Nigel Owens ranks top 8 captains he refereed - including surprise England skipper - Ruck

Nigel Owens ranks top 8 captains he refereed – including surprise England skipper

Popular rugby referee Nigel Owens revealed his top eight captains from international rugby when picking his all-time dream team.

The Welshman’s list featured a host of legends from the 20 years of rugby union, including a surprise Englishman.

#8. Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland)

Owens said: “Not only is he one of the greatest centres in the history of rugby union but he’s a fantastic man off the field as well. O’Driscoll has been a wonderful ambassador for the sport and a real leader. He always respected referees and set the right example for others to follow.

“A legend of the game who conducted himself superbly, on and off the pitch.”

#7. Thierry Dusautoir (France)

Owens said: “He was a truly great captain of France. Win or lose, he was the same at the after-match function. He’d always say thank-you and was extremely polite.”

Did you know? In 2015, he snubbed a move to Leicester and signed a two-year contract extension with Toulouse.

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