In our selection of the all-time top five number 8's, we have considered various statistics to assess their rankings and overall impact on the game.
The number eight position, as the controlling force behind the scrum, holds a pivotal role, completing the pack and excelling in strength and ball-winning abilities, combining the power of forwards with the agility of backs.
Typically tall, athletic, and immensely strong, these players possess the ideal attributes to dominate the game, securing crucial possession and contributing significantly to their teams' success.
Now, let's take a look at the full top five list below:
5 Best Number 8's Of All Time
#8. Taulupe Faletau (Wales)
Across his career, Taulupe Faletau has firmly established himself as one of the finest number eights in world rugby and will go down as one of Wales' best ever players.
A three-times British and Irish Lions tourist, Faletau has played his part in three Six Nations title victories as he fast approaches a century of Test appearances.
#7. Wayne Shelford (New Zealand)
Few players can rival the former New Zealand No. 8 and captain, Wayne Shelford, when it comes to sheer aggression and an unwavering determination to win.
At the heart of the All Blacks pack during the inaugural World Cup, fondly remembered as "Buck" Shelford, he led the team to overpower all opponents, leaving no genuine challengers for New Zealand in that historic tournament.
Serving as the skipper for three years, Shelford guided the All Blacks to an impressive record, winning all matches except for one draw with Australia.
#6. Duane Vermeulen (South Africa)
Vermeulen is a South African rugby union player, renowned for his powerful performances as a number 8. Born on July 3, 1986, in Nelspruit, Vermeulen's imposing presence and aggressive ball-carrying have made him a standout force in international rugby.
He earned recognition while representing the Bulls in Super Rugby and Toulon in the French Top 14. Vermeulen's crowning achievement came in 2019 when he played a pivotal role in South Africa's Rugby World Cup triumph, showcasing his exceptional leadership and work ethic on the field.
#5. Sergio Parisse (Italy)
The 6ft 5in Italian was outstanding in the lineout and had the flair and pace across the ground to gain valuable ground when the Azzurri drives forward.
Parisse won the first of his 142 caps to date at the age of 18 and aged 38 he could still add to that tally after signing a contract extension with Toulon.
#4. Kieran Read (New Zealand)
Death, taxes and Read unpicking defences in the 15-metre channel were three inevitabilities during his incredible career. One of the modern day greats, Read was a member of New Zealand teams that won the World Cup in 2011 and 2015 and he was voted World Rugby Player of the Year in 2013.
Read also won four Super Rugby titles with New Zealand's Crusaders. Making his All Blacks debut in 2008, Read assumed the captaincy from Richie McCaw in 2016 and led the All Blacks to the semi-final at the 2019 World Cup before ending his international career in 2020.
Did you know? Read is the third most-capped All Blacks in history with 127 Test appearances - 52 of them as skipper.
#3. Mervyn Davies (Wales)
The late Wales and British Lions Number 8 Thomas “Mervyn” Davies is the only player on this list from the pre-World Cup era. He won a Triple Crown in his first international season in 1968 before claiming a Grand Slam and being selected for the Lions' famous tour of New Zealand in 1971.
He then skippered Wales to the Five Nations Championship in 1975 before winning the Grand Slam the following year but was forced to retire at the age of 29 due to injury. Davies sadly lost a long battle with cancer on March 16, 2012 - just one day before Wales went for a possible Grand Slam against France.
Did you know? He was inducted into the IRB Hall of Fame in 2001 and the following year a poll of Welsh rugby fans saw him voted the greatest ever Welsh captain and the greatest ever Welsh No.8.
#2. Lawrence Dallaglio (England)
Lawrence Dallaglio is probably the most decorated number eight in the history of the game. The former England Skipper simply won everything possible in the game: including a World Cup, a Lions tour, World Cup Sevens, Heineken Cup, European Challenge Cup, English Premiership and the English domestic cup.
He won a total of 85 caps during an international career that spanned 12 years from 1995 to 2007 while also making three appearances for the British and Irish Lions.
Did you know? Dallaglio was the only player to play every minute during England's triumphant 2003 World Cup campaign.
#1. Zinzan Brooke (New Zealand)
Topping the list is All Black Zinzan Brooke. He was an effective forward but also had top class handling skills and a trustworthy boot making him quite the unique player.
During his international career that spanned a decade from 1987 to 1997, he played in two World Cups in 1991 and 1995 scoring an unforgettable drop goal from 47 metres out against England in the latter. Brooke in total played 58 tests for New Zealand, scoring 89 points.
Did you know? As well as rugby union, Brooke played Gaelic football, both before and after his rugby career.
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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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