World class.

As we prepare to bid farewell to 2017, it’s time to look back at the year in rugby, and look at some of the top performers across the world. While the All Blacks still reign at the top, the Lions tour and the international winows showed us that the likes of England and Ireland are not longer that far behind.

Both sides can now easily say they have a number of world class players among their ranks, and perhaps can challenge New Zealand for the Rugby World Cup in 2019, while the likes of Australia and South Africa can never be ruled out despite their mixed run of form.

Anyway, here’s our team of the year.

RugbyLAD Team of the Year 2017

15. Israel Folau
The Wallaby star rediscovered the kind of form that made him the most feared fullback in world rugby this year, going on an incredible try-scoring run.

14. Elliot Daly
It doesn’t matter where you put this man in your backline he’s been that good this year. Incredible finisher, scoring a number of important tries for England, as well as having a monster kicking boot.

13. Jonathan Davies
Was in the form of his career before injury once again unfortunately struck. The Lions’ player of the series and rightly so.

12. Owen Farrell
Helped kick the Lions to a series draw with the All Blacks and helped Saracens to second consecutive Champions Cup.

11. Rieko Ioane
What a season this man has had. Made his All Blacks debut against the Lions and hasn’t looked back since. The best winger in world rugby right now.

10. Beauden Barrett
Business as usual for the World Player of the Year.

9. Conor Murray
Instrumental for Munster, Ireland and the Lions. The best nine in the world right now.

1. Mako Vunipola
Another huge season for Mako. The complete package and one of the first names on the teams sheet no matter who he’s playing for.

2. Malcolm Marx
South Africa’s breakout star this year. Absolute monster of a hooker and a future Boks captain.

3. Tadhg Furlong
Do we even need to explain this? The best tighthead in the world right now by a fair distance, Furlong has reinvented the position. Can scrum, tackle, pass, carry, you name it.

4. Maro Itoje
Perhaps not as good this year as he was in 2016, but still played a huge role for club and country. His introduction to the Lions starting line-up for the 2nd Test helped swing it in their favour.

5. Brodie Retallick
Another monster of a season for the world’s best lock forward.

6. Siya Kolisi
One of the few shining lights of South African rugby this year. Can play blind or openside and has been consistently good for both the Sprinboks and the Stormers.

7. Sean O’Brien
Seems to finally have put his injury problems behind him. His influence on the game is incredible. Monster of a carrier that also puts in a serious amount of work at the breakdown.

8. Kieran Read
Business as usual for the All Blacks captain.