World’s best.

What can you say about Tadhg Furlong that hasn’t been said already? The Ireland and Leinster prop has completely transformed the role of the tighthead in world rugby, despite only being in the spotlight for less than two seasons.

Not only is he a world class scrummager and a brick wall of a pillar, he also has traits that most backs would be jealous of. He has no problem making a five metre pass, he gets back up off the ground and defends like a seven, and at times carries like an eight.

If you were brought into a laboratory and granted access to a machine to lets you create the perfect tighthead prop, Tadhg Furlong would pop out. He’s been that good. There is no argument to be had.

That being said, there’s absolutely no way he can be overlooked by World Rugby when they release their World Player of the Year shortlist later this year. Furlong is already on that list, that’s for sure. But can he go one better and achieve an unprecedented feat?

Since its inception back in 2001, no prop has ever won the prestigious award. Only once has a front-row been handed the accolade, and that was in the shape of another Irishman in Keith Wood, who won the award in its inaugural year.

If Furlong continues where he left off in the Six Nations, and Leinster go on to have a strong European campaign, then there’s no doubt has to be right up there. He’s done it for the Lions, he’s done it for Ireland, he’s done it for Leinster. And he’s done it against the very best in the process.

It’s only a matter of time before a prop is finally recognised. My money is on the 25-year-old Furlong breaking that mould.