Top 10: The greatest fly-halves of all time as Carter and Wilkinson fight for top spot

Rugby history top 10: The greatest fly-halves of all time as Carter and Wilkinson fight for top spot

4 Michael Lynagh
For a decade from his debut in 1984 to his international retirement in 1995, former Wallaby Skipper Michael Lynagh was one of the most distinguishable players in World Rugby.

After 72 internationals, he had set a new point-scoring record of 911, which is still an Australia record.

He was an important member of the side that won the 1991 World Cup in England, but retired from International Rugby after Australia’s loss to England in the quarter-final of the 1995 Rugby World Cup.

Did you know: After quitting the game he maintained close links as a TV pundit in the UK with both Sky Sports and ITV as well as working with the IRB.

3 Jonathan Davies
Cross-code star Jonathon Davies made up for his lack of height, standing 5ft 8in, with great pace, great acceleration and natural quality.

The fly-half would have made a lot more appearances for Wales if he had not switched to Rugby League between 1989 and 1995.

During his two periods in Union, he made a total 37 appearances for Wales and is considered one of Wales’s finest ever rugby talents.

Did you know: Davies has since become a television rugby football commentator and media personality, in both the Welsh and English languages.

2 Dan Carter
The kiwi has established himself as one of the greatest players in history, being near faultless in every department: he can attack, break the line and kick accurately tactically or at goal.

The incomparable All Blacks playmaker, former vice Captain and top points’ scorer set a new international point-scoring record during New Zealand’s triumph at the Rugby World Cup 2011.

He has also won an incredible eight Tri-Nations/The Rugby Championship’s as well as a series victory over the British and Irish Lions in 2005.

Did you know: In 2008, American Cable Channel E! judged Carter to be 11th on its list of the world’s sexiest men.

1 Jonny Wilkinson
We could only have been one man as number one.

Forever remembered as the man whose last-gasp drop-goal won England the Rugby World Cup by edging past the hosts in Australia in 2003.



That moment is just one highlight of a record-breaking career that has seen Wilkinson rise to one of the sport’s all-time greats.

England won 67 of the 91 games Wilkinson played in with him scoring an outstanding total of 1,179 points. He also holds the Rugby World Cup points record with 277.

Did you know: In 1997 he gave up the student life to become a professional rugby union player with the Newcastle Falcons.