Four Irish players on Six Nations team of year

IRISH fly-half Ronan O’Gara has edged out France’s Frederic Michalak in the Six Nations team of the year, chosen by French sports daily l’Équipe.

The Munster man is joined on the side by provincial colleague Paul O’Connell, along with Leinster duo Brian O’Driscoll at centre and Shane Byrne in the front row.

There are nine Frenchmen in the side, including six in the pack. There is only left wing Ben Cohen from World Cup winners England, who lost twice in the tournament for the first time in 11 years. England had eight players in the l’Équipe side last year.