Next up, our first front-rowers and a Frenchman enter the fray. Other picks include an All Black speedster and an English exile.
Previous days...
90. Garry Ringrose - Ireland & Leinster
Position: Centre Age: 22
As he closes in on half a century of appearances for Leinster, it’s hard to believe that Ringrose is still only 22. Having made his debut for the club in 2015/16, aged 20, he’s since established himself as the true heir to Brian O'Driscoll's No.13 shirt. Of course, 2017 hasn’t all been plain sailing with a few injury issues probably preventing him from being further up the list. A very exciting prospect still nevertheless.
Highlight: His brace of tries against Japan for Ireland in the summer
89. Jonathan Joseph - England & Bath
Position: Centre Age: 26
Edging slightly ahead of Ringrose is England centre, Jonathan Joseph. The Bath speedster played in four out of five matches as England retained the Six Nations before being selected the British & Irish Lions summer tour to New Zealand. Although he failed to crack the Test side, he completed an excellent team try in the tourists’ clash with the Highlanders in the 23-22 defeat in Dunedin. He then ended the year with a try for England against Australia at Twickenham.
Highlight: Scoring a hat-trick as England thumped Scotland 62-21 in the Six Nations
88. Liam Squire - New Zealand & Highlanders
Position: Number 8/Flanker/Lock Age: 26
Without a doubt one of the most important figures at the Highlanders, the versatile All Black has been a consistently strong presence in Super Rugby for a number of years. He became a regular starter for the Highlanders in the 2017 Super Rugby season and has been outstanding. A dynamic loose forward, Squire has also become a regular for the All Blacks, winning seven caps this calendar year, which saw him named in Sky Sports Team of the Rugby Championship.
Highlight: Scoring his first international try against Australia.
87. Nathan Hughes - England & Wasps
Position: Number 8 Age: 26
Since qualifying for England through residency in 2016, Nathan Hughes has become a regular under Eddie Jones and played a significant role as the men in white retained the Six Nations before touring Argentina in the summer. Hughes has specifically impressed with his confrontational ball carrying in the absence of the injured Billy Vunipola. The Number eight was also the man of the match in the Premiership final despite Wasps eventual defeat to Exeter.
Highlight: His man of the match display as England overcame Argentina 21-8 in their first autumn international of 2017 at Twickenham
86. Alex Dunbar - Scotland & Glasgow
Position: Centre Age: 27
The tartan battering ram is an integral part of a very impressive Scotland backline, winning nine caps in 2017, which included back-to-back wins against Australia, to take his total to 29. Dunbar invariably makes it over the gain-line with his powerful legs and has formed a very effective midfield partnership with Huw Jones. He also reached 100 games for Glasgow on the domestic front.
Highlight: His fantastic try against Ireland in the Six Nations.
85. Chris Ashton - Toulon
Position: Winger Age: 30
Despite exiling himself from England selection this year, the swan diving winger has had a very productive 2017. He kicked it off by helping to Saracens to a second consecutive Champions Cup while also moving clear as the all-time top try scorer in the competition with 37 scores, leapfrogging Frenchman Vincent Clerc and Brian O'Driscoll in the process. Since joining Toulon, he's been lighting up the Top 14 and has scored 13 tries in 12 appearances, which has established the 30-year-old as very much a fan favourite at Stade Mayol.
Highlight: Scoring the opening try of the Champions Cup final as Saracens beat Clermont. The ‘Ash Splash’ featured, of course.
84. Damian McKenzie - New Zealand & Chiefs
Position: Fullback Age: 22
The versatile and upbeat Damian McKenzie has taken things up a gear in 2017 and has been one of the standout players in Super Rugby and for the All Blacks. In his 11 Tests, the diminutive full-back has already proved he is a natural-born entertainer with his blistering pace, wonderful awareness and magician’s hands. He has come a long way in a short time for New Zealand, scoring five tries this calendar year, and will no doubt feature higher and higher up this list in years to come.
Highlight: Scoring his first All Black try in their win against the Wallabies in Sydney
83. Rabah Slimani - France & Clermont
Position: Prop Age: 28
The French powerhouse rules the scrum, dominating any prop who is unfortunate enough to come up against him. Slimani was class for France during the Six Nations, crucial for Stade Francais as they won the Challenge Cup and has been equally imposing for Clermont since joining in the summer. The 17-stone tighthead is a quality operator
Highlight: Scoring a try against England at Twickenham
82. George Ford - England & Leicester Tigers
Position: Fly-half Age: 24
It's been a very mixed year for George Ford. The England fly-half was at his very best when Eddie Jones side toured Argentina but his form dipped again in the Autumn with his kicking being particularly wayward. Performances at Bath were also varied, but since rejoining Leicester Tigers in the summer, Ford has started to get the sleeping English giants ticking. It's important to remember he's still only 24.
Highlight: Looked like England’s general as he guided England to a 2-0 series win Argentina
81. Rob Evans - Wales & Scarlets
Position: Prop Age: 25
Replacing Gethin Jenkins was always going to be a difficult task but with Rob Evans, Wales have managed to have a seamless transition. In 2017, the loosehead has taken that role one step further with his viscous ball carrying and All Black like awareness and passing. Nevertheless, he still has the necessary grunt to be strong in the set piece and dominate at the breakdown. Evans also played a key role as Scarlets won the 2016/17 Guinness Pro 12.
