AFTER A LONG 12 months that has witnessed tremendous successes for Saracens, Scarlets, England, Crusaders, New Zealand and – in many people’s eyes – the Lions, we draw the curtain down on 2017 by naming and acclaiming the best players of the year.

Who would make your XV of ’17?

15. Stuart Hogg

Ryan Byrne / INPHO Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHO

14. Liam Williams

13. Jonathan Davies

12. Owen Farrell

11. Rieko Ioane

©Inpho / Photosport/Tertius Pickard ©Inpho / Photosport/Tertius Pickard / Photosport/Tertius Pickard

10. Beauden Barrett

Billy Stickland / INPHO Billy Stickland / INPHO / INPHO

9. Conor Murray

Dan Sheridan / INPHO Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO

1. Mako Vunipola

 2. Malcolm Marx

Photosport / Marc Shannon/INPHO Photosport / Marc Shannon/INPHO / Marc Shannon/INPHO

3. Tadhg Furlong

James Crombie / INPHO James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO

4. Maro Itoje

Billy Stickland / INPHO Billy Stickland / INPHO / INPHO

5. Brodie Retallick

Photosport / John Cowpland/INPHO Photosport / John Cowpland/INPHO / John Cowpland/INPHO

6. Taulupe Faletau

7. Sean O’Brien

8. Kieran Read

Replacements

16. Codie Taylor

17. Cian Healy

18. Owen Franks

19. Sam Whitelock

20. Peter O’Mahony

21. Aaron Smith

22. Jonathan Sexton

23. Kurtley Beale

Sexton returns to captain Leinster as Connacht make 3 changes

11 changes for Munster and a host of Ulster names return as they prepare for battle