6. Francois Pienaar (South Africa)
Springbok Captain Pienaar is famous for leading South Africa to triumph in the World Cup in 1995.
Despite only making 29 Caps, each was as Captain, and he showed to the world his considerable rugby skills.
Not only did Pienaar’s side topple a heavily fancied All Blacks team in front of an expectant South Africa population, but they also managed in their small way to bring together South Africa’s post-apartheid society
Did you know: After being dropped from the Springbok team Pienaar went on to have a career with English club Saracens.
Honourable mentions: Richard Hill (England), Jerry Collins (New Zealand), Jerome Kaino (New Zealand)
7. Richie McCaw (New Zealand)
McCaw was a skilled and hardworking rugby player, known for his abilities at the breakdown and his dynamic running.
He developed excellent handling skills and was a key link man on the field, with the athleticism and ball-carrying ability to consistently break the line.
McCaw was also a fearless and outstanding exponent at the breakdown throughout his career. In addition to his impressive skills on the field, he was also a respected leader.
He achieved legendary status by leading the All Blacks to victory in the 2011 Rugby World Cup, and he continued to break records and lead the team for four more years, winning the Webb Ellis trophy for a second time.
Honourable mentions: George Smith (Australia), Neil Back (England) Schalk Burger (South Africa)
8. Zinzan Brooke (New Zealand)
He was an effective forward but also had top-class handling skills and a trustworthy boot making him quite the unique player.
During his international career that spanned a decade from 1987 to 1997, he played in two World Cups in 1991 and 1995 scoring an unforgettable drop goal from 47 metres out against England in the latter.
Brooke in total played 58 tests for New Zealand, scoring 89 points. An obvious pick for the greatest rugby union XV of all-time.
Did you know: As well as rugby union, Brooke played Gaelic football, both before and after his rugby career.
Honourable mentions: Sergio Parisse (Italy), Lawrence Dallaglio (England), Wayne Shelford (New Zealand)
Quiz! Can you name every club that has played in the Premiership?
London Welsh were the last new team to play in the Gallagher Premiership back in 2011 – can you name the others?
You have five minutes to name every club to have played in the Gallagher Premiership, all 28 of them, since the division was established back in 1987.
It’s more difficult than it sounds.
Good luck, and let us know how you do