The ‘show us your medals’ brigade would have a hard time criticising these superstars, although none have claimed Europe’s biggest prize…
Players must have played a minimum of two full seasons in Europe to be considered.
DAN CARTER
Dan the man. The greatest back of the professional era, his record speaks for itself. Way out in front as the leading points scorer in international rugby history, with 1,598 points from his 112 caps. Throw in a further 1,708 points for the Crusaders and the fly-half’s impact on the game cannot be emphasised enough. However, he so far has not been able to win the big one in Europe, finishing runner-up in his first season when Racing was comprehensively beaten by Saracens by 21 points to 9. Carter was substituted shortly after half-time in the game, having aggravated his leg injury
DID YOU KNOW: In 2004 and 2005, Carter was voted sexiest New Zealand male
SHANE WILLIAMS
Named world player of the year in 2008, he ended up with 60 Test tries, leaving the Welshman fourth on the all-time list behind Daisuke Ohata, David Campese and Bryan Habana. He was The Great Entertainer. However, despite winning a truck full of accolades during his great career, Williams never got close to triumphing in Europe.
DID YOU KNOW: Williams made a cameo appearance as himself in an episode of the UK TV comedy drama Stella.
