Tommy Bowe scored two tries against England at Twickenham

Ireland's Tommy Bowe won the fans' vote for Six Nations player of the year.

The Ospreys winger, 26, beat off competition from last year's winner Brian O'Driscoll as well as France duo Imanol Harinordoquy and Morgan Parra.

Bowe scored three tries as the Irish finished second to France and missed out on the Triple Crown with a defeat at the hands of Scotland.

"To be named the player of the championship is a fantastic way to end what's been an exciting year," he said.

Bowe, who followed a superb Lions tour to South Africa last summer by producing an impressive Six Nations campaign, polled nearly 50% of the votes.

French number eight Harinordoquy was his closest challenger with 20.9% of the votes ahead of third-placed scrum-half Parra (11.5%).

Bowe added: "The tournament is always enjoyable and fantastic for rugby fans across Europe with some sensational, competitive rugby produced year after year.

"To be voted player of the championship by the fans is a huge compliment and I thank them for taking the time to vote."

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