Martin Johnson didn't hesitate when naming the 'very best' rugby player of all-time

Thursday, 20 November 2025 at 14:32

byRugby Rucker

chosen is packed with icons, trailblazers and outright titans of the game.

England legend Martin Johnson has never been one to mince his words—and his latest all-time XV is guaranteed to spark debate across the rugby world. The 2003 World Cup–winning captain, who also led the British & Irish Lions on two historic tours, has named the players he believes stand above all others from every era of the sport.

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In true Johnson fashion, the selections are bold. There’s no place for some of the biggest names fans would expect—Lawrence Dallaglio, Shane Williams, Brian O’Driscoll and Jason Robinson all miss out. But the team he has

Drawing on a career built on physicality, leadership and a deep appreciation for rugby’s hardest workers, Johnson has revealed the men who made the biggest impact on him—whether he played alongside them or was battered by them across the gainline.

Here’s Martin Johnson’s ultimate all-time XV, complete with his own words explaining exactly why each legend made the cut.

MARTIN JOHNSON ALL-TIME XV

BACK THREE

Fullback: Serge Blanco (France)

Bio: Widely regarded as one of rugby’s greatest fullbacks, Blanco earned 93 caps for France and was known for his attacking flair, counter-attacking brilliance, and match-winning instincts. He starred in the 1987 World Cup, helping France reach the final.

Johnson wrote: “A great France full back who dominated games.”

Winger: Joe Roff (Australia)

Bio: A key figure in Australia’s golden era, Roff won the 1999 World Cup and scored 30 Test tries. Renowned for his intelligence, aerial ability, and finishing, he remains one of the Wallabies’ most consistent and complete wings.

Johnson wrote: “You’d put David Campese up there but Roff is my choice. A fantastic all-round rugby player, and old-style wing.”

Winger: Jonah Lomu (New Zealand)

Bio: Rugby’s first global superstar, Lomu revolutionised wing play with his extraordinary power and speed. Though his career was impacted by illness, he scored 37 tries in 63 Tests and became an icon of the sport.

Johnson wrote: “Not much difficulty in choosing one of the most awesome wings to have ever played.”

CENTRES

Outside-centre: Philippe Sella (France)

Bio: One of the finest centres in rugby history, Sella earned 111 caps and scored 30 tries. Famous for his strength, tackling, and running lines, he played in three Rugby World Cups.

Johnson wrote: “I used to watch him as a kid on TV and think he was brilliant; and then ten years later I played against him and he was still brilliant. He still looks as if he could play for France today. One of the best backs I’ve ever seen. If you hit him it was like running into concrete.”

Inside-centre: Danie Gerber (South Africa)

Bio: Considered one of the most explosive centres of all time, Gerber scored 19 tries in just 24 Tests. His pace and power were unmatched, even into his 40s.

Johnson wrote: “Scored a hat-trick against England in the first half in one match in the 1980s. He didn’t play many Tests because of apartheid, but he had power and pace. I don’t know if he could pass: it seemed like he never needed to. I played against him in a charity match in 1996 when he must have been well into his 40s, he was still awesome.”

HALFBACKS

Fly-half: Jonny Wilkinson (England)

Bio: England’s 2003 World Cup-winning hero, Wilkinson is one of the greatest fly-halves ever. Known for his precision kicking, defence, and control, he scored over 1,200 Test points.

Johnson wrote: “I could have gone for Phil Bennett, Michael Lynagh, Stephen Larkham or others but Jonny is special, not just for his kicking. I remember in the 2003 Grand Slam decider in Dublin, Ireland attacked down the right and Jonny was there to stop them; then they switched quickly to the left and Jonny was there to stop them too.”

Scrum-half: Gareth Edwards (Wales)

Bio: Frequently cited as the greatest rugby player of all time, Edwards was a key figure in Wales’ dominant 1970s squad. His athleticism, vision, and all-round brilliance set the standard for scrum-halves.

Johnson wrote: “The Welsh have put mythical status on Edwards and their 1970s players, but Rob Howley was almost as good and scored some great tries. Joost van der Westhuizen was the best scrum half I played against.”

FRONT-ROW

Loosehead-prop: Jason Leonard (England)

Bio: Known as “The Fun Bus,” Leonard played 114 Tests for England and participated in four Rugby World Cups. His versatility and durability made him one of the greatest props ever.

Johnson wrote: “Solid as a rock, was regularly asked to play on both sides of the scrum and never moaned. His record of four World Cups and two finals says it all.”

Hooker: Sean Fitzpatrick (New Zealand)

Bio: One of the best hookers in rugby history, Fitzpatrick won the 1987 World Cup and captained the All Blacks with distinction.

Johnson wrote: “Played for the All Blacks for ten years, a fantastic competitor and a great captain.”

Tighthead-prop: Jean-Pierre Garuet (France)

Bio: A feared scrummager of the 1980s, Garuet was known for his toughness and mastery in the front row. He played in the 1987 Rugby World Cup final.

Johnson wrote: “From the old school of scrummagers, played in the 1987 final, a nuggety, fierce-looking guy.”

SECOND-ROW

Lock: Frik du Preez (South Africa)

Bio: A revolutionary athlete for his position, Du Preez could run, tackle, and kick like a back while dominating the lineout. He was later named South Africa’s Player of the Century.

Lock: Colin Meads (New Zealand)

Bio: Known as “Pinetree,” Meads is widely considered the greatest All Black forward ever. His toughness and dominance defined New Zealand rugby in the 1960s and 70s.

Johnson wrote: “Both Du Preez and Meads played in the 1960s but were very modern players. Meads was the greatest ever All Black; Frik was very quick and athletic. I wasn’t in their league.”

BACK-ROW

Blindside-flanker: Richard Hill (England)

Bio: A quiet, understated star, Hill was instrumental in England’s successes including the 2003 World Cup. Known as the “glue” of the back row, his influence was enormous.

Johnson wrote: “It was a difficult choice but Hill, a quiet guy, very understated, was the pick. When he was with the Lions teams, if he didn’t play, we didn’t win. He would be embarrassed to be in this side, but he deserves it.”

Openside-flanker: Michael Jones (New Zealand)

Bio: Nicknamed “The Iceman,” Jones was one of the most athletic and skilful flankers ever. A 1987 World Cup winner, he is revered in New Zealand rugby.

Johnson wrote: “Sean Fitzpatrick says he was the greatest player he ever played against, a mythical figure.”

Number 8: Wayne Shelford (New Zealand)

Bio: A legendary All Black, Shelford was known for his fearsome physicality and leadership. He helped establish New Zealand’s dominance in the late 1980s.

Johnson wrote: “Buck was at his peak for the World Cup final in 1987. I remember watching him as a 16-year-old on the terraces at Leicester a year earlier and saw him charge down the flank, chip the ball over the wing and score a try. Not bad for a back row.”