SECOND-ROW
4. Alun Wyn Jones – Wales
Alun Wyn Jones was another straightforward inclusion.
Owens refereed the lock countless times during his career and was consistently impressed by the intensity he brought to every match.
The former Wales and Lions captain wasn’t necessarily the loudest player on the pitch.
Owens described him as “a man of few words” who instead did his talking through his actions.
Most impressively, Owens said: “I don’t think I have reffed a match where he hasn’t given absolutely everything.”
5. Paul O’Connell – Ireland
Another iconic captain partners Jones.
Paul O’Connell established himself as a giant of Irish rugby during hugely successful spells with Munster, Ireland and the British & Irish Lions.
For Owens, his leadership was what truly separated him.
He described O’Connell as an “exceptional leader” and recalled matches where the lock appeared to carry Munster or Ireland almost single-handedly towards victory.
A Jones-O’Connell second-row would certainly not lack leadership.
BACK-ROW
6. Thierry Dusautoir – France
One of Owens’ most interesting selections comes at blindside.
Thierry Dusautoir famously captained France and was named World Rugby Player of the Year in 2011.
Owens regarded the Frenchman as perhaps the finest captain he encountered.
He praised Dusautoir for continually putting his body on the line and highlighted his conduct towards officials, even when decisions went against France.
Owens said: “He acted as a true leader should act.”
7. Richie McCaw – New Zealand
Owens had plenty of elite options at openside, including Australian breakdown specialist David Pocock.
But ultimately he couldn’t overlook Richie McCaw.
The All Blacks legend became the first captain to lift the Rugby World Cup twice, leading New Zealand to triumphs in 2011 and 2015.
Owens even placed McCaw in the conversation for the greatest rugby player ever.
“If anybody had to pick the greatest player in history,” he said, the choice would be extremely difficult between McCaw and Wales icon Gareth Edwards.
Owens also couldn’t resist acknowledging McCaw’s famous ability to operate right on the edge at the breakdown, joking about him spending time “sometimes the wrong side at rucks.”
8. Sergio Parisse – Italy
Completing an extraordinary back-row is Sergio Parisse.
The Italian number eight spent much of his international career playing in sides that struggled against rugby’s leading nations, but his individual quality was rarely in doubt.
Owens had refereed numerous world-class number eights but considered Parisse the standout.
He described the Italian as an immensely talented player who “rarely has a bad game.”
Owens acknowledged that Parisse could sometimes appear to try to do too much, but felt that was partly a consequence of playing for teams that weren’t always operating at their best.
His final assessment was simple: “He’s been extraordinary.”
NIGEL OWENS’ BEST XV OF PLAYERS HE REFEREED
15. Israel Folau (Australia)
14. Stuart Hogg (Scotland)
13. Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland)
12. Ma’a Nonu (New Zealand)
11. Shane Williams (Wales)
10. Dan Carter (New Zealand)
9. Agustín Pichot (Argentina)
1. Gethin Jenkins (Wales)
2. John Smit (South Africa)
3. Phil Vickery (England)
4. Alun Wyn Jones (Wales)
5. Paul O’Connell (Ireland)
6. Thierry Dusautoir (France)
7. Richie McCaw (New Zealand)
8. Sergio Parisse (Italy)
QUIZ: Can you name all 26 teams to have played at the Men’s Rugby World Cups?
You’ve got just 5 minutes on the clock – no pressure!
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