Scrumqueens XV of the 2016 Women’s 6 Nations

1 Rochelle Clark (England)The England stalwart was brilliant once again this year - who can forget her charge down on Robyn Wilkins' kick against Wales. She may be getting older but her infleunce has not waned. Other notable mentions here should go to Ireland’s Ailis Egan, whose role is vital to her side and who played almost every minute of every game while Megan York was also influential for Wales.2 Gaelle Mignot (France)There’s rarely a team of the tournament selection that doesn’t include Mignot, the French captain who wears her heart on her sleeve. When her team needed her the most she delivered, with two tries in the final game against England, and her role as the beating heart of the French pack is undiminished. Other notable mentions here should go to Wales Carys Phillips who had a fine tournament and Emma Croker who remains an important part of the England effort.

3 Vickii Cornborough (England)A relative international newcomer, the Richmond prop had an excellent tournament and was England’s player of the match in their test against Ireland at Twickenham. A strong runner and scrummager, she’s set to be a mainstay for years to come in the white jersey. Other notable mentions here should go to French prop Lise Arricastre, Wales' Amy Evans and Italy's Melissa Bettoni

4 Audrey Forlan (France)The Wales game apart, the French pack were dominant in this Championship and Forlan was a key part of this work. Doing plenty of the unseen work, she’s also an all-round athlete who added real power and nous to the French forward effort. Other notable lock mentions here should go to both Sophie Spence and Ciara Cooney of Ireland and England’s Emily Braund

5 Sioned Harries (Wales)Harries, who can operate at backrow and at secondrow had some key interventions for Wales this season, with her ball carrying in particular playing a massive role in their two wins and her powerful running will be a key part of this Welsh team for some time to come.

6 Rachel Taylor (Wales)An inspirational leader for Wales, Taylor was in superb form this season again. Her carrying and ability to get across the gainline has been impressive but her defensive ability has been a massive part of an area of real Welsh strength. Other notable mentions in this hotly contested position should be Abbie Scott, who stepped up for England, and Ciara Griffin who looks a good find for Ireland.

7 Claire Molloy (Ireland)Molloy has long developed into one of the best opensides in the world and she was outstanding again for Ireland, especially in the final game against Scotland. A relentless carrier, her footwork and pace make her a real handful in the tight exchanges. Laetitia Grand was also very strong for France in this position as was Italy's Isabella Locatelli.

8 Jade Konkel (Scotland)It’s probably something of a surprise to exclude Safi N’Diaye who was brilliant for France, while Paula Fitzpatrick and Sarah Hunter were also strong but in a pack that sometimes struggled, and on the back foot, Konkel was exceptional for Scotland. As her side continues to improve, she will be right at the heart of Scotland’s efforts.

9 Sara Barratin (Italy)Italy’s captain is a classy operator from the base and her running and sniping helped Italy onto the front foot time and time again. Her role in controlling an Italian outfit is key and in the absence of a sure footed kicking 10, she delivered under a lot of pressure. Other notable mentions here should go to Scotland’s Jenny Maxwell and Welsh youngster Keira Bevan - and watch out for France's Pauline Bourdon who had a storming game against England.

10 Amber Reed (England)Filling England’s number 10 shirt when the player before you is one of the world’s best is no easy feat but Reed stepped up to the plate of taking on Katy Mclean’s mantle. A different sort of player than her predecessor, she is a hugely physical flyhalf while her kicking game was also impressive.  Lisa Martin did a good job for Scotland while Nora Stapleton and Nicki Caughey offered a good double act for Ireland.11 Alison Miller (Ireland)It says something that we’ve included Miller here despite her playing just two games. Coming in from sevens duty for the games against Italy and Scotland, Miller was quite superb for Ireland and easily a level above any other winger in the tournament – albeit against less pressured opposition.  Julie Billes also did well in this position for France while Lotte Clapp looks like a good future prospect.

12 Elodie Poublan (France)The heartbeat of the French midfield, Poublan is a powerful runner and hugely important defender for France and even in the absence of clinical finishers outside her, was a key cog in the blue machine. A great player to watch.  Lisa Thomson was also a player who did well this season and looks like a future star for Scotland, while Italy's Beatrice Rigoni had a good championship, her speed and quick thinking being especially valuable in the win against Wales.

13 Sene Naoupu (Ireland)This is a bit of a cheat as Naoupu played at 12 for Ireland but we’ve shifted her to fit her in with Poublan. Though not new on the scene, the Connacht centre showed great class this season, with silky running and strong tackling making her a star for Ireland.14 Lydia Thompson (England)Thompson was a rising star a few years ago and suffered a number of untimely injuries but her straight and true running meant outside an inexperienced backline, she looked again like someone who can wear this white shirt for years to come.15 Manuela Furlan (Italy)Italy's fullback is a joy to watch and has been a brilliant attacker for some time. Her line breaks and brilliant ability to spot a gap made her a constant threat all season for Italy against almost every opposition and it's no exaggeration to say that she would be at home in any team in the world.