O’Driscoll adds to the Irish glory with RBS Player of the Championship

So… Grand Slam glory, RBS 6 Nations Champions and now the blue-eyed boy captain of Ireland has yet more silverware to display on his mantlepiece – RBS Player of the Championship.

But what makes this one a little special was the fact it was voted for by the fans – 24,000 of them to be exact. Of that 24,000, Brian raked in nearly a third of their votes, only narrowly beating Italy’s Sergio Parisse in the final voting hours.

B O’D seemed pretty chuffed with the accolade, but made sure to dedicate his achievement to both the fans and his teammates:

‘It has been such an immense week already and to be named the RBS Player of the Championship is a fantastic end to what has been a phenomenal Championship. This year’s RBS 6 Nations has been a special Tournament for me and the team for lots of reasons – it’s been fantastic for Irish rugby and for the whole country. ‘

‘To be voted RBS Player of the Championship by the fans makes it extra special but I’m really proud of our team effort right the way through the Tournament and I would not be in this position if it was not for my team mates. The support of the fans throughout our campaign has been unwavering and a huge part of the team’s success on the pitch – I’m just glad we could reward them too by bringing home the Grand Slam.’

Good job Brian, good job.

RBS 6 Nations – RBS Player of the Championship

All you rugby fans out there who have spent the last few weeks screaming at the TV/pitch for shocking decisions that affect the whole outcome of the game (officials ganging up on England, blah blah blah…) – now you get the chance to actually make a difference.

The RBS 6 Nations press office has thrown open the final vote for RBS Player of the Championship to rugby fans – EVERYONE gets one vote online and you can vote right here.

The shortlist, picked by highly knowledgeable and trustworthy former internationals, is:

 - Delon Armitage (England)
 - Lee Byrne (Wales)
 - Jamie Heaslip (Ireland)
 - Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland)
 - Paul O’Connell (Ireland)
 - Sergio Parisse (Italy)

Initial unofficial rumours show O’Driscoll with a narrow lead, with the beautiful Sergio Parisse catching up fast in close second. If you don’t like it, change it.

Shane Williams, receiving last year's accolade - © Getty Images for RBS

Wales essai the French on marketing laws

The SA Brain beer brand has once again struck inspired marketing gold in their efforts to evade France’s alcohol ban in sponsorship and advertising.

Since the marketing genius of SA dreamt up the replacement of ‘Brawn’ for ‘Brains’ when the Welsh side played in Paris in 2005, the brand has become known for its clever avoidance of the stringent French marketing rules.

In this year’s RBS 6 Nations, Wales once again travel to Stade de France for the first Friday night game that the Tournament has ever had, on 27th February. And when they take to the field, this is what the boys in red will be sporting across their chests:

This has the double effect of ‘essai’ translating as ‘try’ in French, and spoken aloud it is an invitation to ‘try’ Welsh beer brand ‘SA’.

Nice.

RBS 6 Nations drinking games

© Getty Images for RBS

For the millions watching the highlight of the European rugby calendar this weekend, I should think a large percentage of fans will have a pint in hand – be they cheering from the stands or tucked up in the (warmer) comfort of their own front room.

So how to spice up your RBS 6 Nations viewing? Just follow the Sunday Times’ drinking games and at least there will be a method to the mullering:

SPICE UP YOUR SIX NATIONS VIEWING

Can’t get a ticket for the game but want to recreate the tension and excitement in your own living room and forget about the global economic misery? Why not have a load of friends over to play our Six Nations drinking game*, with forfeits based on the BBC’s coverage:

Danny Cipriani kick charged down:  
2 fingers
Kelly Brook looking through her fingers as Cipriani has another kick charged down:  
3 fingers
Charlotte Church sitting in the stands with five of her girlfriends, all of them enjoying a Bacardi Breezer:
Half pint
Welshman with tears streaming down his cheeks as his national anthem is played:
2 fingers
On-air argument between BBC commentators Eddie Butler and Brian Moore:
2 fingers
On-air punch up between Butler and Moore
Pint
Moody Martin Johnson with furrowed brow:
2 fingers
France coach Marc Lievremont delivering a Gallic shrug:
2 fingers
Member of the royal family and friends sitting in the stands:
Half pint
Member of the royal family who is sober / has a proper job / has not offended ethnic sensibilities:
Pint
Wales coach Shaun Edwards with his head buried in a book on the bench as his team rack up another score:
Half pint

*The Sunday Times does not encourage excessive drinking, except when England are losing