BBC readers have selected their all-time rugby XV, two England legends selected
Rugby NewsSaturday, 04 May 2024 at 07:15
Choosing between Jonny Wilkinson and Dan Carter is just one of the significant decisions when assembling a World XV.
Join our Breaking News and Top Stories WhatsApp community for all the latest news direct to your phone.
Recently, over 200,000 rugby fans participated in a BBC poll, determining the ultimate all-time Rugby XV.
The competition for spots was fierce, resulting in some notable exclusions.
Now, let's unveil the players who secured their spots based on the fans' votes.
15. SERGE BLANCO (France)
The France legend could play on the wing, however, he was best known for his brilliance at fullback. Blanco, a legendary figure in rugby history, embodies skill, grace, and tenacity.
As a former French rugby union player, his illustrious career spanned decades, marked by breathtaking tries and strategic brilliance
14. BRYAN HABANA (South Africa)
South Africa speed machine Bryan Habana is regarded as one of the quickest players to ever play the game and helped his country to World Cup glory in 2007. He ended up on 15 World Cup tries, level with the New Zealand star.
13. BRIAN O'DRISCOLL (Ireland)
Ireland legend Brian O’Driscoll is regarded as one of the greatest outside centres of all time. He captained his country for nine years and was inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame back in 2016.
Off the field, his humility and sportsmanship have left an indelible mark on the sport, earning him universal admiration.
12. MA'A NONU (New Zealand)
He was a key member of the 2011 and 2015 Rugby World Cup-winning side. Nonu is a titan of rugby, is renowned for his raw power and finesse on the field. As a formidable New Zealand midfielder, his thunderous tackles and lightning-fast breaks have dazzled audiences globally.
Amazingly, he's still playing professionally in his 40's for the San Diego Legion.
11. JONAH LOMU (New Zealand)
The joint-top try-scorer in World Cup history, Jonah Lomu was always going to be in. The wing, who tragically passed away in 2015, is rightly remembered as a true All Black and World Cup great.
10. DAN CARTER (New Zealand)
The highest point scorer in Test match rugby and the winner of two World Cups, Dan Carter was always going to make the side. The fly-half is regarded as one of the best to have ever played the game.
9. JOOST VAN DER WESTHUIZEN (South Africa)
One of Springboks greatest ever stars, the scrum-half deservedly gets a spot in the side. The scrum-half, who passed away back in 2017, featured in three World Cups, helping his country to glory in 1995.
1. JASON LEONARD (England)
Leonard gained a record-breaking 114 caps for England during his amazing 14-year international career, during which he won the 2003 World Cup. He’s the starting prop in this team.
2. SEAN FITZPATRICK (New Zealand)
Hooker Sean Fitzpatrick is still regarded as one of New Zealand’s greatest ever players. He won the World Cup in 1987.
3. OWEN FRANKS (New Zealand)
There was a battle for the tighthead prop role in this team, but it was the two-time World Cup winner Owen Franks of New Zealand who beat out Welshman Adam Jones for the spot.
4. MARTIN JOHNSON (England)
With over 130,000 votes, Martin Johnson, England’s World Cup-winning captain from 2003, gets in at number four.
An English rugby legend, he captained the national team to victory in the 2003 Rugby World Cup. Known for his leadership and physical prowess, he represented England 84 times.
Johnson also had a successful club career with Leicester Tigers. Post-retirement, he coached England before pursuing punditry and ambassadorial roles.
5. JOHN EALES (Australia)
Another two-time World Cup winner, Australia’s John Eales, joins Johnson in the front row.
6. FRANCOIS PIENAAR (South Africa)
South Africa’s 1995 World Cup-winning captain Francois Pienaar joins the team at flanker.
7. Richie McCaw (New Zealand)
No shocks here. Richie McCaw is still the only man to have captained two World Cup-winning sides and he is still the all-time most-capped player in international Test rugby, having played 148 games for New Zealand.
8. ZINZAN BROOKE (New Zealand)
The extremely powerful and skilful Zinzan Brooke was the number eight for the All Blacks during their 1987 triumph and he’s been selected by voters for this team.
TRENDING
LATEST NEWS
LATEST COMMENTS
- Jordie Barrett over Damian de Allende is far from being correct. The hype around Dupont is also overreaching, he's probably 4th in the world and has been since the 2023 WC. He also avoids certain matchups which is strange. The rest of the list is pretty good apart from minor subjective biases.JasonMarlow16-09-2026
Loading