Owen Farrell named the most underrated player in rugby history

These players receive the recognition they deserve for their club and national rugby contribution.

However, there are numerous other underrated footballers who never quite receive the recognition proportionate to their skills and contribution.

A totem of the modern day All Blacks side, but was overshadowed by some of the other big names in that side. Led from the front and his 128-cap haul in the Kiwis back-row helped minimise the 2015 retirement of their captain colossus Richie McCaw.

The Fijian-born wing boasted a remarkable strike rate, scoring 46 tries in 68 Tests. When you’ve got speed and strength, you’ve always got a chance and he had both in bucketloads. Criminally underrated due to following in the footsteps of the late great Jonah Lomu.

‘Underappreciated’ and ‘unfortunate’ are two words which probably encapsulate Shaw. Despite incredible longevity and a durability few other rugby players could match, particularly as the game became more and more physical, Shaw should have easily amassed over 100 caps.

Legend of the game Martin Johnson, who was an inspirational leader and brilliant player, generally stood in his way, but the Wasps man’s skills were often underutilised by those that coached him. 

Former Wales assistant and defence coach guru Shaun Edwards even said Shaw is the 'most underrated player in recent history'. 

One of the game’s most intelligent ball-handling forwards, Creevy backs up a superb work-rate in the loose with granite physicality in the tight, with his ability to win direct collisions against opposition forwards one of his key attributes. Very underrated.

Ludicrously underrated player on both sides of the ball. You don’t get 100 caps, two lions tours, captain your team to a world cup final, multiple 6Nations, A grand slam, multiple premiership titles and European cups without being a fantastic player.