Ollie among Magners League's best
Tue, 27 May 2008 17:41
Springbok and Leinster prop Ollie le Roux received recognition for his Magners League-winning efforts with Irish provincial side Leinster by being named in the Magners League Dream Team for 2007/08.
Le Roux played a major role for Leinster in their march to the league title, scoring two tries in the Final for his adopted team before returning to South Africa a Magners League winner.
Rugby fans and key media across Ireland, Scotland and Wales had been asked to vote for their Magners League Dream Team and the player who polled the highest number of votes in his position was selected for the Dream Team.
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, William Magner's Director of Marketing and New Markets, 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."
Felipe Contepomi, twice a member of the Magners League Dream Team also commented on the occasion.
"To be included in the Dream Team again alongside a number of my Leinster teammates 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."
Welsh Captain, Ryan Jones reflected on his own inclusion to the side.
"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 livewire scrumhalf Mike Blair spoke about his selection to the Dream Team, and looked back on the season.
"It's great for both Nick 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 League Dream Team 2007/08: 15 Ben Blair (Cardiff Blues), 14 Tommy Bowe (Ulster), 13 Lifeimi Mafi (Munster), 12 Nick de Luca (Edinburgh), 11 Shane Williams (Ospreys), 10 Felipe Contepomi (Leinster), 9 Mike Blair (Edinburgh), 8 Jamie Heaslip (Leinster), 7 Martyn Williams (Cardiff Blues), 6 Ryan Jones (Ospreys), 5 Leo Cullen (Leinster), 4 Malcolm O'Kelly (Leinster), 3 Stan Wright (Leinster), 2 Bernard Jackman (Leinster), 1 Ollie Le Roux (Leinster).
With thanks to magnersleague.com
