Richie McCaw ranked third-best test rugby captain by legendary referee Nigel Owens

The popular referee selected his picks for Wales Online, but set out at the start that he wouldn't be picking any Welshman in his selection.

"I am not going to include any Welsh players on my list because I haven’t refereed them in international matches.

"Anyway, these are my top Test skippers ranked, Welshmen aside."

While there will always be some big-name omissions from lists such as these, there aren’t any captains on the list unworthy of Owens’ praise.

Check out his full selection below.

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Despite challenging times for England during Robshaw's captaincy, Owens commended his dedication to the cause. Robshaw consistently gave his all, both on and off the pitch, fostering a team-first mentality. A nice guy and a committed leader, Robshaw's efforts didn't go unnoticed by the seasoned referee.

Owens said: Some people will be surprised at this one to start off. His misfortune was perhaps to be leading England during a difficult time, but he always gave everything for the cause, encouraging others to follow suit, and he was a nice guy off the pitch."

A great rugby player, leader, and man, according to Owens. De Villiers impressed the referee whenever they crossed paths on the field. His impact extended beyond skill, embodying qualities of a true captain and leaving a lasting impression on the international rugby stage.

Owens said: "He was not only a great rugby player but also a great leader and a great man. Whenever I came across him on the field, he impressed me."

Owens placed McCaw high on the list of rugby's greatest players. Leading New Zealand to a remarkable winning record, McCaw's true character shone when facing defeat. A respected figure, his leadership transcended victories, earning Owens' admiration on and off the field.

Owens said: "He’s right up on any list of rugby’s greatest players.

"Maybe he will be at the top for many people.

"New Zealand won something like nine out of every 10 games in which he led them, but the mark of Richie McCaw was how he conducted himself when the All Blacks lost."

Owens classifies this duo as a joint-ticket. O'Driscoll led, with O'Connell as vice-skipper. Owens found them excellent to deal with, and O'Connell, when needed, served as a reliable link between the ref and the forwards. A formidable Irish leadership partnership.

Owens said: "I’m classing this as a joint-ticket as whenever I seemed to ref Ireland in their day O’Driscoll was captain and O’Connell was vice-skipper.

"O’Driscoll actually used to tell me if there were issues with the forwards then I should chat to O’Connell.

I found them excellent to deal with."

Nigel Owens hailed Dusautoir as the best skipper he encountered. Known for putting his body on the line, he led by example and showcased exceptional understanding of the game.

Notable for his 38 tackles in the 2007 World Cup, he remains an enduring symbol of French rugby leadership.

Owens said: "My choice as the best skipper I encountered may raise a few eyebrows, but what a captain Dusautoir was.

"He unfailingly put his body on the line throughout his career — recall the 38 tackles he made when France knocked the All Blacks out of the 2007 World Cup — led by example and understood the game very well."

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