RANKED: The 5 best Six Nations tacklers in history

Friday, 12 February 2021 at 20:00

byRugby Rucker

It’s easy to count tackles, but who are really the best Six Nations tacklers? Who makes the most impact on their team?

Today we are looking at the top 5 tacklers ranked by most hit along with their success rate according to OPTA.

Let’s see who makes the top five best Six Nations tacklers

Best Six Nations tacklers:

5. Fulgence Ouedraogo (France)

Position: Flanker
6 Nations Apps: 12
Tackles: 138
Success rate: 97%

DID YOU KNOW? Ouedraogo is a cousin of the famous MMA fighter and long-time UFC veteran Cheick Kongo

4. Nick Easter (England)

Position: Number 8
Apps: 25
Tackles: 195
Success rate: 97%

Easter won 54 England caps and played 281 times for Quins, which was more than any other player in the professional era when he retired in 2015. He played in three World Cups and helped Quins win their first Premiership title in 2012.

DID YOU KNOW? Easter is the brother of Sale Sharks player Mark Easter and the nephew of author Anne Easter Smith

3. Hamish Watson (Scotland)

Position: Flanker
Apps: 18
Tackles: 260
Success rate: 97%

In almost a decade of service, the relentless ball carrier and ‘fetcher’ – nicknamed pinball in social media circles for bouncing off tackles in the loose – is one of the most consistent and exciting openside flankers in world rugby.

DID YOU KNOW? The Edinburgh back-rower played for Leicester Tigers academy until the age of 18.

2. Justin Tipuric (Wales)

Position: Flanker
Apps: 40
Tackles: 380
Success rate: 97%

The 31-year-old's speed is still sensational and his tackling non-stop. Don’t be surprised if this man is still up there for a spot in the 2021 Lions starting team.

DID YOU KNOW? Tipuric is of Croatian descent

1. Jonny Gray (Scotland)

Position: Second-row
Apps: 28
Tackles: 439
Success rate: 98%

Just how good the Exeter Chiefs lock is at tackling is really quite remarkable. Whichever way you look at it, Gray’s accuracy and work-rate are, well, monstrous. The big lock is so good, so often, that his contribution doesn’t always get the recognition – publicly, at least – that it merits. Interestingly, his brother Richie ranks seventh.