JOSH IS BEST IN THE WORLD

as they claimed a Triple Crown, all three Tests in their summer series success in New Zealand, as well as the two Autumn Series wins over South Africa and Australia.

While Sexton missed out on the top prize, the 37-year-old was included in the World Rugby men’s 15s dream team along with van der Flier, Tadhg Furlong and Tadhg Beirne.

Van der Flier wasn’t the only Irish winner of an individual award in Monaco as Terry

Kennedy was announced as the men’s Sevens player of the year.

Ireland boss Andy Farrell (left with wife Colleen last night) missed out on coach of the year to New Zealand women’s boss Wayne Smith. And Dan Sheehan and Mack Hansen were pipped in the men’s breakthrough player category by Italy’s Ange Capuozzo. Men’s dream team: Freddie Steward; Will Jordan, Lukhanyo Am, Damian de Allende, Marika Koroibete; Johnny Sexton, Antoine Dupont; Ellis Genge, Malcolm Marx, Tadhg Furlong; Tadhg Beirne, Sam Whitelock; Pablo Matera, Josh van der Flier, Gregory Alldritt.