Three Irish Players Named In BBC Team Of The Year

Following a poll of more than 100,000 rugby fans by the BBC Sport website, three Irish players were selected in the Team of the Year.

The Lions tour of New Zealand appears to have been a major factor in team selection. All but one player - Australia's Michael Hooper - took part in the tour, either for the Lions or the All Blacks.

In a year where he further cemented his place as one of the best scrum-halves in the world, starting all three Tests for the Lions, Conor Murray has been named at number nine.

Sean O'Brien, whose try in the first Test against the All Blacks sparked belief and life in Warren Gatland's team, has been named at blindside.

Tadhg Furlong, at tighthead, is the third Irish player in the XV. The Leinster prop also starred in all three Tests during the summer.

BBC Team of the Year

15. Stuart Hogg
14. Elliot Daly
13. Jonathan Davies
12. Owen Farrell
11. Rieko Ioane

10. Beauden Barrett
9. Conor Murray

1. Mako Vunipola
2. Jamie George
3. Tadhg Furlong
4. Maro Itoje
5. Brodie Retallick
6. Sean O'Brien
7. Michael Hooper
8. Kieran Read

Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

See Also: Six Coaches Who Are Important For Irish Rugby In 2018