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London - Leinster and Ireland centre Brian O'Driscoll has been named as the player of the last decade by Rugby World magazine.
O'Driscoll, who last year skippered Ireland to their first Six Nations Grand Slam and helped Leinster win the Heineken Cup, has been a major figure in world rugby since 2000, when he scored three tries for Ireland in a memorable win over France in Paris.
The 30-year-old also played in all three Lions tours during the noughties and was nominated for the International Rugby Board's world player of the year three times.
Richie McCaw, the only player to win the IRB award twice, had to be content with a place in Rugby World's team of the decade, with England's 2003 World Cup winning captain, Martin Johnson, deemed the best choice as skipper.
Rugby World team of the decade (15-1):
Mils Muliaina (NZL), Jason Robinson (ENG), Brian O'Driscoll (IRL), Matt Giteau (AUS), Shane Williams (WAL), Dan Carter (NZL), Agustin Pichot (ARG), Sergio Parisse (ITA), Richie McCaw (NZL), Richard Hill (ENG), Martin Johnson (ENG captain), Victor Matfield (RSA), Carl Hayman (New Zealand), John Smit (RSA), Gethin Jenkins (WAL)
Replacements: Rodrigo Roncero (ARG), Mario Ledesma (ARG), Sylvain Marconnet (FRA), Juan-Martin Fernandez Lobbe (ARG), Fourie du Preez (RSA), Jonny Wilkinson (ENG), Yannick Jauzion (FRA), Juan Martin Hernandez (ARG)
