Leinster Pack Dominate Magners Dream Team
The Leinster front five proved dominant all season and have been voted en masse into the 2007/08 Magners League Dream Team. Leinster have a total of seven players with one each from Munster and Ulster.
The Magners League Dream Team 2007/08:
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 (Cardiff Blues)
Magners League champions Leinster have provided seven of the team, which is representative of the way in which Leinster have approached the competition. All three Celtic nations are represented and four players (Ben Blair, Shane Williams, Felipe Contepomi and Jamie Heaslip) have made the ‘Dream Team’ for the second year running.
Maurice Breen, Director of Marketing and New Markets, Wm Magner said: “We are delighted to be able to announce the 2007/08 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.”
Leinster’s Argentinian star Felipe Contepomi, twice a member of the Magners League Dream Team, commented: “To be included in the Dream Team again alongside a number of my Leinster team-mates is a real honour and rounds off a fantastic season. Winning the Magners League title was a great achievement for us, and it is a huge challenge to perform as well in the Magners League next year”
Wales Grand Slam-winning captain Ryan Jones, reflecting on his inclusion, said: “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.”
Edinburgh’s Scotland-capped scrum half Mike Blair said: “It’s great for both Nick (De Luca) and I to have made the Magners League Dream Team, this has been Edinburgh’s most successful season to date and illustrates just how competitive the Scottish teams have become.
“We are looking forward to building on this season and challenging for further honours in both the Magners League and Europe next year.”
Magners Irish Cider would like to thank all those fans and media who took the time to send in their votes and would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Munster on their Heineken Cup victory over Toulouse.