England legend Jonny Wilkinson named 'greatest player of all-time'

Monday, 15 September 2025 at 14:09

byRugby Rucker

Forever remembered as the man whose last-gasp drop-goal won England the Rugby World Cup by edging past the hosts in Australia in 2003, Jonny Wilkinson became the face of rugby for a generation.

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That moment is just one highlight of a record-breaking career that saw Wilkinson rise to one of the sport’s all-time greats. England won 67 of the 91 games Wilkinson played, with him scoring an outstanding total of 1,179 points. He also holds the Rugby World Cup points record with 277.

Within the top 20 players voted by fans, New Zealand has the most representatives with five, including Dan Carter, Richie McCaw, and Zinzan Brooke.

The only player to make the list from the amateur era is Wales’ greatest ever player, and arguably the best scrum-half of all time, Gareth Edwards.

Here is the list of the top 20 greatest rugby players of all time, voted by fans:

20. Sergio Parisse (Italy)

Sergio Parisse is widely regarded as Italy’s greatest ever player. Born in Argentina but raised in Italy, he represented his adopted nation with unmatched pride. A dynamic No. 8, Parisse earned 142 caps for Italy between 2002 and 2019, captaining the side for over a decade. Despite Italy’s struggles on the international stage, his world-class performances made him one of the most respected players globally. He also had a decorated club career with Stade Français and Toulon in France.

19. Johnny Sexton (Ireland)

Jonathan "Johnny" Sexton, born in Dublin in 1985, is one of Ireland’s most influential fly-halves. With over 100 caps for Ireland, Sexton was instrumental in guiding his nation to Grand Slam victories in 2018 and 2023. Known for his tactical kicking and game management, he also represented the British & Irish Lions on three tours. Sexton spent much of his club career with Leinster, where he won multiple European Champions Cups.

18. Jason Leonard (England)

Nicknamed “The Fun Bus”, Jason Leonard is England’s most-capped forward with 114 Test appearances between 1990 and 2004. A formidable prop, he was part of England’s 2003 Rugby World Cup-winning squad. Leonard’s career spanned the amateur and professional eras, making him a bridge between rugby traditions. Off the field, he has served as President of the Rugby Football Union and remains an ambassador for the game.

17. Zinzan Brooke (New Zealand)

Zinzan Brooke redefined the role of a No. 8 with his flair and kicking ability. Born in 1965, Brooke earned 58 caps for New Zealand between 1987 and 1997, scoring an impressive 17 tries as a forward. He famously slotted long-range drop goals, including a 47-metre effort in the 1995 Rugby World Cup. After retiring, Brooke moved to the UK and became involved in coaching and media.

16. Sonny Bill Williams (New Zealand)

Sonny Bill Williams is a unique talent, excelling in both rugby union and rugby league. Born in Auckland in 1985, Williams earned 58 caps for the All Blacks, winning two Rugby World Cups (2011, 2015). His offloading skills and powerful running made him a fan favourite. Beyond rugby, he also had a career in professional boxing, winning multiple heavyweight bouts. Williams is admired for his philanthropy and advocacy in social issues.

15. Lawrence Dallaglio (England)

Lawrence Dallaglio, born in 1972, is one of England’s most decorated forwards. A powerful No. 8, he was part of the squad that won the 1993 Sevens World Cup and later the 2003 Rugby World Cup. Dallaglio played his entire club career with London Wasps, winning domestic and European titles. Off the field, he has been heavily involved in charity work, founding the Dallaglio RugbyWorks foundation to support disadvantaged youth.

14. Alun Wyn Jones (Wales)

Alun Wyn Jones is the most-capped player in international rugby history, with 170 Test appearances (158 for Wales, 12 for the Lions). Born in Swansea in 1985, the towering lock captained Wales through one of its most successful modern eras, including multiple Six Nations Grand Slam triumphs. Jones also toured with the British & Irish Lions on four occasions, cementing his reputation as a true giant of the sport.

13. Bryan Habana (South Africa)

Bryan Habana is one of rugby’s greatest try-scorers, with 67 international tries in 124 appearances for South Africa. Born in Johannesburg in 1983, Habana was a key figure in the Springboks’ 2007 Rugby World Cup-winning campaign, equalling Jonah Lomu’s record of 8 tries in a single tournament. At club level, he won European and domestic titles with Toulon, and he remains a global rugby ambassador.

12. Paul O’Connell (Ireland)

Paul O’Connell, born in Limerick in 1979, is a towering lock who captained both Ireland and the Lions. He earned 108 caps for Ireland and played in three World Cups. O’Connell’s leadership was central to Ireland’s Six Nations successes in 2009, 2014, and 2015. He also played in seven Lions Tests across three tours. Post-retirement, he transitioned into coaching and punditry, continuing to inspire Irish rugby.

