Rugby history top 10: The greatest centres of all time as O'Driscoll and Sella fight for top spot

Rugby history top 10: The greatest centres of all time as O’Driscoll and Sella fight for top spot

2. Philippe Sella

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Armed with pace, strength and great handling skills France legend Philippe Sella established himself as the world’s best centre for much of the 80’s.

He made his presence felt in the France team for 13 successive campaigns between 1982 and 1995, and was never just there to make up the numbers. He scored an impressive total of 25 tries for his country and was one of only five individuals who have scored a try in every match of a Six Nations Championship.

He accumulated 111 caps for Les Bleus and commanded a universal reverence from his peers and became one of France’s favourite sons.

Did you know: He was famously described by the former France coach Jacques Fouroux as having “the strength of a bull but the touch of a piano player.”

1. Brian O’Driscoll

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Only one man could top this list and that is one of the most feared men to have ever played the game. The former Ireland and British and Irish Lions Skipper Brian O’Driscoll was one of the most consistent performers in the world for over a decade.

He hung up his boots in 2014 after accumulating 133 caps for Ireland with a fantastic return of 245 points. In the emerald green, he triumphed in the Six Nations in 2009 (Grand Slam) and 2014 as well as being chosen as Player of the Tournament in 2006, 2007 and 2009.

The Dublin-born is also the highest all-time Irish record try scorer with an incredible 46 scores, and also led his country more times than any other player.

Did you know: O’Driscoll is the most-capped player in rugby union history, having played 141 Test matches.