The Magners League Dream Team was compiled from votes from rugby fans and key media from Ireland, Scotland and Wales- with the player who polled the highest number of votes in his position being slected for the dream team.
Magners League champions Leinster contributed seven players out of the fifteen after their season’s triumph but four players from the Welsh Regions made it ontot the hypoothetical team sheet.
Wales captain and Ospreys flanker Ryan Jones was voted the best No.6 alongside Welsh teammate Martyn Williams, who was voted the best No.7 in the Magners League competition.
Jones commented on his inclusion: “I am honoured to have been included in the Magners League Dream Team, the fact that it has been voted for by fans and media from all the countries makes it extra special. It’s an honour to see my name alongside such quality players, the level of competition in the Magners League is increasing every year and I’m looking forward to the chance to regain our title from Leinster next year.”
Wing wizard Shane Williams was perhaps the obvious choice for the left wing berth after his scintillating season whilst Wales had another representative in the form of Cardiff Blues fullback Ben Blair. Both Wiliams and Ben make it into the Dream Team for the second successive season.
The Magners League Dream Team 2007-2008:
1. Ollie Le Roux, Leinster
2. Bernard Jackman, Leinster
3. Stan Wright, Leinster
4. Malcolm O’Kelly, Leinster
5. Leo Cullen, Leinster
6. Ryan Jones, Ospreys
7. Martyn Williams, Cardiff Blues
8. Jamie Heaslip, Leinster
9. Mike Blair, Edinburgh
10. Felipe Contepomi, Leinster
11. Shane Williams, Ospreys
12. Nick de Luca, Edinburgh
13. Lifeimi Mafi, Munster
14. Tommy Bowe, Ulster
15. Ben Blair, CardiffÂ
Maurice Breen, Director of Marketing and New Markets, Wm Magner said,”We are delighted to be able to announce the 2007-2008 Magners League Dream Team. Once again there has been some fantastic rugby played in the Magners League this season on both an individual and team basis. The competition has continued to grow in status and profile and the results this season prove just how competitive the league has become.
“I would like to congratulate every player who has been selected for the Magners League Dream Team. This team truly reflects this season’s competition and the inclusion of so many high profile players illustrates the exciting brand of rugby seen in the Magners League.”
Celtic Rugby Director, David Jordan added, “The Magners League Dream Team once again reflects the quality and flair of the individuals who regularly play within the Magners League. This season we have continued to build on the success of the tournament both on and off the field; average attendances have again increased and the quality of rugby on show is reflected both in the international arena, and in the success Magners League teams have experienced in the Heineken and Anglo-Welsh Cups.”
