Owen Farrell (England)
The smirk in front of the haka may give ammunition for those who love to hate the England captain, but his ability as a top-class playmaker cannot be denied. A brilliant player for both club and country.
Aaron Smith (NZ)
“The best thing about ‘Nuggy’ is that he walks the talk,” says Highlanders’ Aaron Mauger of the most-capped No 9 in New Zealand history. “The speed of his delivery from the base of the scrum and ruck is a key point of difference,” adds Steve Hansen. His service remains critical for club and country.
Marcos Ayerza (Argentina
The legendary Leicester and Argentina prop announced his retirement from professional rugby at the age of 34 in 2017. He retired with immediate effect, having played 246 times for Leicester, winning four Premiership titles in the process, having been advised to end his career because of a back injury.
Dane Coles (NZ)
The Rugby World Cup-winning All Black has been plagued by bad luck over the past two years, with concussion, Achilles and knee problems dogging the Hurricane. He’s lost his Test spot to Codie Taylor but such is the quality of this ball-playing quasi-centre that he remains an important figure.
Ramiro Herrera (Argentina)
Remains one of the best tighthead’s in the world, plying his trade currently with Stade Francois in the TOP14. Still has plenty left to give.