Brian O’Driscoll Reveals Who He Thinks Has Been Ireland’s Best Player This Year

Brian O’Driscoll believes Munster’s Conor Murray has been Ireland’s best player this year.

Jamie Heaslip was nominated for World Rugby Player of the Year and CJ Stander scooped the Rugby Writers of Ireland award, but the former Ireland and Lions captain believes no one has been better than Ireland’s nine.

Murray has been in sensational form of late, arguably working his way up the world’s best nine, with some instrumental performances for both club and country. The Limerick man was a key player in Ireland’s win over New Zealand and has been a huge factor in Munster’s resurgence.

Even when Ireland were struggling early in the year at the Six Nations, Murray was still a standout player, grabbing three tries in five games.

Speaking to SportsJoe, O’Driscoll says Ireland have had a lot of stand-out performers this year, but Murray trumps them all.

“There have been a few great, stand-out performers but I think Conor Murray has been exceptional in green and red. He has been one of the top performers for Munster and has been a key leader in everything good they do.

“He has formed a really good partnership with Tyler Bleyendaal and they’ve managed to turn their season around after the very untimely death of Anthony Foley… That’s great for Munster and it is great for Irish rugby as it provides a lot of competition for places.

Do you agree with O’Driscoll? If not, who has been your best player for Ireland this year?