Nigel Owens named his all-time XV - included just one Springbok

Thursday, 13 November 2025 at 14:31

byRugby Rucker

Renowned referee Nigel Owens has assembled a XV of the most exceptional players he had the privilege to officiate during his illustrious career.

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Hailing from Wales, Owens stands as one of international rugby's most astute and adept game managers, renowned for his captivating style of refereeing.

Throughout his journey, he presided over a multitude of exceptionally gifted players. He has now unveiled his selection for the greatest XV he's shared the pitch with in an exclusive feature for Wales Online.

In his remarkable lineup, Owens features three Welsh luminaries - Alun Wyn Jones, Shane Williams, and Gethin Jenkins. Additionally, he acknowledges the contributions of Lee Byrne, Dwayne Peel, and Leigh Halfpenny to the sport.

Notably, a striking facet of Owens' chosen players is their collective leadership qualities, with the majority of the selected individuals having served as captains for their respective nations.

NIGEL OWENS DREAM XV:

Fullback: Israel Folau (Australia)

A phenomenal athlete and dual-code international, Folau was once celebrated for his high-ball mastery and ability to beat defenders with ease. However, his legacy became clouded after his 2019 dismissal from Rugby Australia over homophobic social-media posts, which sparked global debate about free speech, religion, and inclusion in sport.

Owens said in 2015: "For me, it’s nip and tuck between Halfpenny and Folau, next to nothing to choose between them. Leigh is brilliant because under the high ball and with his kicking at goal under pressure. He may not always break the line when running but puts his body on the line in defence and is a top-notch match-winner.

"But I go for Folau - only just, I should stress - because of his ability to seemingly beat his man every time he gets the ball in his hand. He’s such an exciting player and like Leigh he is one of the best under the high ball.

"It’s a toss of a coin for me... and it’s come down in Folau’s favour."

Winger: Stuart Hogg (Scotland)

Hogg’s blistering pace and counter-attacking brilliance made him one of the Six Nations’ most exciting modern stars, twice winning Player of the Championship. Since retiring, however, he has faced controversy and legal trouble, including a domestic-abuse conviction, which has cast a shadow over his once-stellar reputation.

Owens said: "How can you fail to be impressed when watching Hogg play. He’s so exciting as he burst into that line and, of course, was named Six Nations player of the tournament.

"I know he’s a full-back for Scotland, but he is so quick and direct he could easily play on the wing. He reminds me a bit of Shane Williams with some of the things he does.

"When you see who is on the other wing in my team, you’ll see how they would work brilliantly in tandem."

Outside-centre: Brian O'Driscoll (Ireland)

A generational talent and one of rugby’s greatest ambassadors, O’Driscoll combined creative genius with exceptional leadership. As Ireland’s long-time captain and a British & Irish Lion, he set standards for professionalism and respect that continue to define the sport’s ideals.

Owens said: "Not only is he one of the greatest centres in the history of rugby union but he’s a fantastic man off the field as well. O’Driscoll has been a wonderful ambassador for the sport and a real leader. He always respected referees and set the right example for others to follow.

"A legend of the game who conducted himself superbly, on and off the pitch."

Inside-centre: Ma'a Nonu (New Zealand)

A mainstay of the All Blacks’ golden era, Nonu’s mix of raw power, silky handling, and defensive steel made him a midfield colossus. A two-time World Cup winner, he remains admired for his humility and consistency over a decade at the pinnacle of international rugby.

Owens said: "He’s another brilliant player and after every game, win or lose, he would come up and give me a hug. Ma’a has always found time at after-match functions or at breakfast if we’ve been staying at the same hotel to come over and have a chat.

"What a player, mind, too. One of the stalwarts of the New Zealand side for so many years."

Winger: Shane Williams (Wales)

Small in stature but immense in talent, Williams mesmerised fans with dazzling footwork and fearless finishing. Wales’ record try-scorer and a global fan favourite, he personified flair, determination, and joy in the game.

Owens said: "When people ask me who is the best player I have refereed it’s pretty much an impossible task to pick one because I’ve been lucky enough to take charge of so many greats.

"But if I’m pushed, I would pick Shane for what he achieved after coming from football at 17 or 18 years of age.

"He was in the mould of Gerald Davies in how he left defenders gasping for air as he beat them with those dazzling sidesteps. Nobody would fancy defending against a back three of Shane, Hogg and Folau, I can tell you that."

Fly-half: Dan Carter (New Zealand)

The epitome of control and class, Carter’s precise kicking and tactical mastery cemented his place as arguably the greatest fly-half in history. His heroic 2015 World Cup comeback capped a career defined by brilliance, balance, and humility.

