Telegraph Names 30 Best Six Nations Players — No Scots Make the List

Monday, 02 February 2026 at 18:12

byRugby Rucker

The Telegraph has released its list of the 30 greatest players in Six Nations history, and it’s already causing a stir – especially north of the border.

Despite 26 years of unforgettable championship moments, not a single Scottish player has made the cut, with the rankings dominated by Welsh, English, Irish and French icons.

Check out their full list here.

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30 Best Six Nations Players:

30–26: The Modern Greats & Championship Staples

This section is packed with players who defined the last decade or so through consistency, big-game influence and elite-level skills – from Gatland-era Welsh power to Ireland’s ironman prop and France’s kicking maestro.

30. Jamie Roberts (Wales)
A wrecking-ball centre who powered Wales to multiple titles and shone on two Lions tours.

29.Dan Biggar (Wales)
A fly-half who never took a backwards step.

28. Mike Phillips (Wales)
A physically imposing scrum-half who brought edge, aggression and big-match temperament.

27. Thomas Ramos (France)
Deadly goal-kicker and elegant backfield controller, already climbing France’s record books.

26. Cian Healy (Ireland)
Ireland’s most-capped forward, a modern front-row athlete with five Six Nations titles.

25–21: Wales’ Golden Generation Dominates

Here, Wales’ dominance under Warren Gatland is impossible to ignore. These players were central to Grand Slams, Lions success, and an era where Welsh rugby regularly ruled the championship.

25. Leigh Halfpenny (Wales)
Mr Reliable at full-back – fearless defender, ice-cold kicker, Lions Player of the Series in 2013.

24. Damian Penaud (France)
A pure finisher and unstoppable try-scorer when in full flight.

23. Taulupe Faletau (Wales)
The complete No.8: powerful, skilful, tireless, and a Lions standout.

22. Sam Warburton (Wales)
Inspirational captain and breakdown master whose career ended far too soon.

21. Adam Jones (Wales)
A scrummaging cornerstone and one of the great tightheads of the professional era.

20–16: Leaders, Match-Winners and Modern Icons

This group features players who carried their teams through pressure moments – generals at half-back, elite captains, and unsung warriors who set standards week after week.

20. Conor Murray (Ireland)
Street-smart scrum-half who controlled games and anchored Ireland’s title-winning sides.

19. Owen Farrell (England)
England’s fierce competitor-in-chief, a relentless leader and points machine.

18. Tommy Bowe (Ireland)
A ruthless finisher with power and charm, vital in Ireland’s 2009 Grand Slam.

17. Will Greenwood (England)
Silky centre with sharp rugby intelligence, a joy to watch in England’s early dominance.

16. Tom Curry (England)
Modern back-row engine – immense work-rate, breakdown menace, and leadership beyond his years.

15–11: Tournament Legends of the Early 2000s

Now we hit the era-defining names – players who shaped Six Nations history through England’s powerhouse years, France’s flair, and Ireland’s rise into genuine contenders.

15. Richard Hill (England)
Breakdown expert and tireless worker – one of England’s most underrated greats.

14. Vincent Clerc (France)
Big-game winger with electric pace and unforgettable title-winning moments.

13. Shane Williams (Wales)
Wales’ record try-scorer, dazzling footwork and pure magic in motion.

12. Neil Back (England)
Ferocious competitor who embodied England’s edge and physical dominance.

11. Paul O’Connell (Ireland)
Towering leader and lineout boss, central to Ireland’s transformation into champions.

10–6: Icons Who Defined Nations

These are the names etched into championship folklore – world players of the year, tactical geniuses, and warriors who carried entire countries on their shoulders.

10. Thierry Dusautoir (France)
Defensive machine and inspirational leader, feared by every opponent.

9. George North (Wales)
Explosive winger with power and pace, delivering tries and iconic moments.

8. Ronan O’Gara (Ireland)
Tactical conductor and clutch king, forever tied to Ireland’s 2009 Grand Slam glory.

7. Jonny Wilkinson (England)
Precision personified – England’s calm, ruthless fly-half general.

6. Sergio Parisse (Italy)
Italy’s greatest-ever player, a world-class No.8 despite limited team success.

Poll:

5–1: The Immortals

The final five are the championship’s true giants – captains, generational talents and once-in-a-lifetime players who didn’t just play Six Nations… they defined it.

5. Martin Johnson (England)
England’s ultimate captain, the driving force behind Grand Slam and World Cup glory.

4. Alun Wyn Jones (Wales)
A record-setting warrior, unmatched for durability, leadership and Lions legacy.

3. Jonny Sexton (Ireland)
Ireland’s modern standard-bearer – record points scorer and relentless title-winning leader.

2. Antoine Dupont (France)
The current best in the world: explosive, complete, and already a Six Nations phenomenon.

1. Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland)
The tournament’s greatest: transformational centre, try-scoring legend, and Ireland’s defining icon.