England’s 20 Greatest Ever Rugby Union Players - Ellie Kildunne included

From trailblazing Red Roses to legendary men who lifted the Webb Ellis Cup, these icons have shaped the sport through brilliance, resilience, and unforgettable moments.

This list of England’s 20 greatest players celebrates the individuals whose skill, leadership, and impact have defined generations of English rugby.

Blistering pace, agility, and fearless flair have made Ellie Kildunne one of the most exciting talents in women’s rugby. A driving force behind England’s World Cup triumph on home soil in 2025, she was also crowned World Rugby Women’s 15s Player of the Year that same season. With 47 tries already to her name, she ranks among the Red Roses’ greatest-ever finishers and continues to inspire fans with her daring style and attacking brilliance for both club and country.

Lightning quick and devastating in broken play, Jonny May became one of England’s most prolific wingers. Over 78 international appearances, he crossed for 36 tries, a tally that makes him the nation’s second-highest try scorer of all time. His trademark acceleration and ability to score from almost anywhere on the pitch made him a crowd favourite and a constant danger to opponents throughout his career.

A central figure in England’s golden era, Will Greenwood was celebrated for his clever running lines, vision, and creative spark in midfield. His influence was instrumental in England’s 2003 World Cup victory, while his performances for the British & Irish Lions, particularly on the 1997 tour, showcased his class on the biggest stage. Both skilful and charismatic, Greenwood left a lasting mark on English rugby as one of its most inventive centres.

During the 1970s, David Duckham captured the imagination of rugby fans with his elusive sidestep and attacking flair. He won 36 England caps, scoring 10 tries, and shone on the 1971 British & Irish Lions tour to New Zealand. His reputation was further elevated in 1973 when he played a starring role in the Barbarians’ famous victory over the All Blacks. Unpredictable and thrilling, Duckham remains one of England’s most beloved wingers.

Renowned for his uncompromising scrummaging and raw power, Fran Cotton was a cornerstone of England’s forward pack. A versatile prop who could play on either side, he won three Lions caps in 1977 and played a key part in the famous Lions tour of 1974. With England, his crowning achievement came in the 1980 Grand Slam. Respected as both a leader and a fearsome competitor, Cotton set a standard for generations of props to follow.

At the heart of England’s modern game stands Maro Itoje, a lock whose athleticism and relentless energy make him one of the world’s best. His ability to dominate lineouts, disrupt breakdowns, and inspire teammates has defined his international career. In 2025, he assumed the captaincy of both England and the British & Irish Lions, leading the Lions to a landmark series win over Australia. Intelligent, driven, and versatile, Itoje is a defining player of his era.

Few players combined elegance and effectiveness quite like Jeremy Guscott. A creative force in the 1990s and early 2000s, he brought vision, composure, and a natural ability to unlock defences. His influence stretched across club, country, and Lions tours, earning him a place among the greats. In 2016, his enduring contribution was recognised with induction into the World Rugby Hall of Fame, sealing his reputation as one of England’s finest centres.

Never the biggest player on the field, Neil Back earned his reputation through tireless effort, sharp defensive work, and an uncanny ability to steal possession. He represented England in three World Cups and was a vital part of the 2003 winning team. His Lions career spanned three tours, including the historic 1997 victory in South Africa, and he even became the oldest test Lion during the 2005 tour to New Zealand. A 15-year career with Leicester Tigers showcased not just his consistency but also his leadership, combining playing duties with coaching before retiring as one of rugby’s most respected flankers.

Known as the “Raging Bull,” Phil Vickery anchored the English scrum with strength and determination. His career highlights include winning the 2003 Rugby World Cup and captaining England to the 2007 final. With three World Cup appearances and two Lions tours, he established himself as one of the most reliable props of his generation. Vickery’s leadership and grit embodied what it meant to wear the England shirt, earning him lasting respect as a cornerstone of the pack.

With a cool head under pressure and a boot that rarely misses, Owen Farrell has defined modern English rugby. Since his debut in 2012, he has amassed over 1,200 international points — the most in England’s history — while also leading Saracens to multiple titles. His influence stretched beyond his goal-kicking; as captain, he steered England to the 2019 World Cup final. Taking a step back from the international stage after 2023 but now available for England after re-joining Saracens, Farrell remains one of the game’s most composed playmakers and one of rugby’s all-time great point scorers.

