Leicester Tigers confirm yet another star has agreed early release - Page 3 of 3 - Ruck

Leicester Tigers confirm yet another star has agreed early release

4. Martin Johnson (England)

Iconic England legend Johnson is widely regarded as one of the greatest locks to have ever played the game.

He famously led England to glory at the 2003 Rugby World Cup and also captained the British & Irish Lions in 1997 and 2001 – the first player to have ever led the elite tourists twice.

In a glittering career, Johnson was also part of two Grand Slam-winning England sides in 1995 and again as the Skipper in 2003.

Did you know: Johnson was awarded an OBE by The Queen in 1997 but later honoured with a CBE in the aftermath of England’s Rugby World Cup triumph in 2003.
Honourable mentions: Victor Matfield (South Africa), Paul O’Connell (Ireland), Colin Meads (New Zealand)

5. John Eales (Australia) 

Perfect is a hard word to describe someone as but John Eales was not far off.

He had pretty much every skill the modern-day rugby play requires and was a born match winner. A true Australian sporting legend, Eales won two World Cups and played 86 times for his country, 55 times as captain.

Rarely for a forward, he was also a goal-kicker, with his most memorable strike being a sideline penalty goal in the final minutes of a 2000 test to win the Bledisloe Cup against New Zealand.

Did you know: He also played first-grade cricket for Queensland University in the Brisbane QCA cricket competition.

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) 

Complementing his natural prowess over the ball, McCaw worked and worked at his game, adding handling skills and dynamic running to turn himself into the complete openside.

Add to that his leadership and you have the perfect package. Lifting the 2011 World Cup in his backyard was a fitting tribute to one of the greatest ever All Blacks, but he went on to secure true legendary status as he continued for four more years, breaking record after record and uniquely hoisting the Webb Ellis trophy for a second time.

The former All Black Captain McCaw is one of the true rugby greats, moulding a career as the best flanker of all time.

McCaw led the All Blacks to Rugby World Cup glory in 2011 and 2015 and claimed the International Rugby Board’s Player of the Year award on a record three occasions (2006, 2009. 2010).

He became the first All Black to reach 100 Tests in 2011. Then by the time he hung up his boots; he had played 148 Tests (coming off the bench just six times) and was Captain in 111 Tests.

Did you know: In April 2011, McCaw received an invitation to the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton. However, as McCaw had only recently returned from his injury, he decided to decline the offer, preferring to focus on Super Rugby and the Rugby World Cup.
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.

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)