Nigel Owens didn't hesitate when naming the best captain he ever refereed

Monday, 14 October 2024 at 22:08

byRugby Rucker

Get ready for a surprising revelation from renowned rugby referee Nigel Owens, as he unveils his list of the top five captains he has officiated!

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#5. Chris Robshaw (England) - The Unsung Hero of English Rugby

The former English rugby union player who captained the national team from 2012 to 2015 might surprise some! Known for his exceptional work rate and leadership skills, Robshaw had a dynamic career, leaving a lasting impact on the field.

Owens says, “Some people will be surprised at this one to start off. His misfortune was perhaps to be leading England during a difficult time, but he always gave everything for the cause, encouraging others to follow suit, and he was a nice guy off the pitch.”

#4. Jean de Villiers (South Africa) - The Springbok Legend

Next up, we have the legendary Jean de Villiers! A versatile back who captained the Springboks from 2012 to 2015, de Villiers showcased his skills and leadership throughout his impressive career.

Owens adds, “He was not only a great rugby player but also a great leader and a great man. Whenever I came across him on the field, he impressed me.”

#3. Richie McCaw (New Zealand) - The Ultimate All Black

You can’t have a list of great captains without mentioning Richie McCaw! Widely regarded as one of the greatest openside flankers, he led the All Blacks to back-to-back Rugby World Cup victories in 2011 and 2015.

Owens says, “He’s right up on any list of rugby’s greatest players. New Zealand won something like nine out of every 10 games in which he led them, but the mark of Richie McCaw was how he conducted himself when the All Blacks lost.”

#2. Paul O'Connell & Brian O'Driscoll (Ireland) - The Dynamic Duo

It’s a two-for-one special with Paul O’Connell and Brian O’Driscoll! Both icons of Irish rugby, O’Connell’s towering presence as a lock complemented O’Driscoll’s skillful play at centre.

Owens shares, “I’m classing this as a joint ticket as whenever I seemed to ref Ireland in their day O’Driscoll was captain and O’Connell was vice-skipper. I found them excellent to deal with.”

#1. Thierry Dusautoir (France) - The Fearless Leader

Taking the top spot is Thierry Dusautoir! Renowned for his incredible defensive skills and fearless tackling, Dusautoir captained France from 2009 to 2015 and was a key figure in their defense.

Owens states, “My choice as the best skipper I encountered may raise a few eyebrows, but what a captain Dusautoir was. He unfailingly put his body on the line throughout his career — recall the 38 tackles he made when France knocked the All Blacks out of the 2007 World Cup.”

The Three Richest Couples in World Rugby

Rugby has produced some of the most iconic athletes in the sporting world, but for a select few, success on the pitch has also led to immense wealth off it.

From high-profile marriages to lucrative endorsements and television appearances, these rugby stars have built financial empires.

Here’s a look at three couples who have combined their sporting legacies with fame and fortune, amassing millions along the way.

Mike and Zara Tindall – £20m

Mike Tindall is known not just for his rugby prowess but for his royal connections. As the husband of Zara Phillips, the granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II, Tindall has become a prominent figure in British media.

Nicknamed “The Fridge” due to his imposing physique, Tindall was a stalwart on the rugby field, famously breaking his nose at least eight times over the course of his career. Since retiring from the sport, he’s made a name for himself in the entertainment world, appearing on popular reality shows such as I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here, Bear Grylls: Mission Survive, The Jump, Shark Cage, Celebrity Poker Club, and All-Star Poker Challenge

Despite his success in sports and entertainment, Tindall’s wealth has been largely bolstered by his royal ties, with his net worth estimated at £20 million, according to British media.

Jonny and Shelley Wilkinson – £22m

Jonny Wilkinson is a legendary figure in English rugby, with a career spanning 12 seasons at Newcastle Falcons before his move to French club Toulon in 2009. Wilkinson cemented his place in history by leading England to victory in the 2003 Rugby World Cup, becoming a national hero in the process.

In his personal life, Wilkinson has kept a lower profile. He married his long-time girlfriend, Shelley Jenkins, in a private ceremony on the French Riviera in October 2013. The couple now has a son, reportedly named James, and maintain a relatively private family life. Wilkinson's net worth stands at £22 million, making him one of rugby's wealthiest figures.

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Sonny Bill and Alana Williams – £20m

Sonny Bill Williams is a sporting icon from New Zealand, famed not only for his rugby achievements but also for his ventures into boxing. Known for his versatility, Williams has excelled in both rugby union and rugby league, playing as a centre and second-rower, respectively. Additionally, his brief yet successful stint in professional boxing saw him win nine out of 10 heavyweight bouts.

In 2013, Williams married Alana Raffie after a whirlwind four-week romance, following Islamic traditions despite admitting that they were not in love at the time. Their union has since become one of the most talked-about in sports. With a combination of earnings from rugby, boxing, and endorsements, the couple's net worth is reported to be around £20 million.