"Jonny Wilkinson 22nd" - The 25 best rugby players of all time have been named and ranked
Rugby NewsMonday, 06 November 2023 at 12:40
The best rugby players of all time have been named and ranked by the guys over at New Arena with a number of interesting selections.
In their article they ran down their top 25 best rugby players of all-time with England legends Jason Robinson, Richard Hill and Lawrence Dallaglio all missing out.
#25. Sean Fitzpatrick (New Zealand)
Fitzpatrick, a remarkable hooker who accumulated an impressive 92 caps, showcased unparalleled dynamism on the rugby field.
Renowned for his aggressive approach in both the scrum and on the break, this Kiwi athlete firmly established himself as the epitome of excellence for all contemporary hookers.
#24. Philippe Sella (France)
Sella, undeniably one of the most exceptional French players in history, left an indelible mark by participating in a staggering 111 international games.
Achieving such a remarkable feat is a testament to his extraordinary talent and perseverance. What sets him apart even further is the distinction of being one of just five players to have scored a try in every game throughout a Five Nations season.
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#23. Gavin Hastings (Scotland)
Hastings stands alone as the sole Scottish representative among the elite top 25 players. His exceptional contributions to the sport led to his induction into the International Rugby Hall of Fame in 2003, followed by the prestigious International Rugby Hall of Fame in 2013.
Hastings displayed remarkable leadership as he captained the Scottish team on numerous occasions, including the 1995 World Cup. Notably, he held the record for the highest number of international points for Scotland with a staggering 667 until that record was surpassed in 2008.
#22. Jonny Wilkinson (England)
In a defining moment during the 2003 World Cup finals, this talented fly half secured his place in history. With seconds remaining in overtime, he skillfully scored a crucial drop goal, leading England to their first-ever World Cup triumph by defeating Australia.
Notably, he held the distinction of being the highest point scorer in rugby history until 2011 when surpassed by Dan Carter, a testament to his exceptional skill and contribution to the sport.
#21. JPR Williams (Wales)
Williams is widely regarded as one of the most exceptional full backs in the annals of rugby. A complete and dependable player in defense, he truly stood out for his electrifying speed and thrilling offensive prowess.
Swiftly identifying gaps in the opposing defense, Williams had an uncanny ability to break away in the blink of an eye. In the 70s, he became an iconic figure for Wales, capturing the public's imagination. Alongside his aggressive tackles, Williams was renowned for his distinctive sideburns and the fashion statement of wearing his socks around his ankles, leaving an enduring impression on the sport.
#20. Keith Wood (Ireland)
Wood gained fame for having two notable rugby nicknames throughout his illustrious career. One was "The Raging Potato," a moniker derived from his bald head, while the other was "Uncle Fester," likening him to the beloved character from the Addams Family.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the sport, Wood was honored with induction into the Rugby Hall of Fame in 2005. An exceptional hooker, he holds the world record for the most international test tries scored by a player in that position, an impressive feat of 15 tries.
#19. George Gregan (Australia)
Until very recently, Gregan held the title as the most capped international player of all time with 132. He is one of the few rugby athletes whose career spans both the amateur and professional eras.
Gregan became the Wallabies captain in 2001, and then in 2003 beat the All Blacks in the semi-final before losing in the finals to England. He broke his leg in 2005 which forced him to sit out most of the season, but he and his team exacted their revenge on England in 2006.
#18. Martin Johnson (England)
Johnson emerged as the undisputed leader, a rare talent, and a pivotal figure in England's victorious 2003 World Cup campaign. Renowned for his fearless and head-first style of play, this lock's commitment extended to pushing the scrum and relentlessly seeking territory for the forward line.
Following an illustrious playing career, Johnson transitioned into coaching, assuming the helm of the England team. Though his coaching tenure lasted merely three years, it concluded with a disappointing defeat in the 2011 Rugby World Cup, marking the end of an era.
#17. Willie John McBride (Ireland)
It's impossible to discuss the Lions without paying tribute to the exceptional McBride, a true embodiment of class and team spirit both on and off the field. As an incredibly perceptive number 8, he possessed an innate awareness of his teammates' positions, ensuring no one was left behind. McBride accumulated an impressive 63 international caps throughout his career. Known for his fierce competitiveness in lineouts, he was an adversary few would want to face, thanks to his exceptional jumping ability. McBride's contributions to the game are nothing short of remarkable.
