Leigh Halfpenny leads a group of four British & Irish Lions that have been selected to the IRPA World XV of the year for 2013.
The Wales full-back, man of the series as the tourists claimed a first win in 16 years against Australia this summer, is joined by winger George North in a backline dominated by the all-conquering All Blacks.
And up front Alex Corbisiero, so impressive in the decisive final Test in Sydney, is picked at loosehead while Adam Jones lines up at tighthead and skipper Sam Warburton on the openside.
In addition to his selection at No.8 in the world XV, Kiwi Kieran Read scooped the top honour as player of the year while Israel Folau, so impressive against the Lions this past summer, was newcomer of the year.
And Read, who will be itching to be a part of the next Lions tour that comes to New Zealand in 2017, could not hide his delight at scooping the top gong.
“There's no greater honour than to be recognised by the people you play against,” Read said.
“Rugby's a tough game. On the field there's no quarter given or expected. So for your opponents to single you out for this sort of attention means an awful lot.”
