Ireland coach Paul O’Connell ranks his top SIX rugby players of all-time

Sunday, 01 February 2026 at 17:39

byRugby Rucker

Paul O’Connell. Ireland’s ultimate enforcer. A man who never took a backward step.

Across 108 caps in green, the towering lock became the heartbeat of a golden era – powering Ireland to Six Nations triumphs, that unforgettable 2009 Grand Slam, and four British & Irish Lions tours.

And let’s not forget… he led the Lions into battle in South Africa in 2009. The stuff of legend.

Now stepping into life as a coach, O’Connell has been reflecting on the wars he fought in the engine room.

Watch the Guinness Six Nations at your local Greene King sports pub.

And when asked to name the five toughest opponents he ever came up against, the answers are exactly what you’d expect…

Absolute monsters.

The kind of players who made every collision feel like a car crash.

And trust us — just reading the list is enough to send shivers down any forward’s spine.

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Victor Matfield – “He could destroy your lineout”

Position: Lock
Country: South Africa
Caps: 127

Bio:

Victor Matfield is widely regarded as one of the greatest lineout operators in rugby history. A pivotal figure in the Springboks’ 2007 Rugby World Cup triumph, he was named Man of the Match in the final for his tactical brilliance and aerial dominance. Renowned for his athleticism, leadership, and near-flawless execution, Matfield became the brain and backbone of South African forward play for over a decade.

O’Connell’s take:
“I tried not to fear any opponent, but any international second-row will tell you that Matfield had the ability to destroy your lineout.

"He very rarely made any mistakes. It was like you could read your mind at the line out”

?? Fabien Pelous – “One of my favourite players”

Position: Lock
Country: France
Caps: 118

Bio:

Fabien Pelous is one of the greatest forwards in French rugby history and remains France’s most-capped forward with 118 appearances. A commanding presence in the second row, Pelous captained France for several years and played a crucial role in their 2002 and 2004 Six Nations Grand Slam triumphs. Known for his height, athleticism, and rugged work rate, he combined classic French flair with uncompromising physicality.

O’Connell’s take:
“He was one of my favourite players. Such a tall man, a great height, and everything he did, whether it was tackle, ball carry, clean out rucks…”

? Jonny Wilkinson – “He could beat better teams on his own”

Position: Fly-half
Country: England
Caps: 91

Bio:

Jonny Wilkinson is one of rugby’s most celebrated fly-halves. His last-minute drop-goal secured England’s 2003 World Cup, etching his name into sporting legend. With 1,246 Test points, he remains one of the highest scorers in rugby history. Known for his precision kicking, meticulous preparation, and unparalleled competitive edge, Wilkinson transformed matches through sheer individual brilliance.

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O’Connell’s take:
“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

Bio:

Martin Johnson is the definition of a rugby titan. A natural leader, he captained the British & Irish Lions to victory in 1997 and later led England to their historic 2003 World Cup win. A fierce competitor with immense authority on the pitch, Johnson’s influence extended far beyond physicality—his presence alone could tilt the momentum of a match.

O’Connell’s take:
“He was absolutely someone to be admired.”

? Jerry Collins – “He’d just destroy people”

Position: Flanker
Country: New Zealand
Caps: 48

Bio:

Jerry Collins was one of the most feared tacklers to ever wear an All Blacks jersey. Bursting onto the scene in the early 2000s, Collins built his reputation on raw physicality, unrelenting aggression, and an unmatched work rate. Whether carrying into contact or smashing attackers backwards, he epitomised the brutal efficiency of New Zealand rugby.

O’Connell’s take:
“He’d just destroy people!”

? Bakkies Botha – The enforcer

Position: Lock
Country: South Africa
Caps: 85

Bio:

Bakkies Botha was the ultimate rugby enforcer. As part of the legendary “Bone Collector” partnership with Victor Matfield, he anchored South Africa’s pack through their 2007 World Cup win and continued his dominance with Toulon, securing three Champions Cup titles.

Botha combined brute force, relentless pressure, and unmatched physical intimidation to unsettle even the toughest opponents