Just the sole, World Cup-winning Springbok.
There are five Irish inclusions in the World Rugby Men’s 15s Dream Team of the Year, with Andy Farrell picking up Coach of the Year. Bundee Aki missed out on the ‘Best Player’ accolade, though.
The announcements were made at a glitzy ceremony in Paris, one day on from South Africa defeating New Zealand in the 2023 World Cup final, in the same city.
Despite going back-to-back with World Cup triumphs, the Springboks have a sole representative in the so-called ‘Best XV’ of the year – lock Eben Etzebeth.
2023's supreme side
The World Rugby Men's 15s Dream Team of the Year, in partnership with @Capgemini#WorldRugbyAwards pic.twitter.com/ys2q2UGhb8
— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) October 29, 2023
Bundee Aki and four Ireland teammates make Dream Team cut
While Bundee Aki was expected to make the final Dream Team selection, few would have envisioned five Ireland stars being included in the Best XV. That quintet are:
- Dan Sheehan
- Tadhg Furlong
- Caelan Doris
- Garry Ringrose
- Bundee Aki
🇫🇷☘️☘️🇿🇦🇳🇿☘️🇫🇷🇳🇿🇫🇷🇳🇿🇳🇿☘️☘️🇫🇷🇫🇷
The 2023 Men's 15s Dream Team of the Year in partnership with @Capgemini#WorldRugbyAwards pic.twitter.com/8tBMY6AqTA
— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) October 29, 2023
Other award winners on the night
Ardie Savea of New Zealand picked up the prestigious Men’s 15s Player of the Year award.
Also nominated for that award were Eben Etzebeth, Antoine Dupont and Bundee Aki.
Lighting up the world stage for yet another year
Ardie Savea is named the Men’s 15s Player of the Year in partnership with @Mastercard#WorldRugbyAwards pic.twitter.com/4jK3XPlqjE
— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) October 29, 2023
Andy Farrell, who led Ireland to a Grand Slam title and enjoyed a 17-match winning streak that stretched back to July 2022, won Coach of the Year:
The mastermind behind an unforgettable year in Irish rugby
Andy Farrell is named the World Rugby Coach of the Year for 2023#WorldRugbyAwards pic.twitter.com/06kn91ZvcR
— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) October 29, 2023
All Blacks winger Mark Telea won Men’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year:
Dazzling pace, breathtaking footwork and supreme strength 👏
Congratulations to Mark Tele'a, the Men's 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year in partnership with @Tudor_Watch#WorldRugbyAwards pic.twitter.com/ibNzRV9tYm
— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) October 29, 2023
Best Try of the Year went to this crackerjack from Duhan van der Merwe against England in the 2023 Six Nations:
An instant classic ⚡
Duhan van der Merwe's solo finish against England is named the @intrugbyplayers Men's Try of the Year#WorldRugbyAwards pic.twitter.com/ExwPIuf0ty
— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) October 29, 2023
Full list of winners to follow…
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- Lawrence Dallaglio comments on referee blow up as Matt Williams trolls Springboks
- “An unbelievable find” – Brian Gleeson and five other Ireland prospects to watch in the URC
- Johnny Sexton linked with swift return to Ireland as Mike Catt set to depart
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