Jonny Wilkinson Names the Best Player He’s Ever Played With – No Hesitation Needed

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But when it comes to the best player he’s ever shared the pitch with, there’s no debate—Richard Hill gets the nod.

1. Jason Leonard (England) – A World Cup winner in 2003 and England’s most-capped player at the time of his retirement, Leonard was a dominant loosehead prop known for his scrummaging power and leadership. Wilkinson described him as “an inspiration who brought energy to every game.”

2. Keith Wood (Ireland) – The former Ireland captain and 2001 World Rugby Player of the Year was a dynamic hooker who excelled in open play. “A relentless warrior who dominated the set-piece and open play,” said Wilkinson.

3. Craig Dowd (New Zealand) – A key part of the All Blacks' forward pack in the 1990s, Dowd was a rock in the scrum. Wilkinson noted, “A quiet enforcer—you just don’t mess with him.”

4. Bakkies Botha (South Africa) – A three-time Super Rugby champion and 2007 World Cup winner, Botha was one of the most feared locks in world rugby. “Fierce but down-to-earth—exactly what a team needs,” Wilkinson said.

5. Martin Johnson (England) – England’s 2003 World Cup-winning captain and a British & Irish Lions legend, Johnson was a commanding presence in the second row. “A natural leader and my captain,” said Wilkinson.

6. Richard Hill (England) – A key member of England’s World Cup-winning squad in 2003, Hill was widely regarded as one of the most intelligent and effective flankers of his generation. Wilkinson called him “the most consistent and best player I played with.”

7. Richie McCaw (New Zealand) – A two-time Rugby World Cup winner and three-time World Rugby Player of the Year, McCaw was an influential leader for the All Blacks. “A legend who dominated the game for over a decade,” Wilkinson said.

8. Pat Lam (Samoa) – A powerful number eight who captained Samoa and had a successful club career with Newcastle and Northampton, Lam was also known for his coaching success. “Creative, instinctive, and a true leader,” Wilkinson noted.

9. Gary Armstrong (Scotland) – A tenacious scrum-half who captained Scotland and played a key role in their 1999 Five Nations triumph. “Tough, aggressive, and took control of everything,” Wilkinson said.

10. Too Close to Call! – Wilkinson couldn’t narrow it down, naming multiple legends instead: Michael Lynagh, Dan Carter, Stephen Larkham, Joel Stransky, and Grant Fox. “All clutch players who thrived under pressure,” he explained.

12. Tim Horan (Australia) – A two-time World Cup winner and one of the greatest inside centres of all time, Horan was a complete player with skill, intelligence, and resilience. “He didn’t know how to lose—his mindset was elite,” Wilkinson said.

13. Brian O'Driscoll (Ireland) – A record-breaking Ireland captain and one of the best outside centres in history, O'Driscoll was renowned for his creativity, leadership, and defensive ability. “Could change a game in an instant with skill, vision, and leadership,” said Wilkinson.

11. Jonah Lomu (New Zealand) – The most iconic winger in rugby history, Lomu’s blend of speed and power revolutionized the game. “A rugby legend—no World Cup team is complete without him,” Wilkinson stated.

14. Jason Robinson (England) – England’s World Cup-winning winger, Robinson brought electrifying pace and footwork from rugby league to union. “Explosive, game-changing, and a World Cup hero,” Wilkinson said.

15. Serge Blanco (France) – A French rugby great, Blanco was famous for his attacking brilliance and ability to counter-attack from deep. “Pure French flair—counter-attacking brilliance,” Wilkinson said.

From pinpoint goal-kicking maestros to dynamic try-scoring machines, these legends have left their mark on the competition.

But how well do you know them? Can you guess who sits atop the leaderboard and who just sneaks into the top 10? Take the quiz and prove your rugby knowledge!