Nigel Owens ranks top 8 captains he refereed - including surprise England skipper

The Welshman's list featured a host of legends from the 20 years of rugby union, including a surprise Englishman.

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."

Owens said: "He was a truly great captain of France. Win or lose, he was the same at the after-match function. He’d always say thank-you and was extremely polite."

Did you know? In 2015, he snubbed a move to Leicester and signed a two-year contract extension with Toulouse.

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."

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."

Did you know? Parisse was born in La Plata, capital of Province of Buenos Aires, Argentina, to Italian parents

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."

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.

"Never took a backward step, stood tall and was a man others would follow"

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.

"He’s been playing at lock for 15 years and remains one of the first names on the Wales team-sheet, which says everything about his ability."

Owens said: "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. A terrific leader."