The 'show us your medals' brigade would have a hard time criticising these superstars, although none have claimed Europe's biggest prize...
Players must have played a minimum of two full seasons in Europe to be considered.
DAN CARTER
Dan the man. The greatest back of the professional era, his record speaks for itself. Way out in front as the leading points scorer in international rugby history, with 1,598 points from his 112 caps. Throw in a further 1,708 points for the Crusaders and the fly-half’s impact on the game cannot be emphasised enough. However, he so far has not been able to win the big one in Europe, finishing runner-up in his first season when Racing was comprehensively beaten by Saracens by 21 points to 9. Carter was substituted shortly after half-time in the game, having aggravated his leg injury
DID YOU KNOW: In 2004 and 2005, Carter was voted sexiest New Zealand male
PARIS, FRANCE - DECEMBER 12: Racing player Dan Carter in action during the European Rugby Champions Cup match between Racing Metro 92 and Northampton Saints at Stade Yves Du Manoir on December 12, 2015 in Paris, France. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)[/caption]
SHANE WILLIAMS
Named world player of the year in 2008, he ended up with 60 Test tries, leaving the Welshman fourth on the all-time list behind Daisuke Ohata, David Campese and Bryan Habana. He was The Great Entertainer. However, despite winning a truck full of accolades during his great career, Williams never got close to triumphing in Europe.
DID YOU KNOW: Williams made a cameo appearance as himself in an episode of the UK TV comedy drama Stella.
AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - OCTOBER 21: A dejected Shane Williams of Wales reacts during the 2011 IRB Rugby World Cup bronze final match between Wales and Australia at Eden Park on October 21, 2011 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)[/caption]
SERGIO PARISSE
There’s no such thing as a one-man team in rugby, but it’s got pretty close to that with Italy at times over the past decade. That one man, of course, is their talismanic skipper Sergio Parisse. We've seen the talismanic back-rower lift the Challenge Cup with Stade Francais, beating Gloucester 25–17 at Murrayfield last May, but he has never got close to getting his hands on the big prize.
DID YOU KNOW: He was born in Argentina.
ADAM JONES
His record speaks for itself. The scrum cornerstone of three Grand Slam winning teams and the Test tight-head on two Lions tours. A true legend of Welsh rugby, but was unable to get close to the big European prize due to Ospreys, Cardiff Blues and Harlequins all faltering in Europe.
DID YOU KNOW: He is one of six Welsh players to have won three Grand Slams
JASON ROBINSON
Known as Billy Whizz, this former rugby league star proved a hugely successful convert to Union. A lethal runner from full-back or wing, he was a nightmare to mark in one-on-one situations. Had a knack of scoring memorable tries on the big stage. Following his return to Union, he joined Sale Sharks and never really got close to winning the big European competition.
DID YOU KNOW: He became the first person to have won both the Guinness Premiership and the Super League trophies.
Australia vs The British and Irish Lions 3rd Test 14/7/2001Jason Robinson of the Lions after he scores a tryMandatory Credit ©INPHO/Billy Stickland[/caption]
GEORGE SMITH
The scourge of the Lions at the age of 20 and more than 100 caps to his name for the Wallabies before he was 30. However, despite successful spells with Toulon, Stade Francais, Lyon and Waps, he was never able to win the big one. Smith did reach the semi-final with Wasps in 2016, but they were beaten 24–17 by eventual winners Saracens.
DID YOU KNOW: He was easily recognised on the field by his dreadlocked hair style until late 2006 – when he decided to sell his dreadlocks for charity.
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- Jordie Barrett over Damian de Allende is far from being correct. The hype around Dupont is also overreaching, he's probably 4th in the world and has been since the 2023 WC. He also avoids certain matchups which is strange. The rest of the list is pretty good apart from minor subjective biases.JasonMarlow16-09-2026
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