McCloskey and Steyn up for Player of Six Nations award

Ireland centre Stuart McCloskey and Scotland winger Kyle Steyn have been shortlisted for the 2026 Six Nations Player of the championship award.

Tommaso Menoncello of Italy and France’s Louis Bielle-Biarrey, who won last year’s award, are also nominated.

After an injury-impacted autumn campaign, McCloskey helped Ireland achieve their fourth Triple Crown in five years and finish second in this year’s tournament.

Steyn started all of Scotland’s matches, scored three tries and was influential in the side finishing third.

The winner of the award will be determined by a public vote which will close on Thursday, 26 March.

McCloskey registered the joint highest try assist (six) and turnovers won (eight) of the tournament.

He also led Ireland in carries (74), offloads (eight), defenders beaten (20) and post-contact metres (105).

The 33-year-old has also been named in the Six Nations team of the championship alongside Ireland forwards Tadhg Beirne, Caelan Doris and Jack Conan.

McCloskey plays his club rugby for Ulster, who sit third in the United Rugby Championship [URC] table.

Two of Steyn’s three tries came during Scotland’s impressive 50-40 victory over eventual Six Nations winners France at Murrayfield.

Steyn is also in the team of the championship with team-mates Finn Russell and Rory Darge.