Sir Clive Woodward has named the five most talented rugby players he has ever seen.
The former England boss knows a thing or two about great players.
He won 21 caps for England and also toured twice with the British & Irish Lions.
Woodward then moved into coaching. He led England to a Grand Slam and Rugby World Cup glory in 2003.
During his time in the game, he played with, coached and watched some of rugby's biggest names.
Here are five players Woodward has given huge praise to over the years.
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5. Martin Johnson – England
Martin Johnson was the leader of Woodward's great England team.
The Leicester Tigers legend captained his country to the 2003 Rugby World Cup.
He also led the British & Irish Lions on two tours.
Woodward said: “You cannot underestimate the impact he’s had at all levels — club, country, and Lions. Johnno is a world-class player whose leadership is outstanding.”
Quirky facts about Martin Johnson
New Zealand beginnings: Johnson spent time in New Zealand as a youngster. He played for King Country before returning to England.
Lions history: He became the first player to captain the British & Irish Lions on two tours. He led them in 1997 and 2001.
Born in Solihull: Despite becoming a Leicester Tigers legend, Johnson was born in Solihull in 1970.
☘️ 4. Brian O'Driscoll – Ireland
Brian O'Driscoll was a problem for every team he faced.
England knew that better than most.
Woodward once revealed the lengths his side went to when facing the Ireland great.
Woodward recalled: “In the Grand Slam game in 2003, we had to man-mark him with three players. That’s how big a threat he was — we needed Wilkinson, Greenwood, and Tindall just to contain him.”
O'Driscoll went on to win 133 caps for Ireland and eight more for the Lions.
Quirky facts about Brian O'Driscoll
Rugby runs in the family: His father, Frank O'Driscoll, also played for Ireland. He won two caps during the 1970s.
Famous wife: O'Driscoll married Irish actress and writer Amy Huberman in 2010. They have three children.
Paris hero: O'Driscoll scored a hat-trick against France in 2000. It helped Ireland win in Paris for the first time since 1972.
3. Jonah Lomu – New Zealand
There had never been anyone quite like Jonah Lomu.
Then 1995 happened.
The giant winger became a global star at the Rugby World Cup.
Lomu scored seven tries during the tournament. Four came against England in a brutal semi-final display.
Woodward said: “He took rugby to a whole new level. There’s rarely one player who dominates an entire World Cup — but Jonah certainly did.”
Lomu went on to score 37 tries in 63 Tests for New Zealand.
Quirky facts about Jonah Lomu
Teenage All Black: Lomu was only 19 years and 45 days old when he made his New Zealand Test debut in 1994.
Springbok hoodoo: He scored 37 Test tries but never managed one against the Springboks.
Gaming icon: Jonah Lomu Rugby was released in the 1990s. It became a cult classic and is still loved by rugby fans today.
2. Jonny Wilkinson – England
Jonny Wilkinson gave England their greatest rugby moment.
His drop goal won the 2003 Rugby World Cup final against Australia.
But there was much more to Wilkinson than one famous kick.
He could tackle, attack and control a match. His work away from games was just as impressive.
Woodward said: “Jonny was special — he scared the opposition. The way he defended and attacked made him a complete player. We were privileged to have him in that team.”
Wilkinson finished his England career with 1,179 points from 91 caps.
Quirky facts about Jonny Wilkinson
Both feet: Wilkinson spent hours practising kicks with both feet. It meant he was comfortable using either during a match.
Teenage debut: He joined Newcastle Falcons after leaving school and made his first-team debut aged just 18.
French farewell: Wilkinson left Newcastle for Toulon in 2009. He later helped them win back-to-back European titles.
The World Rugby Hall of Fame inducted Wilkinson in 2016.
1. Gareth Edwards – Wales
Gareth Edwards gets the top spot.
Woodward faced the Wales legend during his own playing career.
Clearly, he never forgot it.
Woodward said: “The greatest talent I ever played against was Gareth Edwards. Even in his final season, his class was undiminished — he had a great aura about him.”
Edwards won 53 caps for Wales and another 10 Tests for the Lions.
Quirky facts about Gareth Edwards
Multi-sport talent: Edwards wasn't only good at rugby. He was also a talented footballer and gymnast while growing up.
That try: He finished the famous Barbarians move against New Zealand in 1973. It remains one of rugby's most famous tries.
Unbeaten against England: Edwards faced England 11 times for Wales. He won 10 of those matches and drew the other.
More than four decades after Edwards retired, Woodward still puts him right at the top.
