Top 10 Greatest Rugby Players of All Time
Presenting the top 10 greatest players who have competed on a Rugby union pitch from the early days of the sport in the 1800s to the current day. These are the forwards and backs that have made rugby famous in nations around the world.Despite Lomu's undoubted talents, he was really just a freak at a time when rugby was not used to it. Nowadays, defenses are so much better, and he would not be anything like as effective. He did, however, change the game forever, and more specifically, what it meant to be a winger in the professional age. Without him, there would be no Savea, North, Stockdale, etc.
He is not the best ever rugby player though. Stick the ball behind him or double up, and he struggled - as the South Africans showed on many occasions.
Where do we start? Two-time World Cup-winning captain in 2011 and 2015, he also played in 2003 and 2007. Named World Rugby Player of the Year three times, in 2006, 2009, and 2010, McCaw was a breakdown master, super athlete, and inspirational leader. He had a remarkable ability to talk referees onto his side and was one of the most durable All Black players ever.
McCaw captained the All Blacks in 110 out of his 148 test matches. He holds the record of the most capped test rugby player of all time.
The definition of greatness is Richie McCaw. The man isn't human. Has Brian O'Driscoll led Ireland to two World Cup wins? He couldn't even beat the All Blacks. McCaw has won everything possible to have won... with Canterbury, Crusaders, and All Blacks. Enough said.
A legend and an honor and privilege to have been able to witness his sublime talents.
The most wicked sidestep ever.
The greatest center of all time easily and probably the best player of all time.
Gareth Edwards was the greatest rugby player of all time, from the greatest rugby side that there has ever been. The devastating raw toughness and skill of the 1970s team would beat any rugby nation at the time. Wales is the most formidable nation not to win the World Cup.
No one will match the skill of Gareth Edwards. He could do anything with a rugby ball - genius!
Gareth Edwards is a player ahead of his time. He had good ball sense and a great rugby mind to boot. He is the greatest player of all time and the star of the '74 Lions - the best team of all time too.
Martin Johnson was a great rugby player and England manager for ages. He also had quality for Leicester Tigers and won the World Cup as England captain.
One of rugby's best ever and, for me, England's best player ever. He always did the hardest jobs on the park.
The Newcomers
The fastest rugby player ever and a great try scorer for the Springboks. The best try scorer in the Rugby World Cup.
Bryan Habana holds the fastest 100-meter run by any Springboks rugby player. He beats recent speedsters Cheslin Kolbe and Sbu Nkosi to this honor.
By far the best rugby player of all time.
Too fast for his own good.
Consistently better than everyone else throughout his career, Smith has stayed at the top as one of two or three of the best halfbacks in the world. Vote for the man, people!
Hugo Porta, in addition to his stylish manner, changed forever the way to kick the rugby ball.
Not a surprise he was excellent at football (soccer) and close to having a contract with Boca Juniors.
Best fly-half of the amateur era. Singlehandedly won games for Argentina against the top nations in the world.