Stander Finishes Second In Player Of The Championship Vote

After a thrilling Championship, the last that sees RBS as title sponsors after a fantastic 15 years, the results are in and Scotland’s Stuart Hogg has been voted the 2017 RBS Player of the Championship.

Securing over 24.6 % of the public vote, Stuart Hogg received the backing of 29,734 fans. In addition to the public vote, Accenture, Official Technology Partner of the RBS 6 Nations, has been working closely with Accenture analysis tam member and former South Africa and Italy coach Nick Mallett to draw up the final shortlist of 12 players.

The shortlist was based on a specific algorithm created by the technology partner where players at every RBS 6 Nations match this year have been awarded (or deducted) points based upon several different performance categories which cover all aspects of the game.

Scottish full-back Hogg may have been a fair distance ahead, which reflected his second standout RBS 6 Nations in a row, but CJ Stander came in second place with 14.9% of the vote for his significant role within the Ireland squad.

Third place was awarded to Louis Picamoles with 12.8% of the votes, followed by Joe Launchbury (8.9% of the vote). Finn Russell’s notable performance was recognised with the out-half finishing fifth (8.3 % of the vote), ahead of scrum half Conor Murray in sixth with 7.9 % of the vote.

Hogg, who made his 53rd appearance for Scotland during the Championship, said: “To receive this award again is an absolute honour, particularly when you take other players on the shortlist into account. I’m delighted to be awarded the RBS Player of the Championship trophy and would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who voted and the fans for their continued support throughout the Championship.”

2017 RBS 6 NATIONS PLAYER OF THE CHAMPIONSHIP RANKINGS:

1. Stuart Hogg (Scotland) – 29,374 votes – 24.60% of the vote
2. CJ Stander (Ireland) – 18,078 – 14.95%
3. Louis Picamoles (France) – 15,528 – 12.84%
4. Joe Launchbury (England) – 10,836 – 8.96%
5. Finn Russell (Scotland) – 10,093 – 8.35%
6. Conor Murray (Ireland) – 9,566 – 7.91%
7. Owen Farrell (England) – 7,611 – 6.30%
8. Rhys Webb (Wales) – 6,672 – 5.52%
9. Sergio Parisse (Italy) – 4,033 – 3.34%
10. Ken Owens (Wales) – 3,696 – 3.06%
11. Camille Lopez (France) – 3,015 – 2.49%
12. Maro Itoje (England) – 2,027 – 1.68%

Total Votes: 120,889

RBS Player of the Championship – Previous Winners:

2016 – Stuart Hogg
2015 – Paul O’Connell
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