captained France through some of their most memorable battles in the late 2000s and early 2010s. Known for his tireless work rate, fearless tackling, and leadership, he was named 2011 IRB Player of the Year after leading France to the World Cup final.
When Richie McCaw talks rugby, people listen.
The former All Blacks captain is widely regarded as one of the greatest players ever to grace the game, so when asked to name rugby's GOAT, he didn't need long to think about his answer.
McCaw's choice may spark debate among fans, but his verdict offers a fascinating insight into how one legend views greatness in the sport.
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4. Schalk Burger (South Africa)
Position: Back-row
Height: 6 ft 4 in
Weight: 242 lb
Caps: 86
Height: 6 ft 4 in
Weight: 242 lb
Caps: 86
Richie McCaw said:
"You can come up against another tough team but never feel like you have had a tough match against your opposite. But with Burger you knew where they are going to be and how hard they play near the ball."
Did you know?
Burger overcame a life-threatening bout of bacterial meningitis in 2013, returning to international rugby the following year.
Burger overcame a life-threatening bout of bacterial meningitis in 2013, returning to international rugby the following year.
Bio:
Schalk Burger, one of the fiercest Springboks of his generation, was known for his aggression, courage, and leadership. The 2004 IRB Player of the Year helped South Africa win the 2007 Rugby World Cup and became a symbol of resilience after his remarkable comeback from serious illness.
Schalk Burger, one of the fiercest Springboks of his generation, was known for his aggression, courage, and leadership. The 2004 IRB Player of the Year helped South Africa win the 2007 Rugby World Cup and became a symbol of resilience after his remarkable comeback from serious illness.
#3. Thierry Dusautoir (France)
Position: Back-row
Height: 6 ft 2 in
Weight: 218 lb
Caps: 80
Height: 6 ft 2 in
Weight: 218 lb
Caps: 80
Richie McCaw said:
"Over the years I've played him a few times and you always know he's there. He was always pretty big defensively and in the breakdown area. A menace."
Did you know?
Dusautoir set a record for the most tackles in a Rugby World Cup match, making 38 against the All Blacks in 2007.
Dusautoir set a record for the most tackles in a Rugby World Cup match, making 38 against the All Blacks in 2007.
Bio:
Thierry Dusautoir, nicknamed “The Dark Destroyer,”
Thierry Dusautoir, nicknamed “The Dark Destroyer,”
#2. Jonny Wilkinson (England)
Position: Fly-half
Height: 5 ft 10 in
Weight: 185 lb
Caps: 91
Height: 5 ft 10 in
Weight: 185 lb
Caps: 91
Richie McCaw said:
"He'll go down as one of the greats of world rugby."
Did you know?
Jonny’s brother, Mark Wilkinson, also played professionally, making 16 Premiership appearances for Newcastle Falcons between 2002 and 2005.
Jonny’s brother, Mark Wilkinson, also played professionally, making 16 Premiership appearances for Newcastle Falcons between 2002 and 2005.
Bio:
Jonny Wilkinson is best remembered for his dramatic drop-goal that won England the 2003 Rugby World Cup. Renowned for his precision kicking, intense preparation, and humility, Wilkinson enjoyed a glittering career with England, Newcastle Falcons, and Toulon, earning both domestic and European titles.
Jonny Wilkinson is best remembered for his dramatic drop-goal that won England the 2003 Rugby World Cup. Renowned for his precision kicking, intense preparation, and humility, Wilkinson enjoyed a glittering career with England, Newcastle Falcons, and Toulon, earning both domestic and European titles.
#1. Jonah Lomu (New Zealand)
Position: Winger
Height: 6 ft 5 in
Weight: 262 lb
Caps: 63
Height: 6 ft 5 in
Weight: 262 lb
Caps: 63
Richie McCaw said:
"When I first became an All Black he was in the team. To play alongside a guy you had watched as a young fella was pretty amazing. He made me look silly in training more than once.”
Did you know?
New Zealand sevens star Eric Rush played a touch game with Lomu when he was 14 years old and was so impressed he invited him to a sevens tournament in Singapore the next day.
New Zealand sevens star Eric Rush played a touch game with Lomu when he was 14 years old and was so impressed he invited him to a sevens tournament in Singapore the next day.
Bio:
Jonah Lomu (1975–2015) revolutionised rugby union with his blend of size, power, and speed. He burst onto the world stage during the 1995 Rugby World Cup, where his devastating runs made him an international superstar. Despite a career cut short by kidney disease, he remains one of the sport’s most iconic and influential figures.
Jonah Lomu (1975–2015) revolutionised rugby union with his blend of size, power, and speed. He burst onto the world stage during the 1995 Rugby World Cup, where his devastating runs made him an international superstar. Despite a career cut short by kidney disease, he remains one of the sport’s most iconic and influential figures.
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