In the run-up to the 2019 Rugby World Cup final RUCK will be looking at the best players ever to play the game across each position, starting with the best Full-backs in Rugby History, before ultimately naming our all-time best XV.
They are usually skilled playmakers and have blistering pace while are also paramount when defending as they are last line of defence should an opponent break through the back line.
With so many impressive fullbacks throughout the history of the game, it was difficult to determine upon just 10 but here are our choices – do you agree?…
Best Full-backs in Rugby History
10. Israel Dagg (New Zealand)
Despite only being 27-years of age Israel Dagg has established himself as one of the finest fullbacks ever to grace the game through his ability on and off the ball.
Dagg made his debut for the All Blacks in 2010 and was a key member of the team that won the Webb Ellis Cup in 2011 after he displaced his predecessor Mils Muliaina.
Did you know: Following the completion of the Rugby World Cup, the IRB’s Rugby News Service listed Dagg as one of the Top 5 players
9. Leigh Halfpenny (Wales)
Leigh Halfpenny is one of the most talented and successful players of the modern era with his reliable boot and line-breaking ability proving valuable assets to both Wales and the British and Irish Lions.
The 26-year old made his international bow in 2008, and the fullback has since played for Wales in a World Cup semi-final in 2011 as well as winning Six Nations titles in 2012 and 2013, with the initial victory being a Grand Slam.
Did you know: Halfpenny is the third highest record points scorer for Wales after Neil Jenkins and Stephen Jones.
8. Andy Irvine (Scotland)
Goal-kicking machine Andy Irvine is remembered as one of the finest attacking fullbacks of all time.
He made his Scotland debut in a narrow 14-9 defeat to the All Blacks in 1972 and would accumulate 51 caps over the next decade, scoring a total 250 points.
The blisteringly quick back also made nine appearances for the British and Irish Lions, scoring 51 points.