#16. Paul O'Connell (Ireland)
O'Connell, an esteemed figure in Irish rugby, holds the distinction of being the country's third most capped player in history. He displayed exceptional leadership qualities as he captained Ireland, Munster, and the British and Irish Lions.
One pivotal moment that forever altered the course of a game occurred when O'Connell secured the ball in a crucial lineout against Wales during the 2009 Six Nations Championship. This game-changing feat ultimately paved the way for Ireland's first Grand Slam victory in 61 years, etching O'Connell's name into the annals of sporting glory.
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#15. Sergio Parisse (Italy)
Parisse, the trailblazing Italian rugby player, made history as the first-ever nominee from Italy for the prestigious IRB International Player of the Year award. Formerly the captain of the renowned French team Stade Français, he currently holds the captaincy for the Italian National Rugby Union Team.
Widely regarded as one of the most influential number eights in the modern era of rugby, Parisse's reputation stems largely from his exceptional handling skills. Additionally, he possesses remarkable field awareness, particularly under intense pressure during line-out situations. Parisse's impact on the game is truly remarkable, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.
#14. Shane Williams (Wales)
One of the defining highlights of his illustrious career occurred during the 2005 Six Nations tournament. With his exceptional try-scoring prowess, Williams played a crucial role in Wales winning every single match, culminating in a remarkable Grand Slam victory. Not content with a singular achievement, he played a pivotal part in helping Wales replicate this feat in 2008. Furthermore, Williams made history as the first Welshman to receive the prestigious IRB Rugby Player of the Year Award, a testament to his exceptional skills and contributions to the sport.
#13. Serge Blanco (France)
Renowned as one of the most exceptionally talented fullbacks in the annals of rugby, Blanco carved his name in history. Amassing an impressive 93 caps and contributing 233 points throughout his career, he played a pivotal role in France's triumphant Grand Slam victories in 1981 and 1987.
However, it is Blanco's unforgettable moment during the inaugural 1987 World Cup that remains etched in the memories of fans worldwide. With his decisive try, he played a vital role in France's 28-24 victory over Australia, securing an iconic triumph and etching his legacy in rugby lore.
#12. Aaron Smith (New Zealand)
Smith, a dynamic scrum-half hailing from New Zealand, is widely recognized as one of the best in his position. Known for his lightning-fast distribution, exceptional decision-making, and remarkable vision on the field, Smith has been a key playmaker for the All Blacks.
His ability to control the tempo of the game, coupled with his relentless work rate, has made him an indispensable asset to the New Zealand national team. With his consistent performances and remarkable skill set, Smith has rightfully earned his place among the elite scrum-halves in rugby history.
#11. Michael Hooper (Australia)
Hooper, an Australian rugby sensation, is revered for his immense talent and relentless work ethic on the field. As a versatile back-row player, Hooper has consistently displayed exceptional skills in both attack and defense.
Renowned for his lightning-fast pace, unwavering commitment, and extraordinary tackling ability, he has been a standout performer for both the Wallabies and his club teams. Hooper's leadership qualities, coupled with his exceptional performances, have earned him the honour of captaining the Australian national team.
Michael Hooper of Australia has try disallowed under pressure from Chris Robshaw of England during the Old Mutual Wealth Series match, between England and Australia at Twickenham Stadium, London , UK, on the 18th November 2017.(Photo:Dean Lancaster/PPAUK)
#10. Schalk Burger (South Africa)
Burger, hailing from South Africa, is a formidable presence in the world of rugby. Known for his relentless physicality and tenacity, Burger's career has been marked by numerous accolades.
A stalwart in the South African team, he showcased exceptional skills as a flanker and became an integral part of their triumph in the 2007 Rugby World Cup. Burger's remarkable career and unwavering determination have solidified his status as one of the finest players to grace the sport.
