Rugby Union, a sport renowned for its thrilling pace, tactical prowess, and unyielding spirit, has been graced by many exceptional players. However, among this vast sea of talent, a few stars shine brighter, leaving their mark on the game and captivating the hearts of fans worldwide.
Their exceptional skills, remarkable performances, and undying passion for the sport have etched their names into rugby history and inspired countless aspiring players. While there are too many iconic and successful rugby players to count, there are a few worth mentioning who have performed their best in their careers.
From Six Nations wins to Rugby World Cup finals, team captains and top-performing players have done all they can to reach victory. Whether it’s last-minute drop kicks or back-to-back wins, here are just four notable players who have gone down as some of the best players in rugby history.
- Jonny Wilkinson
Jonny Wilkinson, revered as one of Rugby Union’s premier fly-halves, boasts a career punctuated by exceptional moments and awe-inspiring stats. His pinpoint kicking accuracy saw him amass a staggering 1,179 points for England, making him the country’s all-time leading point scorer. Beyond this national feat, in the realm of the Rugby World Cup, he tallied up 277 points over his participation, securing his place as the second-highest point scorer in World Cup history.
From his consistent game-deciding plays to his relentless dedication, Wilkinson’s stats are a testament to a career that genuinely embodied rugby excellence. His career was so impressive that he was even inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame.
Wilkinson’s defining moment came in the 2003 Rugby World Cup when he not only became the top scorer but his risky last-minute decision in the final secured his team’s victory. The game was already in extra time when Wilkinson gave a last-minute drop goal to, ever so slightly, beat Australia. The risk was a big payoff as England became champions of the 2003 Rugby World Cup. What’s even more impressive in this iconic 2003 Rugby World Cup final was that Wilkinson was using his weaker foot as well during the last moments of the game.
- Owen Farrell
Currently playing for both the Saracens and the England national team, Owen Farrell is another gem in the crown of English Rugby Union players. Throughout his career so far he has consistently showcased his unparalleled skill set, both as a fly-half and as a centre.
Farrell’s dynamism on the field is backed by impressive statistics; he’s rapidly climbed the ranks to become one of England’s top point scorers, with over 1000 points to his name. His contributions were pivotal in the 2019 Rugby World Cup, where he captained the English side to the finals.
Throughout his World Cup appearances, his leadership and precision in pressure situations have been commendable. With a potent combination of tactical intelligence and a keen eye for the posts, Farrell’s legacy in the making is one of unwavering commitment and undeniable prowess.
With Farrell back in the game after returning after his suspension, he’s anticipated to bring his A-game to England’s team during the Rugby World Cup. But, for now, it’s anyone’s game as to who will win the Rugby World Cup final at the end of October.
- Dan Carter
New Zealand’s Dan Carter stands tall as one of Rugby Union’s most celebrated fly-halves, possessing an enviable blend of skill, vision, and composure. Carter’s record is nothing short of extraordinary, amassing over 1,500 points across all tests, which firmly places him as the highest point scorer in test match rugby.
His pivotal role in the Rugby World Cup is especially noteworthy, having played a crucial part in the All Blacks’ triumphs in both 2011 and 2015. During the 2015 final for the Rugby World Cup, Carter’s masterclass performance, which included a memorable drop goal and crucial conversions, earned him the Man of the Match award. Carter was also responsible for making the final score of 34-17 to New Zealand after converting a try.
His consistent brilliance throughout his career has not only earned him accolades but also a legendary status in the world of Rugby Union.
- Richie McCaw
The opening weekend of the Rugby World Cup 2023 had some standout moments, with the opening night starting with France vs. New Zealand. New Zealand may have lost 13-27 in their first game but truly made an impressive comeback in their second against Namibia, crushing them with a 71-3 defeat. During all of their matches, the All Blacks have had their fair share of incredible captains leading the team in the World Cup and other games. In the list of greats for New Zealand captains, no one could ever forget Richie McCaw.
When discussing legends of Rugby Union, Richie McCaw’s name invariably emerges at the forefront. The formidable New Zealander is widely regarded as one of the finest openside flankers ever to grace the sport. Over his illustrious career, McCaw earned an astonishing 148 test match wins, a testament to his impactful presence on the pitch.
In the realm of the Rugby World Cup, his leadership was instrumental in guiding the All Blacks to back-to-back victories in 2011 and 2015. Captaining his nation in two World Cup triumphs cements his legacy as a true rugby titan. Beyond the silverware, his tenacity, unmatched work rate, and astute game understanding make McCaw’s career one of unparalleled excellence in the history of Rugby Union.
Favourites to follow in the Rugby World Cup this year
Defending champions South Africa may be the favourites to win among many fans – having already won the World Cup title three times – and have current odds of 19/20. However, New Zealand will also be fighting for a fourth World Cup title as well and currently have 6/5 odds on BetMGM to win the competition. Given that the All Blacks are one of the most successful teams in Rugby Union, they are a firm favourite for many to support. For fans backing Farrell and the England team this year, the latest odds also have England at 10/1 to win the tournament this year.
