Johnson – you felt his presence the entire game.
Former England international and British & Irish Lions centre Riki Flutey is set to bring his flair and experience to the women’s game after being confirmed as the backs and skills coach for the New Zealand Black Ferns ahead of the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup.
Competition: Get a Chance to Watch the Lions in Australia
From Twickenham to Aotearoa
Flutey, who famously lifted the Premiership title with Wasps in 2008 and earned 14 England caps between 2008 and 2011, will link up with Director of Performance Allan Bunting in a stacked coaching team that also features Tony Christie (Attack), Steve Jackson (Defence) and Dan Cron (Forwards).
The 2009 Lions tourist, who also represented the Maori All Blacks, brings a unique perspective to the setup, blending Northern and Southern Hemisphere experience in one of the most exciting women's rugby projects heading into a home World Cup.
Flutey’s coaching journey
Since hanging up his boots, the elusive playmaker has made serious strides as a coach. He joined Super Rugby side the Highlanders in 2019 as an assistant and has since worked extensively across women’s rugby, further sharpening his eye for skill development and tactical nous.
Giving back to the game
Speaking on his appointment, Flutey shared a heartfelt tribute to his personal connection with the Black Ferns:
“It’s truly an honour to now be in this environment with the Black Ferns. I look to use my playing experiences and knowledge wherever I can add value to help grow each individual as we start building towards the Rugby World Cup.”
“A lot of these players inspired my daughter Madison to play rugby several years ago. She loves rugby because of them, so it’s special to give back directly to those who’ve had that impact.”
With Flutey now locked in, the Black Ferns’ coaching team is complete—and ready to chase glory on home soil in 2025.
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Ireland legend Paul O'Connell names his top 5 rugby players of all time
Now turning his attention to coaching, O’Connell recently looked back on his bruising career to reveal the five toughest opponents he ever faced – and some of the names will send chills down any forward’s spine.
? Victor Matfield – “He could destroy your lineout”
Position: Lock
Country: South Africa
Caps: 127
Country: South Africa
Caps: 127
Matfield wasn’t just a brilliant second-row – he was a lineout surgeon. Awarded Man of the Match in the 2007 Rugby World Cup final, the Springbok was renowned for his athleticism, vision, and tactical nous.
“I tried not to fear any opponent,” O’Connell said. “But any international second-row will tell you that Matfield had the ability to destroy your lineout. He very rarely made any mistakes.”
? Jonny Wilkinson – “He could beat better teams on his own”
Position: Fly-half
Country: England
Caps: 91
Country: England
Caps: 91
Who else? Wilkinson’s iconic right-footed drop-goal sealed England’s 2003 World Cup win and cemented his status as one of the sport’s true greats. With 1,246 points to his name, only Dan Carter sits above him in Test rugby’s scoring charts.
“His drop goals, penalties, territorial kicking – it was so hard to get a foothold in the game. He could punish you from anywhere.”
? Martin Johnson – “He had a presence”
Position: Lock
Country: England
Caps: 83
Country: England
Caps: 83
A natural-born leader. Johnson captained the Lions to glory in 1997 and lifted the Webb Ellis Cup in 2003. You didn’t just play against
“He was absolutely someone to be admired.”
? Jerry Collins – “He’d just destroy people”
Position: Flanker
Country: New Zealand
Caps: 48
Country: New Zealand
Caps: 48
No fluff here – O’Connell kept it short and brutal.
“He’d just destroy people!”
And honestly, that’s all that needed to be said about the late, great All Black enforcer.
? Bakkies Botha – The enforcer
Position: Lock
Country: South Africa
Caps: 85
Country: South Africa
Caps: 85
A walking wrecking ball, Botha helped power the Springboks to World Cup glory in 2007 and then dominated Europe with Toulon, winning three Champions Cups.
QUIZ: Can you name the 2013 British & Irish Lions squad?
12 years have passed since Warren Gatland’s men roared to a famous series win over Australia, but how well do you really remember the iconic 2013 British & Irish Lions squad?
From legendary leaders to surprise selections, we’ve lined up every player from that unforgettable tour. All you have to do is name them. No pressure, right?
Take the quiz below and prove your rugby brain still bites.
? Scroll down and get cracking – how many can you get without cheating?
