England quartet shortlisted for Six Nations award

England have the biggest representation on a 12-strong shortlist announced by tournament organisers for this season's Six Nations Player of the Tournament.

Fly-half George Ford, centre Jonathan Joseph, number-eight Billy Vunipola and scrum-half Ben Youngs have all been nominated for the prize.

They are joined by three Ireland players, two from Scotland and Wales and one Italian, with no Frenchmen recognised.

The shortlist was determined by statistical performance across different categories and the public will now vote who they want to win on the Six Nations website. Voting closes at midnight on Wednesday.

Six Nations Player of the Tournament nominees

Dan Biggar (Wales) George Ford (England) Jonny Gray (Scotland) Robbie Henshaw (Ireland) Stuart Hogg (Scotland) Alun-Wyn Jones (Wales) Jonathan Joseph (England) Paul O'Connell (Ireland) Conor Murray (Ireland) Sergio Parisse (Italy) Billy Vunipola (England) Ben Youngs (England)