The 15 best European players named - only ONE Englishmen included

Friday, 13 August 2021 at 20:05

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byRugby Rucker

Wales Online have controversially ranked the top 15 players in Europe right now - and only one England international makes the list.

Here, they've picked out the best 15 players in the northern hemisphere from the last season.

There is no room for England stars Tom Curry and Owen Farrell with Wales international George North a controversial inclusion.

See their full selection here.

WALES ONLINE: TOP 15 EUROPEAN PLAYERS

#15. Gael Fickou (France)

#14. Finn Russell (Scotland)

They said: "In the third Test against the 'Boks, Russell answered a number of questions about his big match temperament, dispelling the idea that it's either boom or bust with him. He knew when to go to his box of tricks and when to be pragmatic. A good year for the fly-half."

#13. Matthieu Jalibert (France)

#12. Wyn Jones (Wales)

#11. Tadhg Beirne (Ireland)

They said: "His career has gone from strength to strength since he made a name for himself at the Scarlets. Was the turnover king in this year's Six Nations, earning himself a well-deserved spot on the Lions tour."

#10. Robbie Henshaw (Ireland)

#9. Alun Wyn Jones (Wales)

#8. George North (Wales)

They said: "Had his seat booked on the flight to South Africa before the cruellest of injuries dashed his hopes. He was too hot to handle during the 2021 Six Nations and seemed to be enjoying his rugby again, at outside centre."

#7. Duhan van de Merwe (Scotland)

#6. Josh Adams (Wales)

#5. Hamish Watson (Scotland)

#4. Louis Rees-Zammit (Wales)

#3. Maro Itoje (England)

They said: "Got on the wrong side of referees at times during the Six Nations, raising question marks over his discipline. But he put all that behind him to have a stunning Lions tour."

#2. Tadhg Furlong (Ireland)

#1. Antoine Dupont (France)

They said: "It's been an incredible season for France's No. 9. He was by far and away the most creative player in the Six Nations, producing five try assists and crossing for three of his own."