{"id":30471,"date":"2023-02-23T18:30:16","date_gmt":"2023-02-23T17:30:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.radiotimes.com\/?p=1783176"},"modified":"2023-02-23T19:04:59","modified_gmt":"2023-02-23T18:04:59","slug":"best-rugby-players-of-all-time-ranked","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/radiotimes\/rss_feed\/best-rugby-players-of-all-time-ranked\/","title":{"rendered":"Best rugby players of all time ranked"},"content":{"rendered":"

Check out our full round-up of the best rugby union players ever to grace pitches around the world. <\/p>

By Nicola Austin\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Thursday, 23 February 2023 at 12:00 am<\/p>

\n\n

A number of iconic players have graced the rugby world stage across the sport\u2019s history, competing in a number of thrilling domestic and global tournaments.<\/p>\n

Of course, ranking players can be a hugely subjective matter, but we\u2019ve taken into consideration the sporting individual\u2019s abilities and performances, along with the impact they have had on the game.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a huge year for rugby with the Six Nations under way \u2013 and as competitive as ever \u2013 while the Rugby World Cup is on the horizon this year.<\/p>\n

RadioTimes.com<\/a> brings you our round-up of the greatest and most influential rugby union players of all time.<\/p>\n

10. Antoine Dupont (France)<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Antoine Dupont<\/span><\/figcaption> Getty Images<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

We know what you\u2019re thinking \u2013 it\u2019s far too early to add the award-winning French scrum-half to this greatest of all time list. But the Les Bleus\u2019 talisman is undoubtedly leading one of the most exciting teams on the international stage, all\u00a0while helping to change the perception of the sport.<\/p>\n

The superstar\u2019s world-class talent is a real joy to watch, with his flair and thrilling line-breaks consistently proving a truly entertaining spectacle for club and country \u2013 with both teams often packing out stadiums.<\/p>\n

For such a technical sport which is often viewed with certain snooty perceptions, players such as Dupont, Ellis Genge and Maro Itoje really are revitalising the game for a brand new audience.<\/p>\n

9. Sergio Parisse (Italy)<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Widely considered as one of the greatest Italian rugby players of all time, Sergio Parisse is a hugely influential modern great of the game.<\/p>\n

The towering 6 ft 5 back-rower possesses the physique and skillset of a back, with his power and leadership long since putting him in contention as one of the greatest number 8s.<\/p>\n

With a career spanning over twenty years and five Rugby World Cups, the 39 year old Italian giant is the most-capped player in Guinness Six Nations history \u2013 and is still playing for Top 14 team Toulon today.<\/p>\n

8. Bryan Habana (South Africa)<\/strong><\/h2>\n

It\u2019s not often that a sport star races the fastest mammal alive, but Habana famously did, demonstrating the sheer speed and acceleration of the legendary winger.<\/p>\n

Before Springbok stars Cheslin Kolbe and Kurt-Lee Arendse burst onto the scene, Bryan Habana was tearing it up as the top speedster. His try scoring precision was second to none, but his interceptions really were special, particularly against Argentina in the Rugby 2007 World Cup.<\/p>\n

The winger\u2019s total caps exceeded the 100 mark across his illustrious 12-year international career, dotting down 67 tries. He also famously equalled Jonah Lomu\u2019s record for the highest number of tries scored at Rugby World Cups (15).<\/p>\n

7. Gareth Edwards (Wales)<\/strong><\/h2>\n

A legendary player in Welsh rugby history, Edwards led a formidable national team which largely dominated the Northern hemisphere.<\/p>\n

The hugely talented scrum-half was a gifted playmaker and an all-round sportsman. He\u2019s best known for what is considered one of rugby\u2019s greatest ever tries for the Barbarians against New Zealand at Cardiff Arms Park back in 1973.<\/p>\n

Sir Gareth Edwards holds an enviable record, winning the Five Nations Championship as scrum-half for an incredible 11 times between 1967-1978 and scored 20 tries in his 53 tests for Wales.<\/p>\n

6. Martin Johnson (England)<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Martin Johnson<\/span><\/figcaption> Getty Images<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

With an incredible career spanning 16 years for both club and country \u2013 winning countless trophies and accolades along the way \u2013 Martin Johnson is deservedly considered one of the greatest rugby locks in the game\u2019s history.<\/p>\n

