By Bryn Palmer

D'Arcy tops RBS poll

Gordon D'Arcy's transformation from wayward talent to Lions contender has been the story of the Six Nations.

When Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan opted to play the wing-cum-full-back at centre in Ireland's opening match in France, it was seen by many as a huge gamble.

It could not have paid off in more spectacular fashion.

The emphatic manner in which D'Arcy romped home to win the RBS Six Nations Player of the Championship surprised the man himself.

But anyone who saw his displays in that opening defeat in Paris, the home victories over Wales, Italy and Scotland - and the memorable win over world champions England at Twickenham - would not have been surprised.

D'Arcy's dancing feet created the match-winning try against England with a sublime break, and two tries in the triumph over Scotland completed a remarkable campaign.

'It's been a fairytale season,'' the 24-year-old admitted.

''I'm just so glad to be part of this Ireland set-up and to have my rugby career back on track.

''I did lose my way a little bit a few years back. I went to college, lived the student lifestyle and enjoyed a few drinks like you do when you are 19 and 20.

''The trouble is that it wasn't compatible with being a professional sportsman. It took a while for that to sink in.''

I will have to develop my game and be a better player to survive Gordon D'Arcy

D'Arcy's status as an overnight sensation obscures the fact that he made his Ireland debut as far back as the 1999 World Cup.

As a teenage full-back straight out of school, he played as a replacement against Romania, but then left the limelight to others as student life took over.

But former Leinster coach Matt Williams, who felt the full force of D'Arcy's talent with Scotland last Saturday, retained faith in his ability.

Missing out on last year's World Cup was a major blow, but having stepped in for the injured Brian O'Driscoll against France, D'Arcy is now a fixture alongside the British Lions star.

"Obviously it's great playing alongside Brian," he said. "Half the time I don't think we know what we're doing, but everything seems to work out.''

A glistening Test career now beckons, although D'Arcy is keenly aware of the pitfalls ahead.

''I think the key now to being an international is never to feel comfortable," he added.

''There are brilliant players out there that will be nipping at my heels. I will have to develop my game and be a better player to survive.

''I have played five internationals this year now and I have to step up because people know what I can do. But if I want to continue with Ireland I'm going to have to work harder."