that Rhys Webb’s injury presented and impressed throughout the Championship.

He scored a stunning try in their victory over Scotland in Round 2, was RBS 6 Nations Man of the Match in Round 3 against France and claimed the final score of Wales’ Championship when he came off the bench against Italy on Super Saturday.

Guilhem Guirado:

Guy Novès’ France side might have finished with 3 defeats but their captain Guirado led by example throughout.

The hooker was superb, crossing for tries against Wales and Scotland, driving his pack forwards and demonstrating brilliant tackle and breakdown work in every match.

Stuart Hogg:

The Scotland fullback’s scorching try in the final Round against Ireland will live long in the memory but Hogg’s influence throughout the Championship was apparent.

He made 2 tries as Vern Cotter’s side ended their winless run in downing Italy, scored 1 and he scored 1 and made 1 in their historic win over France – while also adding a penalty from his own half. All that before his fantastic solo score in Dublin on Super Saturday.

Jonathan Joseph:

Jonathan Joseph’s attacking game burst to the fore in last year’s Championship and he was at it again in Round 2 this year – claiming a magnificent 2nd-half hat-trick in Rome as England downed Italy.

But in 2016 it was his all-round game that shone through, his defensive effort against Ireland in particular was outstanding.

Conor Murray:

The Ireland scrumhalf crossed for 3 tries this Championship to prove that he is back to his sniping best for the men in green.

Add his superb kicking game, big-match temperament and British & Irish Lions experience and the No 9 is not far off the complete package.

George North:

Not since Shane Williams 8 years ago has a Welshman scored in 4 consecutive games but North was back to his very best in the 2016 Championship.

A scything effort against Scotland in Round 2 put him on his way, then came the somewhat fortunate fly-hack score against France, the late charge against England and finally the fantastic 60m score against Italy to leave him as the Championship’s top try scorer.

Jack Nowell:

His try against Scotland in the opening Round might feel a long time ago but Nowell’s influence for England has been felt on both sides of the ball.

In attack he is always looking for work and seems to gain extra metres after contact like no other winger. Throw in his tenacious defensive work – his try-saver against Robbie Henshaw the stand out moment – and the winger is fast becoming one of the best around.

Sergio Parisse:

Italy might have finished winless and bottom of the pile in 2016 but their No 8 Sergio Parisse remains a totemic force.

He almost single handedly brought the Azzurri back into the game against Scotland in Round 3, carried with great force throughout and led his team both by word and deed.

Jonathan Sexton:

The Ireland flyhalf grew into the Championship, starting with his late penalty against Wales that earned the men in green an opening Round draw.

By the 3rd Round against England, Ireland’s running game was back to its best and he was the key cog in a flourishing finish that saw them score 13 tries in their final 2 games.

Duncan Taylor:

While Alex Dunbar, Matt Scott and Mark Bennett have all missed game time with Scotland this year through injury – centre Taylor has been a model of consistency.

After a strong start to the season with Saracens, the midfield man crossed for superb scores against both Wales and France in this year’s Championship.

Virimi Vakatawa:

After 3 years out of the 15-a-side game, the Fijian-born winger returned as if he had never been away for France.

The winger’s superb sidestep in Les Bleus’ opening Round win over Italy was a highlight while in the final Round showdown against England he gave Jack Nowell nightmares, running for 128m from 18 carries in the Stade de France.

Billy Vunipola:

3 RBS 6 Nations Man of the Match displays from 5 games tells you everything you need to know about Vunipola’s growing influence on Eddie Jones’ England.

The wrecking ball No 8 was superb from 1st whistle to last – playing every minute of England’s Grand Slam winning campaign.

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