“Saved my life” – Opponent thanked England prop Ellis Genge for ‘being his hero’

5. Gareth Edwards (Wales)

Edwards, a Welsh rugby legend, is renowned for his excellence as a scrum-half. He played a pivotal role in Wales’ Grand Slam successes and is celebrated for his remarkable skills and game-changing performances.

4. Dan Carter (New Zealand)

Carter, an All Blacks legend, is known for his unparalleled kicking accuracy and playmaking abilities. He’s been a key figure in New Zealand’s World Cup victories and is considered one of the greatest fly-halves in rugby history.

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3. Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland)

O’Driscoll, an Irish rugby icon, is celebrated for his brilliant skills and leadership. He’s been a driving force behind Ireland’s success and is known for his wit and wisdom both on and off the field.

Brian O’Driscoll facts:

1. He is devoted to Manchester United and his boyhood hero was Mark Hughes
2. O’Driscoll’s father, Frank, played two games for Ireland and an uncle, Barry, won four caps
3. His final appearance for Leinster, and for any team, was in the 2014 Pro12 Grand Final on 31 May in Leinster’s home ground, the RDS in Dublin, in which Leinster defeated the Glasgow Warriors 34-12
4. His most oft-quoted line was delivered at a press conference at Croke Park before an England match in 2009: “Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit; wisdom is knowing not to put it in a fruit salad.” 
5. O’Driscoll was chosen as Player of the Tournament in the 2006, 2007 and 2009 RBS Six Nations Championships.

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2. Jonah Lomu (New Zealand)

Lomu, a legendary All Blacks winger, was an extraordinary talent known for his size, speed, and try-scoring ability. He left an indelible mark on rugby and remains an iconic figure in the sport’s history.

Jonah Lomu Facts:

1. He weighed 120 kg and was 1.96 metres tall, but could run 100 metres in 10.8 seconds
2. In 1996, McDonald’s New Zealand named a burger after Lomu
3. He’s the only rugby player ever to feature on the front cover of TIME magazine
4. According to the Telegraph, Leeds were ready to make a third bid to attract All Blacks giant Jonah Lomu to England in 2001
5. He played 63 tests as an All Black, scoring 37 tries
6. In 2001 he helped New Zealand win the Rugby World Cup Sevens.

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1. Jonny Wilkinson (England)

Wilkinson, a revered English fly-half, is celebrated for his precision kicking and commitment to perfection. He played a pivotal role in England’s 2003 World Cup win and is recognized as one of rugby’s all-time greats.

Jonny Wilkinson facts:

1. Wilkinson’s brother, Mark, was also a Newcastle player who made 16 appearances in the Premiership for the side between 2002 and 2005, predominantly as a centre. His father, Phil, was a rugby player and cricketer, and his mother, Philippa, played squash at county level.  His grandfather, Phil, also played football for Norwich.
2. When former England centre Jeremy Guscott walked into the dressing room on the day of Wilkinson’s international debut, he thought the 18-year-old had won a competition to spend the day with the national team.
3. Wilkinson followed Buddhist principles and teachings to help control his perfectionist tendencies, according to an interview he gave with The Times newspaper in 2009.
4. Jonny and Shelley became parents for the first time in late 2018. They keep their private life pretty much on lockdown, but according to reports, they had a little boy called James while they were still living in France.
5. Wilkinson is currently a studio pundit for ITV Sport, working on their coverage of the Six Nations Championship, Rugby World Cup and other rugby events.