Nigel Owens only ranks Nigel Owens third in top five rugby captains ever

Friday, 13 January 2023 at 15:09

byRugby Rucker

Nigel Owens has named the six greatest captains he dealt with during his career as a professional rugby referee.

The popular referee selected his picks for Wales Online, but set out at the start that he wouldn’t be picking any Welshman in his selection.

“I am not going to include any Welsh players on my list because I haven’t refereed them in international matches.

“Anyway, these are my top Test skippers ranked, Welshmen aside.”

While there will always be some big-name omissions from lists such as these, there aren’t any captains on the list unworthy of Owens’ praise.

Check out his full selection below.

Nigel Owens Top Captains:

#5. Chris Robshaw (England)

Owens said: 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."

Chris Robshaw facts:

Born the second of three boys, Robshaw had to cope with the trauma of his father’s death when he was just five years old
Robshaw, who has a lot of gay friends, is often spotted at events, marching alongside LGBTQ rugby players in London next year.
The future England star struggled with dyslexia at school, but was able to release his frustation on the rugby pitch
Boyhood Arsenal supporter Chris Robshaw welcomed England’s red wine change strip in 2012 – because it looks like the kit once worn by his Gunners heroes.

#4. Jean de Villiers (South Africa)

Owens said: "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)

Owens said: "He’s right up on any list of rugby’s greatest players.

"Maybe he will be at the top for many people.

"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)

Owens said: "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.

"O’Driscoll actually used to tell me if there were issues with the forwards then I should chat to O’Connell.

I found them excellent to deal with."

Brian O'Driscoll facts:

He is devoted to Manchester United and his boyhood hero was Mark Hughes
O'Driscoll married actress Amy Huberman in July 2010 in Lough Rynn Castle
His father, Frank, played two games for Ireland and an uncle, Barry, won four caps
He appeared three times for the invitational Barbarians rugby team
O'Driscoll was chosen as Player of the Tournament in the 2006, 2007 and 2009 RBS Six Nations Championships

#1. Thierry Dusautoir (France)

Owens said: "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 — led by example and understood the game very well."