The best of the best.

A panel of 12 experts from leading rugby magazine Rugby World has selected no fewer than four Irishmen in their 2018 World Team of the Year.

World Player of the Year Johnny Sexton, Conor Murray, Peter O’Mahony and Tadhg Furlong all make the cut after an incredible year with Ireland that saw them win a Six Nations Grand Slam, a series victory of Australia and a famous win over the All Blacks.

Five All Blacks make the team, despite a disappointing year by their standards, while England have two representatives on the team in the shape of Owen Farrell and Mako Vunipola.

Just one Welshman – Jonathan Davies makes the cut despite their incredible year. BT Sport also named their world team of the year this week, with seven Irish players making their side.

Rugby World Team of the Year.

15. Beauden Barrett
14. Ben Smith
13. Jonathan Davies
12. Owen Farrell
11. Rieko Ioane
10. Johnny Sexton
9. Conor Murray

1. Mako Vunipola
2. Malcolm Marx
3. Tadhg Furlong
4. Brodie Retallick
5. Leone Nakarawa
6. Peter O’Mahony
7. David Pocock
8. Kieran Read