England's Brown named player of Six Nations

England's Brown named player of Six Nations

England full-back Mike Brown was on Friday named player of the 2014 Six Nations, beating off competition from Ireland legend Brian O'Driscoll.

England full back Mike Brown runs in to score a second try during the Six Nations international rugby union match between Scotland and England at Murrayfield stadium in Edinburgh on February 8, 2014

Brown, a key member of the English team that finished second behind Ireland, secured more than 34 percent of a public vote of some 68,000 people to claim an accolade that went to Wales full-back Leigh Halfpenny last season.

O'Driscoll finished second on 28 percent, with his Irish teammate Andrew Trimble third.

Ireland fly-half Jonathan Sexton took fourth spot ahead of another Irishman, full-back Rob Kearney, with Scotland number eight David Denton sixth and England scrum-half Danny Care seventh.

Harlequins star Brown scored four tries for England during the campaign, had 65 carries and beat 25 defenders, while conceding no penalties and gaining more than 540 metres.

"I would like to say a massive thank you to everyone who voted for me to be RBS 6 Nations Player of the Championship," Brown said.

"I am extremely grateful and proud to win this award, particularly as it's decided by the supporters.

"It was disappointing not to win the tournament overall, but congratulations to Ireland, and I am sure we will come back stronger next season.

"Finally, a big thank you to all my team-mates, back-room staff, and coaches for all the help they've given me through the tournament. I couldn't perform on the field without them, and it's great to have that support."

England coach Stuart Lancaster added: "Congratulations to Mike for winning this accolade.

"He has been consistently strong for us throughout the competition and put in some outstanding performances.

"I am very proud of what Mike and the whole squad - players, coaches and management - have achieved this RBS 6 Nations. We are really looking forward to building on this as we head to New Zealand in the summer for our tour."

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