Gareth Edwards has been voted the greatest ever player to come from the United Kingdom.
In a 2003 poll conducted by Rugby World magazine, Edwards was named the greatest rugby player of all time by a collection of international players.
His legendary status was further solidified when Will Carling, the former England captain, crowned him as the paramount player in his compilation of the ’50 Greatest Rugby Players,’ featured in The Daily Telegraph in 2007.
Carling effused praise, asserting, “He epitomized athleticism and skill in its purest form, a complete maestro on the field. Despite his era being the 1970s, his mastery transcends time; were he to play today, he’d undoubtedly reign supreme. His proficiency in running, passing, kicking, and tactical acumen set him apart as the quintessential athlete of rugby.”
Between 1967 and 1978, Edwards donned the Welsh jersey for 53 caps, captaining in 13 matches. His tenure was marked by a remarkable consistency; he maintained his form without falter, never yielding his place due to injury or performance slumps. His tally includes an impressive twenty tries in international matches.
Edwards’s legacy extends to his tenure with the British & Irish Lions, amassing ten appearances. Notably, he contributed to the triumph of the 1971 Lions team, the sole squad to clinch a series victory in New Zealand, and the undefeated 1974 side in South Africa.
The 50 Greatest British Rugby Players Of All-Time Have Been Ranked By Fans
#50. Mike Tindall (England)
#49. Scott Quinnell (Wales)
#48. Matt Dawson (England)
#47. Will Carling (England)
#46. Scott Hastings (Scotland)
#45. Jonny May (England)
#44. Finlay Calder (Scotland)
#43. Maro Itoje (England)
#42. Rob Howley (Wales)
#41. Adam Jones (Wales)