Sir Steve Hansen crowned rugby’s greatest of all time — Dan Carter snubbed

Wednesday, 04 February 2026 at 22:50

bySteven Smith

Former All Blacks coach Sir Steve Hansen has delivered the ultimate accolade to Richie McCaw, hailing the former captain as “the best rugby player the world has ever seen."

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In a wide-ranging interview with

WalesOnline, Hansen reflected on his time at the helm of the All Blacks — a remarkable tenure spanning four Rugby World Cups. After serving as assistant coach under Graham Henry in 2007 and 2011, Hansen went on to lead New Zealand to World Cup triumph in 2015, before finishing third at the 2019 tournament.

But it was the 2011 campaign, Hansen says, that defined McCaw’s legacy. The All Blacks’ inspirational captain famously played through the knockout stages with a broken foot, guiding his side to their first World Cup title since 1987.

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Hansen revealed that the full extent of McCaw’s injury wasn’t known at the time — and that was by choice.

“Our skipper had two broken bones in his foot. We didn’t know they were broken because we didn’t ask. We didn’t want to know and he didn’t want to say,” Hansen said.

The coach went on to praise McCaw’s extraordinary resilience and mental strength.

“What he did in that tournament was phenomenal. Mentally, he would be the toughest bloke I have had anything to do with in my coaching career.

I think he’s the best rugby player the world has ever seen.”

McCaw retired in 2015 after lifting the Webb Ellis Cup for a second time, cementing his place as one of the sport’s all-time greats.

The Richest Rugby Couples in 2026 (Ranked 10-1)

Here’s our ranking of the top 10 richest rugby couples in 2026 — counting up from the most modest fortunes to the biggest bank balances.

Wealthiest Rugby Couples:

10. David Pocock & Emma Palandri – £1.5 million

Former Australian rugby star David Pocock and his wife, Emma Palandri, have diversified their wealth through post-rugby careers. Pocock is now an Australian senator, while Palandri co-founded social enterprise projects focusing on sustainable development.

9. Nigel Owens & Barrie Jones-Davies – £2 million

Nigel Owens, Welsh former rugby referee, is a motivational speaker, commentator, and farmer. Together with his partner, Barrie Jones-Davies, they’ve cultivated a modest fortune built on Owens’ post-rugby ventures.

8. Owen Farrell & Georgie Farrell – £3 million

England captain Owen Farrell and his wife, Georgie Farrell, an events manager, have accumulated a solid fortune through rugby salaries and personal business ventures.

7. Bryan Habana & Janine Viljoen – £8 million

South African rugby legend Bryan Habana and entrepreneur Janine Viljoen have grown their wealth through sports, media appearances, and business initiatives.

From business ventures and endorsements to philanthropy and royal connections, these power couples exemplify success in every arena.

6. Siya & Rachel Kolisi – £10 million

World Cup-winning captain Siya Kolisi and Rachel Kolisi, co-founder of the Kolisi Foundation, are currently navigating a divorce. Their combined wealth stems from rugby, endorsements, and philanthropic ventures that uplift underprivileged communities.

5. Dan & Honor Carter – £12 million

All Blacks fly-half Dan Carter, three-time World Rugby Player of the Year, and his wife, Honor Carter, former Black Ferns hockey player, have built a fortune through rugby and business ventures.

4. Richie & Gemma McCaw – £15 million

Two-time Rugby World Cup champion Richie McCaw and his wife Gemma McCaw, former Black Sticks hockey player, have amassed wealth through sports, endorsements, and philanthropic work.

3. Jonny Wilkinson & Shelley Jenkins – £20 million

England hero Jonny Wilkinson and his wife Shelley Jenkins have grown their fortune post-retirement through media appearances, business ventures, and strategic endorsements.

2. Sonny Bill & Alana Williams – £22 million

Versatile athlete Sonny Bill Williams and Alana Williams, former model and businesswoman, have diversified wealth from rugby, rugby league, boxing, and endorsements.

1. Mike & Zara Tindall – £25 million

Mike Tindall, former England captain, and Zara Tindall, Olympic equestrian and granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II, top the list. Mike enjoys a successful media career, while Zara remains active in equestrian sports and business, making them rugby’s wealthiest power couple.