Relentless in defence and fearless in the tackle, Peter Winterbottom was the heart of England’s back row throughout the 1980s. Winning 58 caps, he became England’s most-capped openside until Neil Back surpassed him in 2003. Twice a British & Irish Lion, he impressed in New Zealand with his durability and work rate, playing 19 matches for the tourists. His place in the Twickenham “Wall of Fame” reflects a career defined by courage, commitment, and consistency.

Emily Scarratt’s name is etched into rugby history thanks to her record-breaking point-scoring feats and her influence as one of the Red Roses’ most dependable stars. With power, pace, and deadly accuracy from the tee, she has topped the charts for most points in women’s international rugby, including World Cup and Six Nations records. Her longevity and quality — earning her a place as England’s third most-capped player — have made her not just a match-winner, but a role model for the women’s game worldwide. Her involvement in the 2025 World Cup win marked fifth World Cup that she had played in for the Red Roses.

Speed defined Rory Underwood’s career, making him England’s most prolific men’s try scorer. Between 1984 and 1996, he ran in 49 tries in 85 internationals, a record that still stands today. A stalwart of Leicester Tigers, where he played over 230 matches, Underwood was the ultimate finisher — able to turn space into points in an instant. His consistency and dazzling acceleration made him one of rugby’s most feared wingers and a legend of the English game.

Leadership, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to her team made Sarah Hunter the heartbeat of the Red Roses for more than a decade. Playing at number eight, she captained England through four World Cups, lifting the trophy in 2014 and earning a reputation as one of the most respected leaders in rugby. In 2021, she surpassed Rochelle Clark to become England’s most-capped player, with 138 appearances. Her legacy is not just in silverware but in her inspiration to teammates and the wider women’s game.

Few players thrilled crowds like Jason Robinson, whose explosive pace and sidestep struck fear into defenders. After switching codes from rugby league, he quickly became a sensation in union, winning 51 England caps and scoring in the 2003 World Cup final. Robinson also represented the British & Irish Lions, where his speed and agility lit up test matches. As the first black man to captain England, he broke new ground, leaving a legacy of both sporting brilliance and cultural significance.

Richard Hill provided the unglamorous but vital work that underpinned England’s successes. His defensive organisation, relentless tackling, and tactical awareness made him indispensable during the 2003 World Cup campaign. Though not always in the spotlight, Hill’s consistency and reliability earned him huge respect among teammates and coaches, securing his place as one of England’s most influential flankers.

Durability and dominance defined Jason Leonard’s extraordinary career, during which he became one of the most-capped players in rugby history. He played in four Grand Slam-winning England teams and was a key part of the 2003 World Cup triumph.

Leonard also toured three times with the British & Irish Lions, winning five test caps. His contributions were recognised with an MBE, OBE, and induction into the World Rugby Hall of Fame, confirming his status as one of the game’s greatest props.

Charisma, power, and versatility made Lawrence Dallaglio one of England’s most iconic forwards. Able to play across the back row, he collected 85 caps and was a key figure in England’s 2003 World Cup win.His influence extended beyond the XVs game — he is one of the few players to hold both Rugby World Cup and Sevens World Cup titles. Three Lions tours added further weight to his legacy, cementing Dallaglio’s reputation as a true leader on and off the field.

Few captains in rugby history have commanded respect like Martin Johnson. Towering in both stature and authority, he led England to their 2003 World Cup triumph, embodying discipline, strength, and sheer determination. Revered as one of the greatest locks to play the game, Johnson also captained the British & Irish Lions, enhancing his legendary status. His leadership qualities continue to inspire, making him a benchmark for what it means to lead in rugby.

Precision, resilience, and unrelenting dedication defined Jonny Wilkinson’s career, culminating in his iconic drop goal that secured England’s 2003 World Cup victory.

A perfectionist in training and a match-winner under pressure, Wilkinson played 12 years with Newcastle before enjoying European success at Toulon. His extraordinary point-scoring feats and unwavering humility made him one of rugby’s most admired figures.

Today, he is remembered not only as one of the greatest fly-halves of all time, but as a player who redefined professionalism in the sport.