Here we pick our top five best locks of all time. We’ve used a number of stats to quantify our rankings, as well as a player’s overall contribution to the game. So who makes it into our top five?
All stats come from ESPN.com and are correct as of the publish date.
5 Best Second-Row’s Of All Time
Honourable mentions: Maro Itoje (England), Bakkies Botha (South Africa), Alun Wyn Jones (Wales),
#5. Paul O’Connell (Ireland)
Talismanic Ireland and British Lions Skipper Paul O’Connell has been one of the most consistent players in Northern Hemisphere rugby in the last ten years.
The veteran warrior has won in the emerald green of Ireland three Six Nations titles including a Grand Slam triumph in 2009 as well as winning the four Triple Crowns in 2004, 2006, 2007 and 2009.
O’Connell retired from international rugby following Ireland’s elimination from the 2015 World Cup before hanging up his boots all together due to injury.
Did you know? He supports English Premier League football team Everton F.C