11. Tim Horan (Australia)

Tim Horan is considered one of Australia’s greatest centres. Born in 1970, he earned 80 caps for the Wallabies between 1989 and 2000, winning two Rugby World Cups (1991, 1999). Renowned for his composure and playmaking, Horan also overcame a serious knee injury that threatened his career. After retiring, he became a respected commentator and rugby analyst.

10. Shane Williams (Wales)

Shane Williams, standing at just 5ft 7in, proved that size isn’t everything in rugby. Born in 1977, he earned 87 caps for Wales, scoring 58 tries, making him the nation’s all-time leading try-scorer. Williams won the IRB World Player of the Year award in 2008. He also had a long career with the Ospreys and later played in Japan. Post-retirement, he became a TV pundit and marathon runner.

9. Martin Johnson (England)

Martin Johnson, born in 1970, is synonymous with English rugby leadership. A colossal lock, Johnson captained England to their 2003 Rugby World Cup triumph, cementing his status as a national hero. He earned 84 caps for England and also captained the Lions on their 1997 tour to South Africa. Post-retirement, he served as England’s head coach between 2008 and 2011.

8. Jason Robinson (England)

Jason "Billy Whizz" Robinson, born in 1974, made history as a dual-code international. After a successful rugby league career, he switched to union in 2000 and quickly became one of England’s stars. Known for his electric pace and footwork, Robinson scored England’s only try in the 2003 World Cup final. He earned 51 caps in union and 12 in league for Great Britain.

7. Joost van der Westhuizen (South Africa)

Joost van der Westhuizen, born in 1971, is regarded as one of rugby’s greatest scrum-halves. He earned 89 caps for South Africa, scoring 38 tries, and played a pivotal role in the Springboks’ 1995 World Cup victory. Tragically, Joost was diagnosed with motor neuron disease in 2011 and passed away in 2017. His courage during his illness inspired millions around the world.

6. Richie McCaw (New Zealand)

Richie McCaw is widely considered the greatest flanker in rugby history. Born in 1980, McCaw captained the All Blacks a record 110 times and won 148 Test caps, including two World Cup victories (2011, 2015). His work ethic, leadership, and tactical intelligence set new standards for the game. Post-retirement, he became a helicopter pilot and continued his involvement in rugby.

5. Gareth Edwards (Wales)

Gareth Edwards, born in 1947, is often called the greatest rugby player of all time. A dynamic scrum-half, he earned 53 caps for Wales between 1967 and 1978, guiding them to three Grand Slams. Edwards also played 10 times for the Lions. His famous try for the Barbarians against the All Blacks in 1973 is still considered one of the greatest ever scored.

4. Dan Carter (New Zealand)

Dan Carter is arguably the greatest fly-half in rugby history. Born in 1982, Carter earned 112 caps for New Zealand, scoring 1,598 points, making him the highest Test scorer of all time. He guided the All Blacks to two World Cup victories (2011, 2015) and was named World Player of the Year three times. Carter also enjoyed success in France with Racing 92 and in Japan.

3. Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland)

Brian O’Driscoll, born in Dublin in 1979, is Ireland’s most celebrated centre. He earned 133 caps for Ireland and 8 for the Lions, captaining his country for over a decade. O’Driscoll led Ireland to their first Grand Slam in 61 years in 2009. Known for his skill, leadership, and wit, he is also one of rugby’s most charismatic figures. Since retiring, he has worked in media and philanthropy.

2. Jonah Lomu (New Zealand)

Jonah Lomu, born in 1975, revolutionized rugby with his sheer size and speed. Standing 6ft 5in and weighing 120kg, Lomu stunned the world during the 1995 Rugby World Cup, where he scored 7 tries in 5 games. He finished his career with 37 tries in 63 Tests. Despite battling a lifelong kidney condition that curtailed his career and life, Lomu remains one of the sport’s most iconic figures.

1. Jonny Wilkinson (England)

Jonny Wilkinson, born in 1979, is England’s most famous fly-half. He earned 91 caps for England, scoring 1,179 points, and played 6 times for the Lions. His last-minute drop-goal in the 2003 Rugby World Cup final immortalized him in sporting history. Wilkinson also had a stellar club career with Newcastle Falcons and Toulon, winning European titles in France. Known for his meticulous preparation and humility, he is now a respected pundit and mentor to young players.

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You’ll need quick thinking and a solid memory of those who have dominated the scoreboard over the years.

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You have five minutes to name all 10 players.
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Every correct name counts—can you get a perfect score?

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