2012 RBS Player of Championship

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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. 

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.