“Skill-set was complete” – Sir Clive Woodward names the FIVE most talented players he’s ever seen

 A former England International and British & Irish Lion himself, prior to his full time coaching career Clive established a successful business career working for nine years with Xerox in the UK and Australia before establishing his own small finance and leasing company.

During Clive’s tenure as Head Coach England moved from 6th in the world to being the number one ranked team, winning every trophy an England team can win.

Using several articles and interviews with various sources from down the years, we’ve ranked Woodward's five greatest players based on the players he bestowed with the most acclaim.

DID YOU KNOW? His playing career began with Harlequins in 1974 before switching to Leicester in 1979 following a spell at Loughborough University

English rugby fly-half known for his dazzling skills, Cipriani has played for top clubs and the national team. Renowned for his flair and precision, he's a dynamic playmaker on the field.

"Cipriani is the only English number 10 of the past 20 years who, if I'd been coach and he had been up for selection at the same time as Jonny, could have caused big selection headaches.

"The Sale man's skill-set is so complete. He poses an attacking threat with ball in hand and has a superb kicking game and world-class distribution. I think Wilkinson would have got the nod over him in the end but the fact I even mention them in the same breath shows how highly I rate Cipriani."

Irish rugby legend and former captain, O'Driscoll is widely regarded as one of the greatest centers in the sport's history. A skilled strategist, he led Ireland to numerous victories.

Woodward said: "In the Grand Slam game in 2003, we worked on a plan to man-mark him with three players, so the tackler was not exposed by O'Driscoll's footwork and pace in a one-on-one situation.

"That's how big a threat we believed he was - he needed three men to handle him. Ireland were going for a Grand Slam, but none of the players around Brian were in the same league.

"Whenever he had the ball we wanted one player opposite him and one man either side - it would usually be Wilkinson, Will Greenwood and Mike Tindall."

New Zealand rugby icon, Lomu was a powerhouse winger whose size and speed revolutionized the game. A true legend, he left an indelible mark on rugby.

"He took rugby to a whole new level," said Woodward.

"There's very rarely one player who dominates a whole World Cup and he certainly did."

English rugby hero, Wilkinson's iconic drop goal secured the 2003 World Cup. Known for his precision kicking and dedication, he's considered one of the sport's all-time greats.

 "Jonny was special and he scared the opposition. Everyone has to pat him on the back."

"The way he defended and attacked, he was a very special player," added Woodward, who handed Wilkinson his England debut in 1998.

"All of us involved in that team [in 2003] just felt very lucky and privileged to have had him around at that time.

"He would have taken the decision to retire very seriously but he will still be playing for Toulon, and he has been playing very well for Toulon.

"I'd just like to say well done to him. He has done so much for not just English rugby but also world rugby on the field, and especially off the field."

Welsh rugby legend and scrum-half maestro, Edwards was a key figure in the 1970s golden era. Renowned for his vision and agility, he's hailed as one of the greatest rugby players ever.

He said: "The greatest talent I played against was Gareth Edwards. He was in his last season and I was in my first.

"His talent was undiminished and he had a great aura. His banter with his old Lions mate Bob Hiller was also priceless. As a coach, it is Jason Robinson.

"He was a sponge and soaked up every single rugby union skill. By the end he was probably the best kicker out of hand we had, he laid the ball back at rucks perfectly and his tackle technique was perfect. What a player."

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