Sean Fitzpatrick names two Welshmen in his immense all-time World XV
Rugby NewsFriday, 17 October 2025 at 00:02
Sean Fitzpatrick has revealed his dream all-time World XV — a line-up glittering with rugby greats from across the eras.
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The side includes eight New Zealanders, four Englishmen, two Welsh legends, and one Irish icon, with a staggering 1,277 international appearances between them.
And while the All Blacks dominate, Fitzpatrick’s selections for Wales are steeped in admiration and nostalgia.
15. JPR Williams (Wales)
The legendary Welsh full-back inspired a generation with courage beyond measure. During the 1971 Lions tour, Williams faced down waves of All Black defenders — and earned their respect in the process.
Fitzpatrick: “It has to be JPR. That 1971 Lions team that he was part of made such an impression on my generation in New Zealand because they beat the All Blacks.”
Even as a schoolboy, Fitzpatrick was watching in awe. Decades later, those memories remain vivid enough to earn Williams the No. 15 shirt in his fantasy team.
14. Jonah Lomu (New Zealand)
The sport’s first global superstar. Lomu’s size, speed and power redefined the modern winger and left defenders grasping at air throughout the 1990s.
13. Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland)
Ireland’s greatest ever centre and a totem for the British & Irish Lions. O’Driscoll’s intelligence and attacking flair make him Fitzpatrick’s choice in midfield.
12. Ma’a Nonu (New Zealand)
A player who evolved from a pure power runner into one of rugby’s most complete inside centres — pivotal in both of New Zealand’s modern World Cup triumphs.
11. Jason Robinson (England)
The electric code-breaker whose footwork lit up both rugby league and union. His explosive acceleration and balance make him an automatic pick on the wing.
10. Dan Carter (New Zealand)
Cool, composed, and devastatingly precise — the fly-half who set the benchmark.
Fitzpatrick: “Perhaps the best of all-time.”
Carter’s inclusion comes as no surprise from a man who captained him early in his career and watched him master every facet of the game.
9. Gareth Edwards (Wales)
The genius from Gwaen-cae-Gurwen who redefined scrum-half play. Edwards’ speed, strength and vision made him a global icon.
Fitzpatrick: “Gareth Edwards was my hero.”
“My first rugby heroes weren’t All Blacks but British Lions — members of the 1971 team who played so brilliantly in New Zealand.”
For Fitzpatrick, the Welshman remains the standard by which all others are measured.
1. Jason Leonard (England)
England’s most-capped forward. Leonard’s durability, technical excellence and understated leadership make him the rock of Fitzpatrick’s front row.
2. Dane Coles (New Zealand)
A modern-day hooker with a back’s pace and skillset. Coles revolutionised the position with his dynamic running and link play.
3. Olo Brown (New Zealand)
A cornerstone of the All Black scrum through the 1990s and one of the most respected tightheads of his generation.
4. Martin Johnson (England)
England’s World Cup-winning captain and the heartbeat of their pack. Fierce, uncompromising and utterly reliable.
5. Colin Meads (New Zealand)
“Pinetree” — the symbol of All Black toughness. A towering presence both literally and spiritually within New Zealand rugby folklore.
6. Richard Hill (England)
The quiet destroyer. Hill’s work rate and precision made him a coach’s dream and a teammate’s reassurance.
7. Richie McCaw (New Zealand)
Two-time World Cup-winning captain and the embodiment of consistency, resilience and pride in the black jersey.
8. Zinzan Brooke (New Zealand)
A forward blessed with a playmaker’s touch. Brooke’s kicking, handling and game sense made him a one-of-a-kind No. 8 — equal parts enforcer and entertainer.
Sean Fitzpatrick’s All-Time World XV
JPR Williams (Wales); Jonah Lomu (NZ), Brian O’Driscoll (Ire), Ma’a Nonu (NZ), Jason Robinson (Eng); Dan Carter (NZ), Gareth Edwards (Wales); Jason Leonard (Eng), Dane Coles (NZ), Olo Brown (NZ), Martin Johnson (Eng), Colin Meads (NZ), Richard Hill (Eng), Richie McCaw (NZ), Zinzan Brooke (NZ).
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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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