Top 50 British rugby players of all-time ranked, Jonny Wilkinson third - Ruck

Top 50 British rugby players of all-time ranked, Jonny Wilkinson third

Welsh and Lions legend Gareth Edwards has been crowned the greatest British rugby player of all time by fans, surpassing England’s World Cup champions Martin Johnson and Jonny Wilkinson.

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At 75, Edwards boasts a stellar record of 20 tries in an unbroken run of 53 caps for Wales over a decade, along with 10 Test matches for the Lions across three tours.

Here are the top 50 British rugby players of all time, as voted by fans.

Top 50 Greatest British Rugby Players

#50 – #41

#50. Mike Tindall (England)
Mike Tindall, a robust centre, known for his pivotal role in England’s 2003 World Cup victory, combining strong defence with impactful runs.

#49. Scott Quinnell (Wales)
Scott Quinnell, a powerful number eight, excelled with his dynamic ball-carrying ability and leadership for both Wales and the British Lions.

#48. Matt Dawson (England)
Matt Dawson, an agile scrum-half, played a crucial role in England’s 2003 World Cup win, renowned for his quick thinking and sharp passes.

#47. Will Carling (England)
Will Carling, a former England captain, led his team to three Grand Slams in the 1990s, remembered for his leadership and midfield prowess.

#46. Scott Hastings (Scotland)
Scott Hastings, an iconic centre, known for his robust defence and attacking flair, representing Scotland with distinction in the 1980s and 90s.

#45. Jonny May (England)
Jonny May, a lightning-fast winger, celebrated for his try-scoring ability and electrifying pace, making significant impacts in numerous matches for England.

Jonny May of England goes over for a try and celebrates the try during the Summer International match between England and Fiji at Twickenham Stadium on August 26, 2023 in London, England. ( Photo by Phil Mingo/PPAUK )

#44. Finlay Calder (Scotland)
Finlay Calder, a flanker of great tenacity, captained the British Lions to a series win in Australia in 1989, recognized for his leadership and work rate.

#43. Maro Itoje (England)
Maro Itoje, a versatile lock/flanker, praised for his athleticism, leadership, and consistent performances, making him a cornerstone of the England team.

Maro Itoje of England during the Six Nations Match between England and Wales at Twickenham, London on 10 February 2024 (Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK)

#42. Rob Howley (Wales)
Rob Howley, a dynamic scrum-half, known for his sharp game management and vital contributions to Wales and the British Lions.

#41. Adam Jones (Wales)
Adam Jones, a formidable prop, known for his scrummaging strength and key role in Wales’ Six Nations successes during the 2000s.

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