Four Ireland players in Six Nations team of year

Four Ireland players have been named in the Men’s Six Nations team of the championship, as voted for by fans, but no England players have been selected.

France, who retained the title in the most dramatic of circumstances by beating England in Paris, also have four players chosen, while Italy and Scotland boast three inclusions and Wales one.

Ireland achieving their fourth Triple Crown in five years is reflected in the selection of centre Stuart McCloskey and forwards Tadhg Beirne, Caelan Doris and Jack Conan.

Champions France are represented by prolific wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey, legendary scrum-half Antoine Dupont, full-back Thomas Ramos and second row Mickael Guillard.

Bielle-Biarrey scored nine tries, a new record for the competition, including four in the decisive victory over England, which saw his side edge out Ireland to secure tournament success.

Wing Kyle Steyn, fly-half Finn Russell and back row Rory Darge are named from a Scotland side which recovered from an opening defeat by Italy to claim three wins and secure third place in the championship.

Italy won two matches in finishing fourth in the table, with their performance reflected in the selection of hooker Giacomo Nicotera, prop Simone Ferrari and centre Tommaso Menoncello.

Prop Rhys Carre, who went over for a storming score against Ireland, is the sole representative from Wales, who finished their campaign on a high by sealing victory over the Italians.

England’s only win of the tournament came against Wales in their opening game as their fifth-place finish, with just eight points, was their worst in the history of the Six Nations.