5. Gerard Cholley – “The French Tank”
Position: Prop
Born: March 5, 1947, France
Caps: 19 (France)
Club Career: Béziers
Cholley was known for his physicality and dominance in the scrum. His confrontational approach and ability to overpower opponents made him a feared figure in French rugby.
4. Colin Meads – “The Legend”
Position: Lock
Born: June 6, 1936, New Zealand
Caps: 55 (New Zealand)
Club Career: King Country, Waikato
Meads is regarded as one of the greatest rugby players of all time. His toughness and leadership on the field set the standard for future generations of rugby players.
3. Martin Johnson – “The Lionheart”
Position: Lock
Born: March 9, 1970, Solihull, England
Caps: 84 (England), Lions captain
Club Career: Leicester Tigers
Martin Johnson was rugby’s definition of leadership and unshakable toughness. As captain of England’s 2003 World Cup-winning side and the British & Irish Lions, Johnson’s presence on the pitch was enough to intimidate the opposition before the whistle blew. Known for his ruthless tackling, towering physicality, and steel-like determination, Johnson could dominate lineouts and scrums with equal ferocity. His nickname “The Lionheart” wasn’t just a nod to courage — it was a warning: stand in his way, and you’ll feel it.
2. Brian Lima – “The Chiropractor”
Position: Wing, Centre
Born: January 25, 1972, Apia, Samoa
Caps: 64 (Samoa)
Club Career: Stade Français, Swansea, Secom Rugguts, Munster, Bristol
Lima earned the nickname “The Chiropractor” for his bone-crunching tackles that left opponents reeling. He was known for his fearless approach to the game and his ability to deliver devastating hits that often turned the tide in matches.
1. Henry Tuilagi – “The Powerhouse”
Position: Number 8, Flanker
Born: August 12, 1976, Fogapoa, Samoa
Caps: 10 (Samoa)
Club Career: Overmach Rugby Parma, Leicester Tigers, USA Perpignan
Henry Tuilagi was the embodiment of pure rugby power. Towering at 6’4” and weighing over 120kg, he could turn a tackle into a seismic event. Nicknamed “The Powerhouse”, Tuilagi ran with such brute force that defenders often seemed to bounce off him rather than stop him.
Opponents dreaded his charges, and teammates loved the momentum he brought. He was not just about raw strength — Tuilagi had enough skill and game sense to make him a constant threat near the try line. In short, when Henry Tuilagi was coming at you, there was only one thing to do… brace yourself.
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