4&5. Brian O’Driscoll & Paul O’Connell (Ireland)
Brian O’Driscoll and Paul O’Connell stand among Ireland’s greatest rugby icons, embodying leadership, excellence, and consistency across a golden era of Irish rugby.
O’Driscoll, born January 21, 1979, in Dublin, captained Ireland and the British & Irish Lions, earning 133 caps and becoming one of the most prolific and respected centres in world rugby. Renowned for his vision, creativity, and defensive grit, he led Ireland to the 2009 Grand Slam and numerous Six Nations titles.
O’Connell, born October 20, 1979, in Limerick, was the heart of Ireland’s forward pack — a towering lock celebrated for his intelligence, lineout mastery, and inspirational presence. He captained both Ireland and the Lions, guiding Ireland to multiple championships and playing a vital role in Munster’s Heineken Cup successes.
Together, O’Driscoll and O’Connell symbolized Ireland’s transformation into a consistent global contender, leading with passion, humility, and an unrelenting drive for excellence. Their partnership — one from the backs, one from the forwards — defined an era of Irish rugby greatness.
Carter said: “Two giants of the game that have worn the green jersey were Paul O’Connell and Brian O’Driscoll. Their work rate and how they conducted themselves on and off the pitch was exemplary.”
Brian O’Driscoll facts:
He is devoted to Manchester United and his boyhood hero was Mark Hughes
O’Driscoll’s father, Frank, played two games for Ireland and an uncle, Barry, won four caps
His final appearance for Leinster, and for any team, was in the 2014 Pro12 Grand Final on 31 May in Leinster’s home ground, the RDS in Dublin, in which Leinster defeated the Glasgow Warriors 34-12
His most oft-quoted line was delivered at a press conference at Croke Park before an England match in 2009: “Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit; wisdom is knowing not to put it in a fruit salad.”
O’Driscoll was chosen as Player of the Tournament in the 2006, 2007 and 2009 RBS Six Nations Championships.
3. Jonah Lomu (New Zealand)
Jonah Lomu (May 12, 1975 – November 18, 2015) was a New Zealand rugby union legend whose power, pace, and charisma transformed the sport and captivated the world. Standing 1.96m tall and weighing over 110kg, Lomu redefined what was possible for a winger — combining the strength of a forward with the speed of a sprinter.
He made his All Blacks debut in 1994 at just 19 years old, becoming the youngest player ever to wear the famous black jersey at the time. Lomu’s global breakthrough came at the 1995 Rugby World Cup, where his extraordinary performances — particularly his four tries against England in the semifinal — made him an international superstar and the sport’s first true global icon.
Over his career, he earned 63 caps for New Zealand, scoring 37 tries, and represented teams such as Auckland, Wellington, Counties Manukau, and the Blues. Despite his career being interrupted by a rare kidney disorder, Lomu’s courage and determination remained inspirational both on and off the field.
Carter said: “He was the toughest player. I played against him once, I was 19-year-old and tried to tackle him, kinda woke up five metres back. He changed the game of rugby.”
Jonah Lomu Facts:
He weighed 120 kg and was 1.96 metres tall, but could run 100 metres in 10.8 seconds
In 1996, McDonald’s New Zealand named a burger after Lomu
He’s the only rugby player ever to feature on the front cover of TIME magazine
According to the Telegraph, Leeds were ready to make a third bid to attract All Blacks giant Jonah Lomu to England in 2001
He played 63 tests as an All Black, scoring 37 tries
In 2001 he helped New Zealand win the Rugby World Cup Sevens.
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