Popular referee Nigel Owens has taken charge of some iconic rugby captains during his illustrious international career.
The famous Welsh whistler - one of the most recognised and decorated officials in game - has added the current England skipper Owen Farrell to his list of most admired captains.
With that in mind, the Welshman has revealed some of the other great skippers he refereed. Who is where? Read on to find out!
#5. Owen Farrell (England)
He was also named England captain by Eddie Jones in 2019, leading the Red Rose to the Rugby World Cup final in Japan before winning another Six Nations title the following year.
Owens said: "I've got an awful lot of time for Owen Farrell. Yes, I know he sometimes attracts controversy, not least with question marks raised over his tackling technique.
"But we're talking here about a hugely talented individual who is right at the sharp end on the field of play, is often his team's talisman and matchwinner and who plays rugby in the right spirit. Hard, but fair - and always with respect."
DID YOU KNOW? Farrell celebrates every point he scores by linking his index fingers together to make a 'JJ' sign, the Joining Jack salute, Joining Jack
#4. John Smit (South Africa)
He was the 50th captain of the South Africa national team, and led the team to win the 2007 Rugby World Cup.
Owens said: "He led the Springboks to success at the 2007 World Cup in France and against the 2009 Lions and is probably one of the greatest captains I have dealt with. He’s a good man and was a very good player at hooker."
#3. Paul O'Connell (Ireland)
During his career, O'Connell captained Munster, Ireland and the British & Irish Lions. He is now the forwards coach for the Ireland national men's team
Owens said: "Quite simply he was just an exceptional leader. I have been in charge of games where he pretty much carried his team, whether it was Munster or Ireland, almost on his back and onto victory.
"Never took a backward step, stood tall and was a man others would follow"
DID YOU KNOW? He initially excelled at swimming and only started playing rugby at the age of 16
#2. Alun Wyn Jones (Wales)
He is the world's most-capped Rugby Union player and Wales' most capped international player.
Owens said: "A man of few words, he does his talking on the field with his actions. Not only is he a brilliant player and a very good captain but I don’t think I have reffed a match where he hasn’t given absolutely everything.
"He’s been playing at lock for 15 years and remains one of the first names on the Wales team-sheet, which says everything about his ability."
DID YOU KNOW? He is one of only four players to have been selected to go on four British and Irish Lions tours, a feat he achieved crossing three different decades
#1. Richie McCaw (New Zealand)
He captained the national team, the All Blacks, in 110 out of his 148 test matches, and won two Rugby World Cups. He has won the World Rugby player of the year award a joint record three times and was the most capped test rugby player of all time from August 2015 to October 2020.
Owens said: "If anybody had to pick the greatest player in history, it would surely be a difficult choice between him and Gareth Edwards.
"How McCaw managed to put his body on the line and sometimes the wrong side at rucks for so many years at flanker is incredible. A terrific leader."
DID YOU KNOW? McCaw was the first All Black to reach 100 caps, and the first rugby union player to win 100 tests
