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Ireland centre Stuart McCloskey and Scotland winger Kyle Steyn have been shortlisted for the 2026 Six Nations Player of the championship award. <\/b><\/p>\n
Tommaso Menoncello of Italy and France’s Louis Bielle-Biarrey, who won last year’s award, are also nominated. <\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Steyn started all of Scotland’s matches, scored three tries and was influential in the side finishing third.<\/p>\n
The winner of the award will be determined by a public vote which will close on Thursday, 26 March.<\/p>\n
McCloskey registered the joint highest try assist (six) and turnovers won (eight) of the tournament.<\/p>\n
He also led Ireland in carries (74), offloads (eight), defenders beaten (20) and post-contact metres (105).<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
McCloskey plays his club rugby for Ulster, who sit third in the United Rugby Championship [URC] table. <\/p>\n
Two of Steyn’s three tries came during Scotland’s impressive 50-40 victory over eventual Six Nations winners France at Murrayfield. <\/p>\n
Steyn is also in the team of the championship with team-mates Finn Russell and Rory Darge. <\/p>\n
The 32-year-old has registered 185 points from 103 appearances for Glasgow Warriors and is their first player to be nominated since 2017. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n