The five greatest captains in rugby history ranked from 5 to 1

From historic World Cup triumphs to unforgettable Lions tours, we rank the five greatest captains in rugby union history, looking at the men who left an indelible mark on the game.

Few figures have left a bigger mark on British and Irish Lions history than Willie John McBride. Across five tours, the towering lock made 71 appearances in the famous red jersey and won 17 Test caps, while his 63 appearances for Ireland included 11 as captain.

His greatest achievements came with the Lions. McBride played a key role in the 1971 series victory over New Zealand, the first and still only time the Lions have won a Test series there.

Three years later, he captained the side to an unbeaten tour of South Africa, with the Lions winning the Test series 3-0.

Inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame, McBride combined formidable physicality with exceptional leadership. His influence on Lions history is difficult to overstate.

For Francois Pienaar, one image defines a legacy that stretched far beyond rugby.

When Nelson Mandela handed him the Webb Ellis Cup after South Africa's 1995 Rugby World Cup victory, Pienaar became part of one of the most significant moments in sporting history.

The Springboks' triumph over New Zealand helped turn a team that had long been viewed as a divisive symbol into a source of unity for a changing nation.

On the field, Pienaar was a tough, uncompromising flanker who led through commitment and resilience. He had the ability to bring teammates together while carrying the immense pressure that came with captaining South Africa on home soil.

The 1995 triumph ensured his place among rugby's greatest leaders, but Pienaar's significance lies in what that victory represented beyond the game.

England needed a captain capable of leading from the front during their rise to the top of world rugby, and Martin Johnson was exactly that.

The Leicester Tigers lock built his reputation on authority, toughness and an uncompromising demand for high standards. He was not a captain known for grand speeches or emotional displays, but his presence commanded respect from teammates and opponents alike.

Johnson's defining achievement came at the 2003 Rugby World Cup, where he led England to their historic victory over Australia in Sydney. While Jonny Wilkinson's drop goal delivered the winning moment, Johnson had set the tone throughout the tournament.

His leadership was also recognised by the British and Irish Lions, who appointed him captain for tours of South Africa in 1997 and Australia in 2001.

More than 20 years after England's World Cup triumph, Johnson remains the benchmark against which many English rugby captains are judged.

110 Tests as captain. Two Rugby World Cups. A winning percentage that few leaders in any sport could hope to match.

Richie McCaw's record alone places him among the greatest captains rugby has ever seen, but statistics only tell part of the story. His leadership helped New Zealand finally overcome their World Cup frustrations in 2011 before retaining the title in 2015.

At openside flanker, McCaw was relentless. His work at the breakdown frustrated opponents, while his ability to read a game often gave the All Blacks an advantage in the biggest moments.

Away from the spotlight, he was equally influential. McCaw helped establish a culture built on accountability, humility and the constant pursuit of improvement, setting standards that every player entering the All Blacks environment was expected to meet.

By the time he retired, McCaw had become the defining captain of rugby's professional era.

DID YOU KNOW? Richie McCaw became a helicopter pilot after retiring from rugby and has flown on rescue and firefighting missions in New Zealand.

From Zwide township to becoming the first captain to lift the Rugby World Cup twice for South Africa, Siya Kolisi's journey is unlike any other in the history of the game.

Appointed as the first black Springboks captain in 2018, Kolisi took on a role carrying enormous significance. He responded by building a reputation as a leader capable of bringing together players from different backgrounds and creating a powerful sense of collective purpose.

South Africa won the Rugby World Cup under his captaincy in 2019, defeating England in the final, before defending their title in France four years later. That achievement placed Kolisi in rugby's most exclusive company.

His greatest strength, however, may be his ability to connect with people. Fiercely competitive on the pitch but humble away from it, Kolisi has become an inspiration far beyond rugby.

He changed his team, united a nation and helped redefine what modern sporting leadership can look like.

DID YOU KNOW? Siya Kolisi grew up in Zwide township and has spoken about sometimes going to bed hungry as a child. He later launched the Kolisi Foundation with his then-wife Rachel to support communities across South Africa.

Out of these exceptional leaders, some have claimed the title just once, while others have done so on multiple occasions. Captains from nations such as New Zealand, Australia, England, and South Africa are part of the exclusive list of multiple-time champions.

We challenge you to identify all Rugby World Cup-winning captains across the tournament's history spanning 10 editions.