Best known for captaining the dominant 2003 England side to Rugby World Cup glory, the 6ft 7 towering skipper commanded a real presence on the pitch, with an enviable talent for reading the game.<\/p>\n

In 2001, Johnson became the first player to captain the British and Irish Lions twice, and was remarkably involved in all 10 Five\/Six Nations tournaments since his debut. He also captained the Leicester Tigers to four successive Premiership titles.<\/p>\n

5. Brian O\u2019Driscoll (Ireland)<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The former captain of Ireland, Leinster Rugby and the British and Irish Lions will undoubtedly go down in history as the greatest, and one of the most decorated, Irish players ever.<\/p>\n

The hugely talented centre was a near unstoppable force who scored some of the most incredible tries. His offloads, interceptions and dummy passes were also a real sight to behold, with his 2009 grand slamming winning drop goal proving one his most magical moments.<\/p>\n

He led his Irish side to a remarkable Grand Slam and three Triple Crowns, while setting the record for scoring 26 tries in the Six Nations Championship. He\u2019s also the 8th highest try scorer in international rugby union history.<\/p>\n

4. Jonny Wilkinson (England)<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The Newcastle Falcons and Toulouse fly-half has certainly earned his spot as one of the greatest players of the nation, with his exploits in the game cementing his place in English sporting history.<\/p>\n

Best known for his superb kicking abilities, Wilkinson also proved a truly dedicated team player with an impressive work rate, often excelling in his defensive work despite his shirt number and stature.<\/p>\n

His iconic last-gasp drop in extra time saw him clinch the win for England against Australia in the historic 2003 Rugby World Cup glory, inspiring a whole generation in that thrilling moment. He\u2019s also won an incredible number of awards and holds numerous world records, including the most drop goals in an international career (36).<\/p>\n

3. Dan Carter (New Zealand)<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Carter is often lauded as epitomising the perfect fly-half, becoming one of the greatest backs of the professional era.<\/p>\n

The fly-half\u2019s control and impact on the game was undeniable thanks to the dangerous combination of pinpoint kicking precision, play-making vision and his running ability. Amongst his array of incredible performances, scoring an unforgettable 33 points against the British and Irish Lions in 2005 is certainly a highlight.<\/p>\n

During his time with the dominant All Black side, Carter became the leading points scorer in international rugby, totalling 1598 points and 112 caps. He proved instrumental in their two World Cup wins, with his performances leading him to become a three-time World Rugby Player of the Year winner.<\/p>\n

2. Richie McCaw (New Zealand)<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The illustrious flanker\u2019s record-breaking 14-year career truly illustrates his influential status as the most decorated All Black captain, leading his team to two successive World Cup wins in 2011 and 2015.<\/p>\n

Best known for his dangerous prowess at the breakdown, McCaw improved his game to become a hugely gifted all-round talent, with enviable ball-carrying dynamism to boot.<\/p>\n

McCaw and teammate Dan Carter also set staggering Super Rugby records for Canterbury Crusaders. With a 148 cap tally for the All Blacks and setting numerous World Records, McCaw is certainly one of the most successful and influential players to grace the domestic and world stage.<\/p>\n

1. Jonah Lomu (New Zealand)<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Jonah Lomu<\/span><\/figcaption> Getty Images<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

The All Black legend was an incredibly rare player and has long since been considered the first global superstar of Rugby \u2013 having a huge impact on the sport.<\/p>\n

The winger shot to fame with an outstanding performance in the 1995 World Cup, scoring seven tries in five matches, with four of those in the semi-final against England. He went on to top that with a record 15 tries during the 1999 Rugby World Cup tournament.<\/p>\n

Throughout his international career, his intense physicality and impressive speed led to a total of 63 caps and 37 tries, and his dominant performances helped increase the popularity of the sport worldwide.<\/p>

If you\u2019re looking for something else to watch, check out our\u00a0TV Guide<\/a> or\u00a0Streaming Guide<\/b><\/a>, or visit our Sport<\/a> hub for all the latest news.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Try Radio Times magazine today and get 12 issues for only \u00a31 with delivery to your home \u2013 subscribe now<\/a>. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to the Radio Times View From My Sofa podcast<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p> <\/body><\/html>\n

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