6 Peter O’Mahony (Ireland)
They wrote: “Sometimes there is no substitute for experience and Peter O’Mahony continued to prove his worth for Ireland during the 2023 Championship.”
7 Josh van der Flier (Ireland)
They wrote: “He hit his usual high standards at the breakdown and in contact – no Irish player made more tackles than his 67 – and even showed his versatility by filling in throwing into the lineout against Scotland due to injuries elsewhere in the pack.”
8 Caelan Doris (Ireland)
They wrote: “A player who could succeed Van der Flier when World Rugby’s 2023 awards come around, Doris’ ascent shows no sign of stopping.”
The talismanic No.8 set the tone for Ireland’s Championship with a try just two minutes into the opener against Wales and won the Player of the Match award following a superb display in the win over France in Round 2.
9 Antoine Dupont (France)
They wrote: “Player of the Championship for the third time in four years, there is not much to say about Dupont that has not been said already.”
10 Johnny Sexton (Ireland)
They wrote: “If any player deserved a successful swansong in this competition, it has to be the Championship’s all-time leading scorer.”