Rugby Union review 2008

Check out skysports.com's highs and lows of 2008 and share your thoughts on the Rugby Union year...

There was a familiar feel to the winners in 2008 - with Wasps, Munster and New Zealand all adding to their already packed trophy cabinets. Wales also got in on the act as they looked to establish themselves as the northern hemisphere's No.1 country. Under the guidance of Warren Gatland, the Principality emerged from their World Cup hangover to capture the Grand Slam and a rare win over Australia. The game also saw the exit of some of its best-loved faces, while a new breed of up-and-coming stars stepped into their boots. Check out skysports.com's highs and lows of 2008 and share your thoughts on the rugby union year using the feedback box below... Team of the Season
New Zealand swept all before them in 2008, completing a dramatic turnaround. Coach Graham Henry was forced to reapply for his job after the All Blacks failed at the World Cup in 2007, however the decision to stick with him proved to be a wise move. The All Blacks scooped the Tri-Nations title, the Bledisloe Cup and a Grand Slam of the home unions. Wales deserve a mention for their exploits - and under Warren Gatland the signs are looking encouraging. Player of the Season
The IRB award may have gone to Shane Williams, but it was Italian captain Sergio Parisse who really caught the eye. Parisse is the heartbeat of the Azzurri side and he leads from the front. The 25-year-old seemingly covers every blade of grass and no matter whether Italy are attacking or defending he is always in the thick of the action. Most Improved Player
Andy Powell has enjoyed a year to remember for club and country. He has played a key role as Cardiff all-but secured their place in the knock-out stages of the Heineken Cup. His performances have not gone unnoticed by Wales coach Warren Gatland, who handed the No.8 his international debut against the Springboks. Powell produced another storming display and is now pushing for inclusion in the British and Irish Lions. Moment of the Season
Lowlight
The handling of Brian Ashton's exit. The RFU did themselves no favours with the way they went about relieving Ashton of his duties as head coach. Despite having led England to the final of the World Cup, Ashton paid the price for a disappointing Six Nations. However, whether or not Ashton was the right man to take England to the next level, the RFU let themselves down with the way they dispensed with his services. Ashton, to his credit, has retained a quiet dignity. Best Performance
Munster's defeat by New Zealand. The Irish province came within five minutes of a famous win over the team of the year. Led by the awesome Mick O'Driscoll, Munster went toe-to-toe with the All Blacks and only Joe Rokocoko's late try denied them. Year to remember
Wales. After the debacle of their World Cup exit in 2007, Wales bounce back in tremendous fashion. Little was expected of them come the Six Nations, with new coach Warren Gatland still settling in and trying to piece together his backroom staff. However, they hit the ground running with a historic victory over England at Twickenham and never looked back. They deservedly went on to win the Grand Slam and can now lay claim to the title of the leading team in the northern hemisphere. They may have struggled on their tour to South Africa but they were the pick of the home unions in the autumn internationals. They pushed the Springboks and the all-conquering All Blacks close, before toppling Australia at the Millennium Stadium. With a number of world-class players, this could be the start of a golden era for Welsh rugby. Year to forget
Rob Andrew. With the debacle over the departure of Ashton and the controversy of England's summer tour to New Zealand, Andrew is finding himself under increasing pressure. The former Newcastle chief won't look back on 2008 with too many happy memories - and can only hope that Martin Johnson can get the England team playing well to ease some of the pressure. Controversy
The introduction of the new ELVs was always going to be fraught with difficulty. The southern hemisphere nations have been championing the rule changes, however the global trial has met with some resistance in the north. England, France and Ireland remain unconvinced while Australia have pushed for the rules to be accepted across the board. The rules will go before the IRB committee in 2009 where a decision on their possible inclusion will be discussed. 2009 is a big year for...
Ian McGeechan. Mrs McGeechan might as well write off 2009 as a bad job already and look forward to seeing more of her beloved on the television rather than in the flesh. If looking after Wasps was not enough to keep the former Scotland international busy, there is the small matter of the British and Irish Lions tour to consider. The pressure is on McGeechan to produce the goods for both the Lions and Wasps. Geech oversaw the last tour victory 12 years ago in South Africa - and after the disaster of Sir Clive Woodward's reign in 2005, hopes are high he can make the Lions roar again. However he first needs to turn around the fortunes of Wasps, who, despite winning the Premiership crown in 2008, have struggled this season. With new owner Steve Hayes demanding success, his contract set to expire in the summer and Dean Ryan reportedly already being linked to a return, the 62-year-old could need Wasps to match last season's exploits. Ones to watch in 2009
Leigh Halfpenny. The Cardiff youngster has burst onto the scene in dramatic fashion to force his way into contention for the British and Irish Lions. The 20-year-old has been in free-scoring form for the Blues this season, both in the Magners League and in the Heineken Cup. His free-flowing running is a pleasure to watch, unless you are charged with trying to stop him. Halfpenny made his Wales debut in the autumn internationals and immediately looked at home. Keith Earls, Alex Corbisiero and Noah Cato all look promising and could make the next step in 2009.