The best of the best.

The Six Nations has come to an end after another fantastic campaign. Ireland are champions and rightfully so. Joe Schmidt’s men were the best team by a country mile, and this was reflected in the final standings.

Five games, five wins, three bonus-points and a Grand Slam to boot. Ireland finished on 26 points, 11 clear of Wales in second, in what was a truly sensational campaign from the men in green.

Understandably they dominate our Six Nations Team of the Tournament, with no fewer than 11 of them making our XV. They are joined by two Italians, one Scotsman and a Frenchman. No England players make the cut.

RugbyLAD Six Nations Team of the Tournament.

15. Matteo Minozzi (Italy)
The Italian just edges out Ireland’s Rob Kearney for us. A rare shining light in what was a disappointing campaign for Conor O’Shea’s Italy.

14. Keith Earls (Ireland)
Sheer class personified. His best tournament for Ireland to date. An unsung hero that was always there for Ireland when they really needed him on so many occasions.

13. Garry Ringrose (Ireland)
Just edges out Scotland’s Huw Jones, who failed to push on after his incredible showing against England. Ringrose meanwhile came in for Ireland’s final two games and was magnificent. He played a key role in their Six Nations and Grand Slam clinchers against Scotland and England. Big players always turns up for big games and Ringrose certainly proved he most definitely is one.

12. Bundee Aki (Ireland)
The ever-present rock in Ireland’s midfield. Had more centre partners than hot dinners in the last few weeks, but it didn’t phase him. A key player for Joe Schmidt going forward. The Ireland coach will have some serious selection headaches when all his centres are fit.

11. Jacob Stockdale (Ireland)
What can we say about this guy? A try-scoring machine, the Ulster winger became the first player to grab 7 tries in a single Six Nations championship with his effort against England yesterday. Still just 21-years-old, he’s got a fell of a bright future ahead of him.

10. Johnny Sexton (Ireland)
Ireland’s talisman, Sexton was outstanding from start to finish. His drop goal on the opening day proved to be a Grand Slam moment, and rightfully so. Simply world class in every way.

9. Conor Murray (Ireland)
The argument should be over at this stage. Murray is the world’s best nine, simple as. Outstanding tournament from the Munster man.

1. Cian Healy (Ireland)
What a difference a few pounds can make? The Leinster prop decided to trim back over the summer and has rediscovered some of his best form as a result.

Inpho

2. Guilhem Guirado (France)
The one-man tackling machine, Guirado stood far above any of his French teammates.

3. Tadhg Furlong (Ireland)
Just how good can Tadhg Furlong get? Still only 25 and the undisputed best tighthead in world rugby. I mean come on, how many props could have made that pass for Stander’s try?

4. Jonny Gray (Scotland)
The Scotland lock became the first player to complete 100 tackles in a single Six Nations campaign with another mammoth game against Italy yesterday. He completed 100 of his 103 tackle attempts in total.

5. James Ryan (Ireland)
What a tournament from the youngster. One of Ireland’s most consistent performers. Brilliant in defence and a superb ball-carrier. The closest thing Ireland have to the next Paul O’Connell.

6. Sebastian Negri (Italy)
The Zimbabwe-born blindside flanker put down a marker in Italy’s opener against England and never looked back. A real find, with a bright future.

7. Dan Leavy (Ireland)
The young Leinster openside was given his chance halfway through the opening round with Sean O’Brien out and Josh van der Flier picking up a tournament-ending injury against France. A natural seven, his ability to get over the ball is incredible. Superb talent with a bright future.

8. CJ Stander (Ireland)
A pure and utter relentless human-wrecking ball. His work-rate, belief, passion, and consistency is unparalleled.