#9. Michael Jones (New Zealand)
Jones, a legendary figure in New Zealand rugby, exemplifies skill and grace on the field. Renowned for his speed, agility, and extraordinary athleticism, Jones made a significant impact during his career. As an All Black, he was a key contributor to the team's success, including their historic triumph in the inaugural Rugby World Cup in 1987. Jones' remarkable abilities as a flanker have solidified his place among the finest players to have represented New Zealand.
#8. Brian O'Driscoll (Ireland)
Driscoll, an Irish rugby icon, has etched his name in the annals of the sport. Regarded as one of the greatest centers to have ever played, O'Driscoll's skill, vision, and leadership set him apart. Captaining the Irish national team, he played a crucial role in their success, including their memorable Grand Slam victory in 2009. O'Driscoll's ability to read the game, coupled with his exceptional attacking prowess, has rightfully earned him a place among the legends of Irish rugby.
#7. David Campese (Australia)
Campese, representing Australia, left an indelible mark on the sport with his exceptional skills and flair. Widely regarded as one of the most exciting and creative wingers in rugby history, Campese thrilled audiences with his unpredictable style of play. His ability to score extraordinary tries and his intuitive understanding of the game made him a formidable force. Campese's contributions to Australian rugby and his iconic moments on the field have solidified his place among the best rugby players of all time.
#6. Percy Montgomery (South Africa)
Montgomery, a South African rugby sensation, mesmerized fans with his skill, versatility, and accuracy as a fullback. Known for his exceptional kicking abilities and ability to counter-attack, Montgomery played a pivotal role in South Africa's historic Rugby World Cup victory in 2007. His consistency and reliability under pressure, along with his impressive point-scoring records, have cemented his legacy as one of the most accomplished players to have donned the Springbok jersey.
#5. Richie McCaw (New Zealand)
McCaw, a true titan of the game, is widely regarded as one of the greatest rugby players of all time. As a fearless and relentless flanker, he showcased exceptional leadership skills and an unrivaled work ethic.
McCaw's career is adorned with numerous achievements, including two Rugby World Cup victories in 2011 and 2015, where he captained the New Zealand team. His remarkable performances, astute decision-making, and unwavering commitment to excellence make him an iconic figure in the world of rugby and undoubtedly one of the best rugby players of all time.
#4. Gareth Edwards (Wales)
Edwards, hailing from Wales, is often hailed as one of the finest scrum-halves to have graced the game of rugby. Renowned for his agility, speed, and exceptional passing ability, Edwards revolutionized the role of the scrum-half during his career. A crucial member of the Welsh team that achieved Grand Slam success in the 1970s, he left an indelible mark with his outstanding performances.
#3. David Pocock (Australia)
Pocock, an Australian rugby legend, is celebrated for his exceptional skills as a flanker. Known for his tenacity, strength, and formidable presence at the breakdown, Pocock is widely regarded as one of the best in his position.
His ability to disrupt opposition play and win crucial turnovers made him a force to be reckoned with. Pocock's unwavering commitment to the game, combined with his leadership qualities, has made him a beloved figure in Australian rugby history.
#2. Dan Carter (New Zealand)
Carter, representing New Zealand, is hailed as one of the greatest fly-halves in rugby history. Renowned for his exceptional kicking ability, precise passing, and strategic playmaking, Carter epitomized excellence on the field.
A key figure in the dominant All Blacks team, he played an instrumental role in their consecutive Rugby World Cup victories in 2011 and 2015. Carter's unmatched skill set, composed demeanor, and consistent performances have solidified his place among the pantheon of rugby greats.
#1. Jonah Lomu (New Zealand
Lomu, an iconic figure in rugby, is regarded as one of the most dominant and influential players of all time. Standing tall and powerful on the wing, Lomu revolutionized the game with his sheer speed, strength, and athleticism.
His unforgettable performances in the 1995 Rugby World Cup captivated the world as he bulldozed through opposition defenses, leaving a trail of awe and admiration. Lomu's impact extended beyond the field, as he became a global ambassador for the sport and an inspiration to countless aspiring rugby players. His legacy as a true legend of the game remains unparalleled.
Undoubtedly, deserves to be ranked number one on a list of the best rugby players of all time.
Get your tickets for the 2024 Six Nations at viagogo, the world’s leading ticket marketplace. Ticket start from £27.
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