The game of rugby changed forever 25 years ago today on with the introduction of professionalism on the 26th August, 1995.
But who are the best to have played the game over the past 25 years? And who would make a combined XV?
15. Christian Cullen (New Zealand)
Just about the most exciting player in the world game for a few years in the late 1990s. Nicknamed the Paekakariki Express, he had a remarkable strike rate, scoring 46 tries in just 58 Tests for New Zealand, with his elusive running and pace from full-back ripping sides apart.
14. Shane Williams (Wales)
Named world player of the year in 2008, he ended up with 60 Test tries, leaving him fourth on the all-time list behind behind Daisuke Ohata, David Campese and Bryan Habana. He was The Great Entertainer.
13. Brian O'Driscoll (Ireland)
One of the most feared players in the game, O’Driscoll was also one of the most consistent. His 141 Test caps, including eight for the Lions, makes him one of the greatest of all-time.
12. Tim Horan (Australia)
Capable of cutting teams to bits on attack, putting in solid hits on defence and creating chances for others, Horan was the complete player and World Cups (1991,1995 & 1999) seemed, brought out the best in him.
11. Jonah Lomu (New Zealand)
Rugby’s first global superstar had a unique combination of size, speed and power which saw him close to unstoppable at his best. Within weeks he took over the rugby world and became the face of the 1995 and 1999 World Cup's.
10. Jonny Wilkinson (England)
Who else could it have been? There’s little to say about this man that hasn’t already been written. One of the greatest defensive fly halves to have ever played the game, and a physical embodiment of rugby as a professional sport. One of a kind.
9. Joost van der Westhuizen (South Africa)
Despite standing 6ft 1ins tall, he was able to find and penetrate the tiniest gaps in opposing defences. An inspirational force as a player, he has inspired people once again in recent years with his fight against motor neurone disease. Sadly lost his brave battle against the disease in February 2017.
1. Gethin Jenkins (Wales)
Has revolutionised the role of the loose-head prop. Like an extra back rower with his ability over the ball and his defensive work-rate.
2. John Smit (South Africa)
One of the great captains of the professional era. Led South Africa a record 83 times in 111 Tests, guiding them to victory at the 2007 World Cup, a series triumph over the Lions in 2009 and two Tri-Nations titles.
3. Phil Vickery (England)
As one of the hardest hitters in rugby, “Raging Bull” is never far from a Dream XV list. The former captain played every game of the 2003 campaign, and came back from a series of injuries to captain the side in the 2007 final.
4. Martin Johnson (England)
A player who led by example and the kind of man you would always want alongside you in the trenches when the chips are down. Would never ask someone to do something he wouldn’t do himself. Captained the Lions on two tours, including the triumphant 1997 trip to South Africa, while he will always be remembered as the man presented with the 2003 World Cup, which England won in Sydney.
5. Paul O'Connell (Ireland)
The Irish second row was certainly blessed with special rugby powers having been one of the world’s leading tight forwards for more than a decade. A three-times Lions who captained the tour of South Africa in 2009.
6. Schalk Burger (South Africa)
One of the most physical flankers in the game, he was dubbed a “threshing machine” by former Springboks coach Nick Mallett. Came back from injury and life-threatening illness to enjoy an immense career.
7. Richie McCaw (New Zealand)
Who else? He earned a world-record 148 caps for the All Blacks, winning 131 of those games and captaining his country 111 times, including two World Cup triumphs in 2011 & 2015.
8. Sergio Parisse (Italy)
There’s no such thing as a one-man team in rugby, but it’s got pretty close to that with Italy at times over the past decade or so. That one man, of course, is their talismanic skipper.
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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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