Owens said: "There are lots of outside-halves who have been great, but not one who has done it over so many years like Carter.

"Before the 2015 World Cup, some people said he was past his best and wouldn’t make the New Zealand squad for the tournament.

"But for Carter to come back from injury and play as well as he did then is a sign of a special player."

Scrum-half: Agustin Pichot (Argentina)

A driving force behind Argentina’s rugby revolution, Pichot captained the Pumas to their 2007 World Cup semi-final and later became a key reformer in the global game. Renowned for passion and intellect, he remains a respected figure both on and off the pitch.

Owens said: "I used to love watching Dwayne Peel in his prime as a scrum-half for those few years between 2004-06 with Wales, the Lions and Llanelli. Talented, a great guy, he also has a house just up the road from me!

"But I’ve just plumped for Pichot who was a great player for the Pumas and also a great ambassador for the game of rugby in general.

"Pichot and Felipe Contepomi were the ones who helped transform Argentina into one of the greatest sides in the world. He was an architect behind their march to the World Cup semi-finals in 2007, which set the trend ahead of their excellent showing in the 2015 tournament, too."

Loosehead-prop: Gethin Jenkins (Wales)

Durable, disciplined, and technically outstanding, Jenkins was a cornerstone of Wales’ front row for more than a decade. A relentless worker and defensive specialist, his longevity and quiet leadership spoke volumes about his professionalism.

Owens said: "He rarely smiles but has been a terrific player at loose-head prop. When I’ve penalised him and he’s smiled, I know I’d got the decision right!

"But, suffice to say, he hasn’t smiled often when I’ve refereed him. Another who has stood the test of time, which speaks volumes about his ability and character."

Hooker: John Smit (South Africa)

Captain of South Africa’s 2007 World Cup-winning side, Smit’s blend of strength, composure, and diplomacy made him one of the sport’s great leaders. Admired for his integrity and sportsmanship, he remains a respected voice in world rugby.

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."

Tighthead-prop: Phil Vickery (England)

A World Cup winner and Lions captain, “The Raging Bull” combined raw power with humility and honesty. Known for his fair play and resilience, Vickery exemplified the grit and sportsmanship that defined English rugby’s golden generation.

Owens said: "I always had a lot of time for him, found him a decent man, a good player to referee. He wasn’t one of those who would whinge at decisions, he would accept the call and get on with it.

"As a player, at his peak with Wasps during their European runs and with England in 2007, he was a formidable force.

"Just about edges out Carl Hayman, another great player and a pretty honest one as well. When he got it wrong and I penalised him, he would accept it."

Lock: Alun Wyn Jones (Wales)

A towering competitor and inspirational captain, Alun Wyn Jones became rugby’s most-capped player through relentless commitment and leadership. His professionalism and intensity earned universal respect across the rugby world.

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."

Lock: Paul O'Connell (Ireland)

The heart and soul of every team he led, O’Connell inspired through sheer will and ferocious work rate. A commanding figure for Munster, Ireland, and the Lions, he remains synonymous with passion, humility, and excellence.

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."

Blindside-flanker: Thierry Dusautoir (France)

Renowned for courage and composure, Dusautoir’s 38-tackle effort against New Zealand in 2007 defined his warrior spirit. A model of dignity and discipline, the former France captain exemplified leadership through deeds, not words.

Owens said: "My choice as the best skipper I encountered may raise a few eyebrows, but what a captain Dusautoir was. He unfailingly put his body on the line throughout his career — recall the 38 tackles he made when France knocked the All Blacks out of the 2007 World Cup — led by example and understood the game very well.

"Also, he was exemplary in the way he conducted himself.

"There were never any complaints from him over refereeing, not even when borderline decisions went against France. When his team were crushed 62-13 by New Zealand during the 2015 World Cup, he wasn’t tempted to blame anyone.

"He acted as a true leader should act."

Openside-flanker: Richie McCaw (New Zealand)

Perhaps the greatest player of all time, McCaw redefined leadership and endurance in the professional era. A two-time World Cup-winning captain, his humility and competitive fire made him the benchmark for excellence in modern rugby.

Owens said: "Even though there’s been David Pocock and others in this position, how can I not go with Richie?

"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."

Number 8: Sergio Parisse (Italy)

Italy’s talisman for over two decades, Parisse combined flair, athleticism, and tactical intelligence to shine even when his teams struggled. Universally respected, he embodied grace under pressure and pride in national colours.

Owens said: "I’ve been fortunate to have refereed some tremendous No.8s during my career but Sergio is tops. He’s such a talented player and rarely has a bad game.

"Maybe there’s a tendency to try and do too much because he’s been in an Italy or Stade Francais team which hasn’t been at its best, but he’s been extraordinary."