Bundee Aki and four Ireland teammates make World Rugby ‘Dream Team of the Year’

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. https://twitter.com/WorldRugby/status/1718724509757243671

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

https://twitter.com/WorldRugby/status/1718725080019095562

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. https://twitter.com/WorldRugby/status/1718726179463569669 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: https://twitter.com/WorldRugby/status/1718722498659840044 All Blacks winger Mark Telea won Men's 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year: https://twitter.com/WorldRugby/status/1718723428302110926 Best Try of the Year went to this crackerjack from Duhan van der Merwe against England in the 2023 Six Nations: https://twitter.com/WorldRugby/status/1718718720435016107 Full list of winners to follow...

BRENT POPE & SENE NAOUPU ON HOUSE OF RUGBY

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• Siya Kolisi praises South Africa for "ugly" win as ROG marvels at Pollard beauty
• 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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