Jonny Wilkinson Voted The Best Rugby Player In History

Tuesday, 03 March 2026 at 12:30

byRugby Rucker

More than 5,000 rugby fans have had their say in a major poll to determine the greatest rugby player of all time — and the results have produced a definitive top 20 packed with legends of the game.

The fan-voted rankings feature Rugby World Cup winners, record-breakers and generational icons from across both the professional and amateur eras. From dominant All Blacks to Six Nations greats and global superstars, the list highlights the players who have defined rugby history.

With household names such as Dan Carter, Richie McCaw and Jonah Lomu all making the cut, debate is guaranteed.

But who came out on top?

Here is the full list of the top 20 greatest rugby players of all time, as voted for by the fans.

20. Sergio Parisse

Italian icon and long-time captain, Parisse was renowned for his skill, leadership and resilience during a challenging era for Italy. A dynamic No.8 with silky handling and tactical intelligence, he earned over 140 caps and became one of the most respected forwards of his generation.

19. Johnny Sexton

Ireland’s influential fly-half and former captain, Sexton orchestrated multiple Six Nations triumphs and led Ireland to historic wins over the All Blacks. A World Rugby Player of the Year winner, he retired as Ireland’s all-time leading points scorer.

18. Jason Leonard

Nicknamed “The Fun Bus,” Leonard was a cornerstone of England’s dominant scrum in the 1990s and early 2000s. A World Cup winner in 2003, he earned 114 caps and remains one of England’s most capped forwards.

17. Zinzan Brooke

A revolutionary No.8 for New Zealand, Brooke blended power with playmaking flair. His famous long-range drop goal at the 1995 Rugby World Cup remains one of the tournament’s iconic moments.

16. Sonny Bill Williams

A dual-code international, Williams starred for the All Blacks with his offloading brilliance and physical presence. A two-time Rugby World Cup winner, he redefined the modern inside centre role.

15. Lawrence Dallaglio

England’s inspirational captain during their 2003 World Cup triumph, Dallaglio was a commanding back-row forward. An MBE and OBE recipient, he is widely regarded as one of England’s greatest leaders.

14. Alun Wyn Jones

Wales’ most capped player and a British & Irish Lions captain, Jones embodied durability and leadership. A multiple Six Nations champion, he was the heartbeat of Welsh rugby for over a decade.

13. Paul O'Connell

An imposing lock and inspirational captain, O’Connell earned 108 caps for Ireland and led the British & Irish Lions in 2009. Known for his intensity and lineout mastery, he later moved into coaching.

12. Bryan Habana

One of the most prolific try-scorers in rugby history, Habana played a key role in South Africa’s 2007 World Cup victory. His electrifying pace made him a constant threat on the wing.

11. Tim Horan

A two-time Rugby World Cup winner (1991, 1999), Horan was a creative and intelligent centre. His partnership with Jason Little became legendary in Australian rugby history.

10. Shane Williams

Despite his smaller stature, Williams dazzled with speed and agility. A Six Nations Grand Slam winner and World Rugby Player of the Year nominee, he became Wales’ record try-scorer.

9. Martin Johnson

England’s World Cup-winning captain in 2003, Johnson was a formidable lock known for his physical dominance and uncompromising leadership. He also captained the British & Irish Lions.

8. Jason Robinson

A crossover star from rugby league, Robinson brought blistering speed and footwork to union. He scored a try in the 2003 World Cup final and later captained England.

7. Joost van der Westhuizen

A key figure in South Africa’s 1995 World Cup triumph, van der Westhuizen was a powerful, try-scoring scrum-half. His rivalry with the All Blacks defined an era.

6. Richie McCaw

Arguably the greatest captain in rugby history, McCaw led New Zealand to back-to-back World Cups in 2011 and 2015. A relentless openside flanker, he won World Rugby Player of the Year three times.

5. Gareth Edwards

The only amateur-era player on the list, Edwards is widely regarded as the greatest scrum-half of all time. His iconic try for the Barbarians against New Zealand in 1973 remains legendary.

4. Dan Carter

The All Blacks’ all-time leading points scorer, Carter was a master tactician and goal-kicker. A two-time World Cup winner and multiple World Player of the Year recipient.

3. Brian O'Driscoll

Ireland’s most celebrated centre, O’Driscoll combined flair with defensive steel. A three-time Six Nations Player of the Tournament, he captained Ireland and the Lions with distinction.

2. Jonah Lomu

A global superstar, Lomu transformed rugby’s popularity in the professional era. His devastating performances at the 1995 World Cup made him an icon, blending size, speed and power like never before.

1. Jonny Wilkinson

England’s World Cup hero and record-breaking fly-half, Wilkinson secured his place in history with the dramatic last-minute drop goal that won the 2003 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

Across 91 Tests, he scored 1,179 points for England, winning 67 matches and setting a Rugby World Cup record of 277 points. Known for his obsessive preparation and pinpoint goal-kicking, Wilkinson later enjoyed further success with Toulon before moving into punditry.

Voted by fans as rugby’s greatest ever player, his legacy rests on clutch performances, relentless dedication and one unforgettable moment in Sydney.

Quiz: Can you all of the Guinness Six Nations winning captains?

In the storied history of Rugby's Greatest Championship, exceptional leaders have emerged—warriors of various forms, be they agile half-backs, towering second rows, or fearless flankers.

Our latest quiz invites you to identify those who have captained their nations to Guinness Six Nations glory. It's worth noting that in certain instances, there may be multiple captains from the same year due to factors such as injuries and rotation.

Surnames only will be accepted.

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