PAUL O’CONNELL HAS been named the Player of the Championship for the 2015 Six Nations.

Paulie is number one. Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO

The 35-year-old started all five of Ireland’s games as Joe Schmidt’s side secured their second consecutive championship win.

The Munster legend secured over 26% of the public vote, with the second-placed Alun-Wyn Jones receiving 19%. Ireland’s Robbie Henshaw was third in the voting with just under 11%, narrowly ahead of Wales’ Dan Biggar.

I’m delighted to receive the RBS Player of the Championship Trophy,” said O’Connell. “When you see the names that have gone before, you realise what a great honour it is. I’m very grateful for all the supporters who voted for me”.

O’Connell captained Ireland to wins against Italy, France, England and Scotland, the only disappointment coming in defeat to Wales in Cardiff.

The second row’s individual performances were consistently superb through the competition, the Limerick man even grabbing a try during the final day 40-10 victory against Scotland.

O’Connell was joined on the shortlist for player of the tournament by Irish teammates Conor Murray and Henshaw, while four Englishman made that selection [George Ford, Jonathan Joseph, Ben Youngs and Billy Vunipola].

Welsh pair Biggar and Jones, Scots Jonny Gray and Stuart Hogg, and Italian captain Sergio Parisse completed the list.

O'Connell with his shiny new trophy in Limerick. Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO

O’Connell is likely to prove a popular winner thanks to this excellence for Ireland, and his ongoing form bodes will for Schmidt’s side in a vital year of international rugby.

The legendary lock has been given the weekend off after his Six Nations exploits as his Munster teammates prepare to face Connacht tomorrow evening.

RBS Player of the Championship – previous winners

2014 – Mike Brown

2013 – Leigh Halfpenny

2012 – Dan Lydiate

2011 – Andrea Masi

2010 – Tommy Bowe

2009 – Brian O’Driscoll

2008 – Shane Williams

2007 – Brian O’Driscoll

2006 – Brian O’Driscoll