The European Champions Cup came to an end on Saturday night as Leinster were crowned champions after a tense victory over Racing 92 in Bilbao.
The win means that Leinster have won the tournament four times in their history, equalling the record held by Toulouse.
The match was very close, with either side not scoring a single try throughout the game. Penalties are what decided the game with a last-gasp kick from Leinster securing the victory.
It was a hard-fought battle between Europe’s best sides for eight months and finally, after a long six-year wait, the trophy is back in Irish hands.
Several players performed incredibly over the course of the tournament and have earned heaps of praise, whilst others have cowered under the pressure and disappeared.
After some careful consideration, we have compiled a team of the tournament XV.
Take a look and see what you think!
1) Cian Healy (Leinster)
Healy has had one of the best seasons of his career and has worked hard to secure his starting spot for club and country. His hard work in the scrum was invaluable and let’s not forget his game-changing try in the semi-final against Scarlets.
2) Camille Chat (Racing 92)
Chat has been a key player throughout the tournament for Racing 92. His lineout accuracy was impressive, allowing his team to set up quick counters.
3) Tadhg Furlong (Leinster)
Furlong has developed into one of the best tighthead props in world rugby. His handling, for a player in his position, is exceptional and he has revolutionised the way a tight-head plays the game. Comfortably takes his place in this side.
4) James Ryan (Leinster)
Ryan has been one of the stories of the tournament for Leinster. He has effortlessly fit into the side and has been magnificent when needed most. He capped off a memorable tournament by being the man of the match in the final.
5) Leone Nakarawa (Racing 92)
Nakarawa is the official player of the tournament after some sensational performances leading up to the final. The Fijian international was impossible to stop at times, with his handling and speed leaving opponents chasing his shadow.
After scoring four tries, claiming 38 lineouts and throwing 22 offloads, there’s no way he could be left out of this team.
6) Scott Fardy (Leinster)
The Australian has the grit, determination and passion that every side craves at this level of rugby.
He was one of the driving forces behind this title-winning Leinster side and chipped in with three tries.
7) Dan Leavy (Leinster)
One of the breakthrough players of the year. The pressure was on Leavy in the absence of Josh van de flier but he has stepped up. His attitude has been spot on throughout the tournament and he ended the final in typical fashion, bloodied and bruised.
8) Yannick Nyanga (Racing 92)
The number 8 confirmed after the final defeat that he is going to retire but he has been in top form this season. His pace and strength has caused havoc in recent months and it was a sad moment to see him cry after defeat.
9) Maxime Machenaud (Racing 92)
Machenaud missing the final was a real shame because he was one of the best players of the tournament. He had an 88% goalkicking accuracy and just having him on the field was a massive boost for Racing 92.
10) Johnny Sexton (Leinster)
Sexton has been one of the key men for Leinster this season. The win secures a fourth European title for Sexton, who has improved his all-around game. His penalty kicks have been spot on all season.
11) Nemani Nadolo (Montpellier)
Nadolo finished the tournament as the top try scorer with six, even though his side were knocked out at the Pool stages. The Fijian international beat 38 defenders in total and made 16 clean breaks, which is the best out of anyone at the tournament. He is simply unstoppable at times and he showed that.
12) Isa Nacewa (Leinster)
Nacewa got the fairytale ending that he desired as he leaves the sport as a European champion. His kick in the final few minutes in Bilbao sealed the victory for Leinster and his versatility to play wherever required has been a massive boost for his side.
13) Garry Ringrose (Leinster)
Nobody can quite surge forward with a ball like Ringrose can. His power and pace make him almost impossible to catch and it was his run that earned the winning penalty in Bilbao. A fantastic season by a fantastic player.
14) Keith Earls (Munster)
Earls probably played the best rugby of his career during this year’s tournament. His electric pace helped Munster to reach their 13th semi-final. Earls is one of Europe’s top performers and will sacrifice anything for his team.
15) Rob Kearney (Leinster)
Kearney was the most reliable payer on the pitch for Leinster. He hardly put a foot wrong throughout the entire tournament and dominated in the air. A worthy inclusion into this team.