Rugby fans worship the likes of Jonny Wilkinson, Jonah Lomu, and Richie McCaw—but what about these forgotten greats?
When it comes to rugby royalty, the usual suspects always steal the spotlight. The game’s biggest names get the plaudits, the trophies, and the endless highlights reels.
But what about the stars who never quite got their flowers? The ones whose brilliance flew under the radar despite their immense contributions?
Let’s take a look at five of the most criminally underrated players in rugby history.
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#5. Kieran Read (New Zealand)
- Position: No. 8
- Caps: 128 (2008–2019)
- Major Achievements: Two-time Rugby World Cup winner (2011, 2015), three-time Super Rugby champion with the Crusaders
An All Blacks legend in his own right, yet often overshadowed by the likes of Ma’a Nonu, Sonny Bill Williams, and Dan Carter.
The relentless back-rower captained New Zealand in the latter years of his career and was a crucial figure in maintaining the team’s dominance post-Richie McCaw. A gifted athlete with excellent handling skills and leadership qualities, Read ensured the All Blacks remained a force to be reckoned with.
#4. Joe Rokocoko (New Zealand)
- Position: Wing
- Caps: 68 (2003–2010)
- Tries: 46 (one of the highest strike rates in All Blacks history)
- Clubs: Auckland Blues, Bayonne, Racing 92
A winger with terrifying pace and raw power, Rokocoko torched defences at will, finishing his international career with an astonishing try-per-game ratio.
Born in Fiji, he moved to New Zealand as a child and became a star for the All Blacks in the early 2000s. Despite his electric performances, he never quite got the same adulation as Jonah Lomu, largely because he played in an era full of superstar backs. Nevertheless, his impact on the game was undeniable.
#3. Simon Shaw (England)
- Position: Lock
- Caps: 71 (1996–2011)
- Major Achievements: 2003 Rugby World Cup winner, 2007 RWC finalist, four-time Premiership champion with Wasps, two British & Irish Lions tours
‘Underappreciated’ and ‘unfortunate’—two words that sum up Shaw’s international career.
A true ironman of the game, he had the durability and power to thrive in an era where rugby became brutally physical. Despite being one of England’s most consistent locks, he spent much of his career playing second fiddle to the legendary Martin Johnson.
His longevity was remarkable—Shaw was still playing at the highest level in his late 30s and was one of England’s standout performers in the 2007 World Cup final. Even defensive mastermind Shaun Edwards called him the "most underrated player in recent history."
#2. Agustín Creevy (Argentina)
- Position: Hooker
- Caps: 103+ (2014–present)
- Major Achievements: Most-capped Argentina player of all time, Super Rugby finalist with Jaguares (2019), Premiership winner with Leicester Tigers
Creevy didn’t just play hooker—he reinvented the position.
Known for his incredible skill set and relentless work rate, he mixed intelligence with brute strength, outmuscling opponents in the tight while acting as an extra playmaker in the loose. His ability to dominate the breakdown and deliver pinpoint offloads made him a nightmare for defences.
He’s also Argentina’s most-capped player ever, which says everything about his influence on Los Pumas.
#1. Owen Farrell (England)
- Position: Fly-half / Inside centre
- Caps: 112 (2012–2024)
- Major Achievements: Two-time Six Nations champion, Grand Slam winner (2016), two-time Premiership champion with Saracens, European Cup winner, British & Irish Lions tourist (2013, 2017), World Cup finalist (2019)
Say what you want about his style, but you don’t rack up 100+ caps, two Lions tours, a World Cup final, a Grand Slam, multiple Premiership and European titles without being world-class.
Ferocious in defence, ice-cold under pressure, and a born leader, Farrell has captained England in multiple campaigns and was the heartbeat of Saracens’ dominance in Europe. Despite his success, critics often question his temperament and playing style, but his track record speaks for itself.
The fact that some still doubt him? Ludicrous.
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QUIZ: Can You Name the England XV that Won the 2020 Six Nations?
England last won the Six Nations in 2020, in what was a crowning achievement during the Eddie Jones era. Coming off the back of the 2019 Rugby World Cup Final heartbreak, England bounced back to win their seventh Six Nations title since the competition's Italian expansion in 2000.
England secured the trophy with a win in Rome, as they handed Italy a one-sided 34-5 bonus point defeat. We are challenging you to remember who started for England that day, as the match was played in front of an empty stadium during the Covid-19 Pandemic.
You have five minutes to provide your answers, good luck!
