7 Jonathan Sexton
Fly-half Jonathan Sexton exploded onto the scene when he won his first cap for Ireland against Fiji in November 2009 scoring 16 points (five conversions and two penalty goals), kicking seven out of seven.
The game was played in awful weather conditions, with Sexton winning the Man of the Match on an incredibly impressive International debut.
He has since gone on to amass 612 points in 66 caps, winning two six nations titles in 2014 and 2015.
Sexton was also a key member of the British & Irish Lions series triumph in Australia in 2013 as well as the draw against New Zealand in 2017.
Did you know: Sexton has been an ambassador to the Make-A-Wish Ireland Foundation since September 2009. He helps grant wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions and launches various fundraising campaigns.
6 Mark Ella
Had former Wallabies Captain Mark Ella not retired at just 25, the tactical genius had the potential to be number one on this list.
The likes of Aussie legend David Campese still say that Ella was the greatest player he has ever known or seen.
He only won 25 caps but embodied exceptional skill in his career between 1980 and 1984, which included him masterminding the Wallabies’ Grand Slam tour of the United Kingdom in his final year.
Did you know: After hanging up his boots, Ella pursued a career in media, writing articles for The Australian, The Sunday Telegraph and The Daily Telegraph as well as commentating on ABC Rugby.
5 Barry John
Barry John is widely regarded as one of the greatest fly-halves ever, but could have been placed even higher on this list if he’d not had to retire early aged 27.
His partnership with Gareth Edwards was one of the most overwhelming half-back partnerships in International rugby history.
Nicknamed “The King”, John went on two Lions tours, in 1968 and 1971, winning five caps while making a total 25 caps for Wales between 1966 and 1972.