Brown is Europe's best

England fullback Mike Brown has clinched the coveted Six Nations Player of the Championship award.

He secured over 34 percent of the public's vote. Over 68,000 people voted to have their say, with 23,408 backing England's No.15.

The 16-man shortlist was decided through match statistics, analysing the best performing players across a set range of criteria in this year's Six Nations. The public then had 48 hours to vote for their Player of the Championship.

Ireland's Brian O'Driscoll came in a close second with 28 percent of the vote, after his 14-year international career came to an end on a high with Ireland being crowned the 2014 Six Nations Champions.

Reflecting their achievement, fans voted O'Driscoll's teammates in at third place – Andrew Trimble with 10 percent, fourth place went to Jonathan Sexton with five percent and Rob Kearney in fifth place. Scotland's David Denton came in at sixth and England's Danny Care at seventh.

According to match statistics Brown scored four tries for England, had 65 carries, beat 25 defenders, whilst conceding no penalties and gaining over 540 meters.

"I'd like to say a massive thank you to everyone who voted for me to be Six Nations Player of the Championship," Brown said.

"I'm extremely grateful and proud to win this award, particularly as it's decided by the supporters. It was disappointing not to win the tournament overall, but congratulations to Ireland, and I'm sure we'll come back stronger next season.

"Finally a big thank you to all my teammates, backroom staff, and coaches for all the help they've given me through the tournament. I couldn't perform on the field without them and it's great to have that support."

England coach Stuart Lancaster added: "Congratulations to Mike for winning this accolade.

"He has been consistently strong for us throughout the competition and put in some outstanding performances.

"I am very proud of what Mike and the whole squad – players, coaches and management – have achieved this Six Nations. We are really looking forward to building on this as we head to New Zealand in the summer for our tour."

Player of the Championship – previous winners

2013 – Leigh Halfpenny

2012 – Dan Lydiate

2011 – Andrea Masi

2010 – Tommy Bowe

2009 – Brian O'Driscoll

2008 – Shane Williams

2007 – Brian O'Driscoll

2006 – Brian O'Driscoll