#20. Keith Wood (Ireland)
Wood gained fame for having two notable rugby nicknames throughout his illustrious career. One was “The Raging Potato,” a moniker derived from his bald head, while the other was “Uncle Fester,” likening him to the beloved character from the Addams Family.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the sport, Wood was honored with induction into the Rugby Hall of Fame in 2005. An exceptional hooker, he holds the world record for the most international test tries scored by a player in that position, an impressive feat of 15 tries.
#19. George Gregan (Australia)
Until very recently, Gregan held the title as the most capped international player of all time with 132. He is one of the few rugby athletes whose career spans both the amateur and professional eras.
Gregan became the Wallabies captain in 2001, and then in 2003 beat the All Blacks in the semi-final before losing in the finals to England. He broke his leg in 2005 which forced him to sit out most of the season, but he and his team exacted their revenge on England in 2006.
#18. Martin Johnson (England)
Johnson emerged as the undisputed leader, a rare talent, and a pivotal figure in England’s victorious 2003 World Cup campaign. Renowned for his fearless and head-first style of play, this lock’s commitment extended to pushing the scrum and relentlessly seeking territory for the forward line.
Following an illustrious playing career, Johnson transitioned into coaching, assuming the helm of the England team. Though his coaching tenure lasted merely three years, it concluded with a disappointing defeat in the 2011 Rugby World Cup, marking the end of an era.
#17. Willie John McBride (Ireland)
It’s impossible to discuss the Lions without paying tribute to the exceptional McBride, a true embodiment of class and team spirit both on and off the field. As an incredibly perceptive number 8, he possessed an innate awareness of his teammates’ positions, ensuring no one was left behind. McBride accumulated an impressive 63 international caps throughout his career. Known for his fierce competitiveness in lineouts, he was an adversary few would want to face, thanks to his exceptional jumping ability. McBride’s contributions to the game are nothing short of remarkable.
#16. Paul O’Connell (Ireland)
O’Connell, an esteemed figure in Irish rugby, holds the distinction of being the country’s third most capped player in history. He displayed exceptional leadership qualities as he captained Ireland, Munster, and the British and Irish Lions.
One pivotal moment that forever altered the course of a game occurred when O’Connell secured the ball in a crucial lineout against Wales during the 2009 Six Nations Championship. This game-changing feat ultimately paved the way for Ireland’s first Grand Slam victory in 61 years, etching O’Connell’s name into the annals of sporting glory.