The 20 greatest players in Six Nations history (Ranked 20-1)

Wednesday, 07 January 2026 at 18:41

byCharlie Elliott

As the Six Nations returns in just under a month, anticipation is already building across Europe. Before the first kick is struck, we look back at the players who shaped the tournament more than anyone else.

From iconic try-scorers to uncompromising leaders, this countdown ranks the 20 greatest figures in Six Nations history and celebrates the moments that defined them over the last three decades.

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20 Cian Healy (Ireland)

Over more than a decade at the top level, Healy became a constant presence in Irish rugby. He eventually surpassed Brian O’Driscoll to become the country’s most-capped player with 137 appearances, while also setting the same record for Leinster.

Titles followed as well: five Six Nations championships, including Grand Slams in 2018 and 2023. When he stepped away after the 2025 tournament, he did so as one of Ireland’s most enduring servants.

19 Jamie Roberts (Wales)

Wales’ success in the late 2000s owed much to the influence of Roberts in midfield. During the 2012 Six Nations, he started every match as Wales swept to a Grand Slam, barely leaving the field.

His strength at the gain line defined how Wales played, yet his awareness and passing gave their attack balance. Few centres have ever imposed themselves so consistently on the tournament.

18 Keith Wood (Ireland)

The role of hooker looked different after Wood had finished with it. He thrived in broken play, relished the physical contest, and carried himself with a charisma that made him a crowd favourite.

Capped by Ireland and the Lions, and crowned the inaugural World Rugby Player of the Year, Wood set a new standard for front-row play in the professional Six Nations era.

17 Finn Russell (Scotland)

Since his debut in 2014, Russell has brought imagination back to Scottish rugby. He played with a freedom that unsettled even the best defences, often attempting what others wouldn’t dare.

His outrageous pass against England in 2018 became instant folklore, but it was just one example of how he reshaped Scotland’s attacking identity. Three Lions tours only confirmed his status among the game’s elite.

16 Imanol Harinordoquy (France)

France’s back row during the 2000s was built around Harinordoquy. From number eight he offered power in contact, intelligence in defence and a constant threat in open play.

Five Six Nations titles followed, including three Grand Slams, and in 2010 he stood alone among northern hemisphere players on the shortlist for World Rugby Player of the Year. His influence was felt in every phase.

15 Vincent Clerc (France)

Whenever France needed a moment, Clerc seemed to deliver it. He scored at crucial times, none more dramatic than his last-gasp winner against Ireland in 2007.

The 2008 Championship added further theatre with his try-scoring duel against Shane Williams. A two-time Grand Slam winner, Clerc combined speed with sharp instincts, making him one of the most reliable finishers of his generation.

14 Ronan O’Gara (Ireland)

Control was always O’Gara’s greatest asset. With ball in hand or from the tee, he dictated how Ireland played, steering them through three Triple Crowns and a Grand Slam in 2009.

His drop goal against Wales that sealed that campaign remains etched into Six Nations history. Across 128 caps, his tactical clarity and nerve under pressure defined an era for Ireland.

13 George North (Wales)

From the moment he emerged, North brought something different to the wing. Built like a forward yet blessed with the pace of a sprinter, he became a nightmare matchup for defenders.

His late try against Ireland in 2012 and dominant display against France in 2019 were among his many highlights. When he retired in 2024, he did so as one of Wales’ most prolific and feared finishers.

12 Jason Robinson (England)

Defenders rarely knew which way Robinson would step. His acceleration, balance and creativity turned half-chances into tries, whether he lined up on the wing or at fullback.

A World Cup winner in 2003 and England’s first black captain, he also left his mark on the Six Nations, notably with a centre hat-trick against Italy in 2004 that showcased his versatility.

11 Sam Warburton (Wales)

At his best, Warburton seemed to read the game a phase ahead of everyone else. He captained Wales at two World Cups, led the Lions to victory in 2013 and lifted a Six Nations Grand Slam in 2012.

Whether at the breakdown or organising the defensive line, he combined discipline with authority, earning universal respect across the tournament.

10 Johnny Sexton (Ireland)

Ireland’s modern rise cannot be told without Sexton. He managed matches with precision, demanded the highest standards from teammates, and repeatedly delivered when the stakes were highest. The 2018 Grand Slam was his masterpiece, but it was his consistency across more than a decade that cemented his reputation as one of the finest fly-halves the Six Nations has seen.

9 Martin Johnson (England)

Opponents knew what was coming when Johnson walked onto the field — and still struggled to stop it. He dominated the lineout, thrived in contact and led with uncompromising authority.

As England’s captain through one of their most successful eras, he shaped countless Six Nations battles and left a legacy as one of rugby’s most imposing locks.

8 Paul O’Connell (Ireland)

Leadership in the pack was synonymous with O’Connell. He commanded the lineout, set the physical tone and inspired those around him through sheer presence.

Ireland’s 2009 Grand Slam was built on his authority up front, but his influence stretched far beyond one campaign. Few forwards have ever embodied their team so completely.

7 Thierry Dusautoir (France)

No one worked harder in defence than Dusautoir. Phase after phase, he disrupted attacks, made tackles and refused to yield ground. His performance during France’s 2010 Grand Slam captured everything he stood for: relentless commitment, tactical awareness and quiet leadership. Consistent across multiple positions, he became one of the Six Nations’ most respected back-row figures.

6 Sergio Parisse (Italy)

Even when Italy struggled for results, Parisse never faded into the background. He carried relentlessly, defended tirelessly and led by example in every match. Over time, he became the tournament’s all-time leader in tackles and defenders beaten.

More than a national icon, Parisse earned recognition as one of the greatest number eights ever to play in the Six Nations.

5 Shane Williams (Wales)

Crowds rose whenever Williams touched the ball. His footwork and acceleration could dismantle a defence in seconds, and his fearless style made him a constant threat. Wales’ 2005 Grand Slam owed much to his brilliance, while his 12 tournament tries — many against England — ensured his place among the most entertaining players in Six Nations history.

4 Antoine Dupont (France)

Matches seem to tilt when Dupont is involved. Since 2017, he has redefined the scrum-half role with his blend of strength, speed and vision, creating moments that change games in an instant.

Although his medal collection is still growing, his influence on the modern Six Nations is unmistakable — and often breathtaking.

3 Alun Wyn Jones (Wales)

Year after year, Jones remained at the heart of the Welsh pack. His durability, organisational skill and relentless work rate made him indispensable across multiple title-winning campaigns.

With more than 60 Six Nations appearances, he became a symbol of consistency and leadership, shaping an entire era of Welsh rugby.

2 Jonny Wilkinson (England)

Pressure rarely unsettled Wilkinson. His goal-kicking accuracy, tactical discipline and attention to detail powered England to four Six Nations titles, including a Grand Slam.

The record 89 points he scored in a single championship still stands, but it was his mastery of decisive moments that truly defined his tournament legacy.

1 Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland)

Every generation produces great players; few redefine what greatness looks like. O’Driscoll combined vision, footwork and instinct in a way that made him a constant threat.

As the Six Nations’ all-time leading try-scorer, his hat-trick against France in 2009 remains an enduring image of brilliance. Leader, innovator and match-winner, his influence on the competition stands alone.