Munster and Ireland outhalf Ronan O’Gara has been named in an international team of the year as selected by French sports newspaper, L’Equipe.
O’Gara joins two other Irish rugby superstars on the selection, Paul O’Connell and Ireland captain Brian O’Driscoll.
Australia was the country best represented with four players, while Tri-Nations champions South Africa equalled Ireland’s haul of three places on the team, including IRB Player of the Year Schalk Burger.
The All Blacks filled two berths in the back line, while Six Nations champions France provided two men in the front row.
World Champions England were represented by Lawrence Dallaglio at number eight.
L'Equipe Team of the Year:
Mils Muliaina (NZ); Joe Rokocoko (NZ), Brian O'Driscoll (Ire), Matt Giteau (Aus), Lote Tuqiri (Aus); Ronan O'Gara (Ire), George Gregan (Aus); Os du Randt (SA), William Servat (Fra), Sylvain Marconnet (Fra), Victor Matfield (SA), Paul O'Connell (Ire), Schalk Burger (SA), George Smith (Aus), Lawrence Dallaglio (Eng).