5 Clive Woodward

Best remembered for guiding England to World Cup glory in 2003, Sir Clive Woodward changed the way English rugby approached professionalism.

His meticulous preparation and cutting-edge use of data and sports science set England apart during his tenure. Woodward built a team capable of handling pressure, blending raw power with tactical nuance, and his crowning moment came when Jonny Wilkinson’s drop goal sealed England’s only World Cup win to date. His methods inspired a generation of coaches to embrace innovation in the sport.

4 Ian McGeechan

Few figures are as deeply entwined with the spirit of the British & Irish Lions as Sir Ian McGeechan. Affectionately known as “Geech,” he coached the Lions on four tours, including the iconic 1989 and 1997 series wins—the latter often considered the greatest Lions tour of the professional era. McGeechan also guided Scotland to a Grand Slam in 1990, blending passion and precision. His greatest strength was fostering unity and belief, making him a revered figure in both Lions and Scottish rugby folklore.

3 Graham Henry

Sir Graham Henry will always be the man who ended New Zealand’s long wait for World Cup redemption. After heartbreak in previous tournaments, Henry rebuilt the All Blacks into an unstoppable force, winning the 2011 World Cup on home soil.

Prior to that, he made his mark with Wales and even coached the British & Irish Lions. His emphasis on leadership, discipline, and mental resilience helped redefine how the All Blacks approached pressure—and paved the way for years of dominance to follow.

2 Steve Hansen

When Steve Hansen took over from Graham Henry, many wondered how he would fill the shoes of a World Cup-winning coach. The answer? By making one of the greatest teams in history even better. Hansen guided the All Blacks to a flawless World Cup victory in 2015 and maintained a staggering win rate throughout his tenure. Calm and unflappable, he empowered players to make decisions and brought unmatched tactical clarity. His legacy includes not only silverware but also a period of sustained excellence that few in the sport can rival.

1 Rassie Erasmus

At number one, we have the game-changing genius of Rassie Erasmus. When he took charge of the Springboks in 2018, South African rugby was in crisis. Within a year, he had orchestrated one of the most remarkable turnarounds in rugby history—guiding the Boks to a Rugby Championship title and a World Cup win in 2019. Then, against all odds, he did it again in 2023.

Erasmus has combined old-school Springbok muscle with cutting-edge tactical thinking, and his transparency, boldness, and innovation have redefined what a head coach can be. His recent back-to-back Rugby Championship wins—capped by a record 43-10 win over New Zealand—only strengthen his case as the most influential rugby coach of the modern era.

EDITOR’S PICKS

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