Six Nations Player Of The Year Contenders

France and Ireland made it back-to-back victories in Round 2 of the Six Nations while England pick their first victories in this year's edition of the tournament.

There have been a number of stellar performances so far in the competition with a notable trend seeing the back-rowers earn the man of the match award in all six games so far.

In Round One, Justin Tipuric earned the award in the opening game against Italy despite Josh Adams scoring a hattrick while CJ Stander and Gregory Alldritt picked up the award in their games against Scotland and England respectively.

The second round saw Stander and Alldritt pick up the award for consecutive weeks while Sam Underhill was awarded for his performance in an ugly Calcutta Cup test.

Man of the match awards doesn't always lead to the Player Of The Year award with Alun Wyn Jones winning the award last year without being named man of the match in any of Wales' Six Nations test.

While the Player of the Year does often come from the winning country, it is not the winning nation it isn't always the case with Stuart Hogg winning it two years in a row.

We have picked our top six candidates for the award after just two rounds in the competition.

Gregory Alldritt - France

It's hard to believe that France have lost the experience of Louis Picamoles at the back of the scrum but Gregory Alldritt has stepped up to claim the #8 jersey and has not only filled the shoes of his world-class predecessor but has excelled.

As mention before he has been named man of the match in the opening two games for France and his stats back up exactly why.

Gregory Alldritt has continued to shine for @FranceRugby in the #GuinnessixSIxNations

— Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) February 9, 2020

He has been solid upfront for France both on attack and on defence.

CJ Stander - Ireland

Stander wasn't at his best during the World Cup in Japan but has returned to national set up to produce two excellent performances.

He has been more than just the powerful ball carrier he has been in past by putting huge defence performances and been nothing short of outstanding at the breakdown.

Antoine Dupont - France

Excitingly brilliant, Dupont has lit up the opening two rounds of the competition putting in complete performances for a rejuvenated French side.

He has provided excellent service to the French backs, kicked superbly and provided moments of brilliance for Les Bleus.

Justin Tipuric - Wales

Tipuric was outstanding for Wales in their opening game against Italy and followed that up with an excellent outing against Ireland.

Although his efforts were in vain against Ireland, if anyone was going to win for Wales it would have been Tipuric.

Tipuric has been one of the best Welshman so far this Six Nations and could well be in the conversation for the player of the tournament come the final round.

Jonny May - England

May scored a sublime double against France in England's opening game of the competition with both tries mostly coming down to May's brilliance.

May produced again in the torrid conditions at Murrayfield. Although he did not score in the clash, he was solid under the high ball and defended well.

Weather permitting, May could just score a hand full of tries later in the next three rounds of the Six Nations.

Charles Ollivon - France

A Frenchman has never won the player of the competition award but we feel that this might just be their year.

Charles Ollivon is another one of their standout players this competition.

He scored a brace in the first game against England, followed that up with a try against Italy and has been a real threat on attack, a furious defender and a superb lineout option. 

Past Winners:

Martyn Williams (2005)

Brian O’Driscoll (2006, 2007, 2009)

Shane Williams (2008)

Tommy Bowe (2010)

Stuart Hogg (2016, 2017)