And what a year it was.

2017 will live long in the memory for rugby fans on both sides of the hemisphere. From incredible club action to some of the best Test matches in recent memory, it truly was a year we won’t forget for a long time.

The Lions’ series against the All Blacks stands out above all, and this has reflected in most outlets’ teams of the year, including French newspaper Midi Olumpique

Their XV includes 13 men that contested the thrilling series in New Zealand. The two exceptions are South Africa hooker, and turnover machine, Malcolm Marx and Australian skipper Michael Hooper.

The likes of Conor Murray, Tadhg Furlong and Owen Farrell all feature.