Piers Morgan has revealed his all-time greatest rugby XV — and, unsurprisingly, the selection has sparked heated debate among rugby fans.
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While the side is packed with legendary names from across the rugby world, supporters were quick to question the omission of icons such as Joost van der Westhuizen, Jonny Wilkinson and Willie John McBride.
Here’s the full XV Morgan selected.
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Front Row
Loosehead Prop – Os du Randt
One of the most feared scrummagers in rugby history, du Randt became a cornerstone of Springbok rugby across two eras. The South African powerhouse first exploded onto the global stage during the 1995 Rugby World Cup before returning to lift the trophy again in 2007.
Renowned for his brutal strength and tireless work rate, he was rarely dominated by opposition forwards throughout his career.
DID YOU KNOW?
In 2000, aged just 27, du Randt suffered injuries that kept him out of rugby for nearly three years.
Hooker – Sean Fitzpatrick
Widely regarded as one of the greatest hookers of all time, Fitzpatrick combined aggression, leadership and outstanding technical ability.
The legendary All Black earned 92 caps for New Zealand, captaining his country on 51 occasions.
DID YOU KNOW?
He was part of two iconic All Blacks front rows — first alongside Steve McDowell and Richard Loe, then later with Craig Dowd and Olo Brown.
Tighthead Prop – Graham Price
Welsh legend Price became famous for scoring a sensational 70-yard try on debut against France.
A key figure in Wales’ Grand Slam triumphs in 1976 and 1978, he also toured three times with the British & Irish Lions.
DID YOU KNOW?
In 2012, Price appeared as himself in the British comedy-drama TV show Stella.
Second Row
Lock – Martin Johnson
England icon Johnson remains one of the most respected captains rugby has ever seen.
He famously led England to Rugby World Cup glory in 2003 and became the first player to captain the British & Irish Lions on two separate tours.
DID YOU KNOW?
Johnson received an OBE in 1997 before later being awarded a CBE after England’s 2003 World Cup triumph.
Lock – John Eales
Nicknamed “Nobody” because “nobody’s perfect,” Eales came remarkably close to being exactly that.
The Australian great won two Rugby World Cups and possessed one of the most complete skill sets rugby has ever seen — including elite goal-kicking ability despite playing in the second row.
DID YOU KNOW?
Eales also played first-grade cricket for Queensland University.
Back Row
Flanker – Francois Pienaar
Pienaar will forever be remembered for captaining South Africa to victory at the 1995 Rugby World Cup.
Beyond rugby, that triumph became symbolic of a nation attempting to unite in the post-apartheid era.
DID YOU KNOW?
After his Springbok career, Pienaar went on to play for English club Saracens.
Flanker – Richie McCaw
Few players dominated world rugby like McCaw.
The legendary All Blacks captain won Rugby World Cups in both 2011 and 2015 while collecting a record three World Rugby Player of the Year awards.
By retirement, he had amassed 148 Test caps.
DID YOU KNOW?
McCaw declined an invitation to the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton in order to focus on rugby.
Number 8 – Zinzan Brooke
A uniquely gifted forward, Brooke combined physicality with elite handling and kicking skills.
His unforgettable 47-metre drop goal against England at the 1995 Rugby World Cup remains one of rugby’s most iconic moments.
DID YOU KNOW?
Brooke also played Gaelic football before and after his rugby career.
Half-Backs
Scrum-Half – Gareth Edwards
To many rugby supporters, Edwards remains the greatest scrum-half ever to play the game.
Blessed with electric pace and deceptive power, the Welshman starred for both Wales and the British & Irish Lions throughout the golden era of the 1970s.
DID YOU KNOW?
A statue of Edwards was unveiled in Cardiff in 2004 to honour his incredible career.
Fly-Half – Dan Carter
A true global superstar, Carter is widely considered one of rugby’s greatest-ever fly-halves.
The All Black maestro combined tactical brilliance, elite kicking and exceptional running ability during a glittering international career.
DID YOU KNOW?
Carter once turned down an opportunity to join the New England Patriots as an NFL kicker.
Back Three & Centres
Wing – Jonah Lomu
Lomu revolutionised rugby.
The giant New Zealand winger became the sport’s first true global superstar and remains one of the most feared attacking players ever seen.
His performances at the 1995 Rugby World Cup changed the way wings were viewed forever.
DID YOU KNOW?
Lomu once competed in amateur bodybuilding competitions and finished runner-up in two categories.
Centre – Tim Horan
A two-time Rugby World Cup winner, Horan formed one of the most dangerous midfield partnerships in rugby history.
The Wallabies great earned 80 caps across an outstanding international career.
DID YOU KNOW?
Horan’s father, Mike Horan, was a politician in Queensland.
Centre – Brian O'Driscoll
Ireland legend O’Driscoll was among the most complete centres rugby has ever produced.
The former Ireland captain earned 133 caps and became his country’s all-time leading try scorer.
DID YOU KNOW?
O’Driscoll was named Six Nations Player of the Tournament in 2006, 2007 and 2009.
Wing – David Campese
Campese was pure unpredictability.
The Australian magician terrorised defences with his famous “goose-step” and became one of rugby’s greatest-ever try scorers.
DID YOU KNOW?
Campese was also a hugely successful rugby sevens player, starring multiple times at the Hong Kong Sevens.
Fullback – Serge Blanco
The flamboyant French fullback dazzled fans throughout the 1980s with his fearless attacking style.
Blanco won 93 caps for France and became one of the sport’s true entertainers.
DID YOU KNOW?
Blanco became almost as famous for smoking cigarettes on the touchline as he did for his brilliance on the field.
Piers Morgan’s All-Time Rugby XV
- Os du Randt
- Sean Fitzpatrick
- Graham Price
- Martin Johnson
- John Eales
- Francois Pienaar
- Richie McCaw
- Zinzan Brooke
- Gareth Edwards
- Dan Carter
- Jonah Lomu
- Tim Horan
- Brian O’Driscoll
- David Campese
- Serge Blanco
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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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