"Zero Springboks" - Sir Ian McGeechan Names His Top 15 Rugby Players of All Time

Wednesday, 12 November 2025 at 11:41

sir ian mcgeechan five times british and irish lions coach tran

byRugby Rucker

Sir Ian McGeechan, 74, is one of rugby’s most respected figures.

A former Scotland international and five-time British & Irish Lions coach, McGeechan’s career spans decades of playing and coaching at the highest level. Known for his tactical genius, calm leadership, and encyclopedic knowledge of the game, he has left an indelible mark on rugby worldwide.

Writing for The Telegraph, he revealed his all-time dream XV — a blend of grit, genius, and greatness drawn from rugby’s golden eras.

His ultimate lineup features six New Zealand icons, three English stars, two Welsh greats, and one standout each from France, Scotland, and Ireland.

Let’s take a closer look at the side — packed with brilliance, balance, and legendary status.

? BACK-THREE

JPR Williams (Wales) – Fullback

McGeechan says: “Not a staggeringly original choice, I’ll admit. But to my mind the only one. If I’m picking a dream XV, I want JPR at the back. No question.”

Why he makes it: The fearless Welsh fullback was the heartbeat of the 1970s golden generation. Renowned for his steel and determination, Williams’ athleticism and tackling were second to none — the headbanded hero defined courage under pressure.

Jonah Lomu (New Zealand) – Left Wing

McGeechan says: “His performances at the 1995 World Cup will never be forgotten. The game needed a superstar, and it got one in Lomu.”

Why he makes it: A force of nature who changed rugby forever. At 6’5” and 120kg, Lomu’s blend of power and pace left defenders helpless. His four-try demolition of England in 1995 remains one of the sport’s defining moments.

John Kirwan (New Zealand) – Right Wing

McGeechan says: “He had an all-round game; he could carry, offload, and move like an extra back-rower.”

Why he makes it: Kirwan was the prototype for the modern winger — strong, smart, and lethal. His impact during New Zealand’s first Rugby World Cup triumph cemented his legacy as one of the best ever.

? CENTRES

Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland) – Outside Centre

McGeechan says: “His ability to get back on his feet after tackling to compete for the ball was extraordinary.”

Why he makes it: The Irish maestro combined creativity and resilience in equal measure. O’Driscoll led Ireland to their first Grand Slam in 61 years, and his vision and skill reshaped how centres played the game.

Philippe Sella (France) – Inside Centre

McGeechan says: “Sella and O’Driscoll together — they’d dominate any midfield.”

Why he makes it: A true warrior in the blue of France, Sella was the first man to 100 Test caps. Known for his power and consistency, his influence extended far beyond his own generation.

⚙️ HALFBACKS

Dan Carter (New Zealand) – Fly-Half

McGeechan says: “He really was the complete 10 — the greatest of the modern era.”

Why he makes it: The ultimate playmaker. Carter’s tactical genius and accuracy helped guide the All Blacks to multiple world titles, bowing out with a flawless display in the 2015 Rugby World Cup final.

Gareth Edwards (Wales) – Scrum-Half

McGeechan says: “My favourite player of all time. The master. The greatest.”

Why he makes it: The heartbeat of Welsh rugby in the 1970s, Edwards combined power, instinct, and flair. His try for the Barbarians against New Zealand in 1973 is still considered the greatest ever scored.

? FRONT-ROW

Tom Smith (Scotland) – Loosehead Prop

McGeechan says: “Six consecutive Lions Tests — a talismanic figure for Scotland in 1999.”

Why he makes it: Smith’s scrummaging and heart made him a legend. The undersized but indomitable prop stood tall against giants, helping Scotland lift their last Five Nations title.

Sean Fitzpatrick (New Zealand) – Hooker

McGeechan says: “Not just as a player but as a captain — his consistency was unbelievable.”

Why he makes it: A true All Black icon. Fitzpatrick’s 92 caps set a benchmark for toughness and leadership, helping usher in the professional era of excellence.

Jason Leonard (England) – Tighthead Prop

McGeechan says: “Completely unflappable — Jason was never in any trouble.”

Why he makes it: England’s most-capped player was the cornerstone of their 2003 World Cup triumph. Reliable, humble, and technically brilliant, Leonard embodied English rugby’s grit.

?️ SECOND-ROW

Martin Johnson (England) – Lock

McGeechan says: “He defined an era of forward play.”

Why he makes it: The ultimate leader, Johnson captained England to World Cup glory in 2003. His ferocity, composure, and presence made him a towering figure — literally and figuratively.

John Eales (Australia) – Lock

McGeechan says: “A two-time World Cup winner who changed how locks played the game.”

Why he makes it: Calm under pressure, deadly accurate with the boot, and an inspirational captain — “Nobody” Eales truly could do it all.

? BACK-ROW

Richard Hill (England) – Blindside Flanker

McGeechan says: “Hill just seemed to know where to be and when.”

Why he makes it: The unsung hero of England’s 2003 World Cup team, Hill’s relentless work rate and tackling made him the glue in England’s back row.

Richie McCaw (New Zealand) – Openside Flanker

McGeechan says: “The opposition wouldn’t stand a chance.”

Why he makes it: Simply the best. McCaw’s leadership, breakdown mastery, and unmatched consistency helped New Zealand lift back-to-back World Cups.

Zinzan Brooke (New Zealand) – Number 8

McGeechan says: “One of the toughest choices — maybe the toughest.”

Why he makes it: The complete forward. Brooke could kick, run, and tackle like a back, while still dominating the physical contest. His long-range drop goals remain the stuff of legend.