Scotland star named in World Rugby team of year but no place for Finn Russell as one nation hogs limelight

Jones has been a stand-out for both club and country and was an integral part of the British & Irish Lions team that claimed a series victory over Australia this summer.

The 31-year-old missed Scotland’s Quilter Nations Series matches this month due to an Achilles injury, but was the only Scot to be selected in the team, which marks some of the best performers across the globe this year.

World Rugby revealed the team on Tuesday morning, with world champions South Africa contributing six players - the most from one single nation.

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The front-row is all-Springbok affair, consisting of props Ox Nche and Thomas du Toit, with Malcolm Marx at hooker. England’s Maro Itoje, who captained the Lions, is at second row with Tadhg Beirne of Ireland, while the flankers are Pieter-Steph du Toit (South Africa), Tom Curry (England) and Harry Wilson (Australia).

In the backs, New Zealand scrum-half Cam Roigard is partnered by South Africa’s Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, who has pipped Scotland’s Finn Russell to the No 10 shirt.

The wingers are French speedster Louis Bielle-Biarrey and South Africa’s Cheslin Kolbe, while the centres are Australia’s Len Ikitau and Jones. New Zealand full-back Will Jordan is selected at full-back.

Marx was on Monday named World Rugby’s player of the year, seeing off competition from fellow nominees Du Toit, Nche and Bielle-Biarrey, while New Zealand lock Fabian Holland won the breakthrough player of the year award ahead of Ethan Hooker, Henry Pollock and Joseph-Aukuso Sualii.

South African achievements hailed

The achievement from the South African team was hailed by their union president Mark Alexander, who said: “I’d like to extend a heartfelt congratulations to Malcolm, Pieter-Steph, Ox, Thomas, Sacha and Cheslin on behalf of SA Rugby and the entire country for being named in the Dream Team.

“They have all played exceptionally well this season and deserve this honour. Being named in this team is a massive achievement, especially since it consists of the best players throughout the world. To see six Springboks included is a testament to the quality of players we have in South Africa.

“Making this achievement even more remarkable, Malcolm became the second South African player in a row to win the World Rugby Men’s 15s Player of the Year award, after being nominated alongside Pieter-Steph and Ox. In addition, Ethan Hooker was nominated for the World Rugby Breakthrough Men’s 15s Player of the Year award. As SA Rugby, we could not be prouder of them and the entire Springbok team.

“The Springboks are a true symbol of what we can achieve as a country and as a team when everyone works together. It is a brotherhood more than anything else and I’d like to congratulate coach Rassie Erasmus, his coaching staff and management team for ensuring that the players remain the best version of themselves on and off the field.

“Once again, the Springboks have had a remarkable season, with only two defeats in 13 matches. To retain the top place on the world rankings in such a competitive year is exceptional,” he said.

“They still have one match to play and everyone at SA Rugby and across the country will be behind them on Saturday when they line up against Wales. We wish them luck as they aim to finish their November tour unbeaten for the second consecutive year.”