With the 2026 Six Nations kicking off in just under a month, attention once again turns to the tournament’s enduring legacy.

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From iconic captains to generational talents, the championship has produced players who defined eras and shaped the modern game. Here, we select an all-time greatest XV, celebrating the individuals whose brilliance, consistency and influence left an indelible mark on Six Nations history.

15 Jason Robinson

Electrifying pace and footwork made England’s back three a constant threat during Robinson’s career. He won 51 caps for his country and five with the British & Irish Lions, playing a vital role in the 2003 World Cup triumph and scoring in the final.

The first Black man to captain England, he was famed for his acceleration, sidestep and finishing. His Six Nations highlight came with a hat-trick against Italy in 2004.

14 George North

One of the most devastating wings of the professional era, North earned over 100 caps for Wales after growing up in the country despite being born in England.

A prolific finisher and two-time Grand Slam winner, he produced defining Six Nations moments, from his late winner against Ireland in 2012 to a Man of the Match display versus France in 2019. Retiring in 2024, he left as one of Wales’ greatest ever try-scorers.

13 Brian O’Driscoll

Irish rugby’s modern golden age was shaped by O’Driscoll’s brilliance in the midfield. A long-serving captain for Ireland and the Lions, he won 141 Test caps and remains his nation’s leading try-scorer.

Holding the Six Nations record for tries, he was Player of the Tournament three times. His vision, footwork and competitive edge redefined the outside-centre role and set the benchmark for excellence in the championship.

12 Yannick Jauzion

France’s most successful Six Nations era was anchored in midfield by the power and poise of Jauzion. He featured in Grand Slam triumphs in 2002 and 2004 and played every match in the 2007 title-winning campaign.

A three-time European champion with Toulouse, Jauzion remains a model of the complete, modern centre.

11 Duhan van der Merwe

Since becoming Scotland-qualified in 2020, Van der Merwe has transformed their attacking threat. A devastating blend of size, speed and finishing saw him become the nation’s all-time leading try-scorer.

He produced iconic Six Nations moments against England, France and Wales, including a record-breaking 2021 campaign. Hat-tricks, last-gasp winners and relentless power have made him one of the championship’s most feared wide men.

10 Jonny Wilkinson

Precision, composure and relentless standards defined Wilkinson’s career. England’s hero of the 2003 World Cup, his extra-time drop goal in the final became rugby folklore. Across 91 caps, he was a model of consistency despite recurring injuries.

Later, he guided Toulon to European and domestic titles as their record points scorer. Few players have shaped Six Nations matches so decisively with both boot and brain.

9 Antoine Dupont

Modern rugby’s most complete scrum-half, Dupont blends explosive athleticism with tactical genius. A multiple Six Nations Player of the Championship, he led France to a Grand Slam and domestic and European dominance with Toulouse.

Uniquely, he also conquered the sevens game, winning Olympic gold and World Player of the Year in both formats. His influence, versatility and trophy haul already place him among the greatest players in championship history.

1 Gethin Jenkins

For more than a decade, Jenkins was the foundation of Wales’ scrum. Earning 129 caps and helping secure three Grand Slams, he became his country’s most-capped player in 2014.

Renowned for technical excellence, durability and leadership, he set the standard for modern loosehead props. Combining scrummaging authority with mobility around the field, Jenkins’ consistency made him one of the most dependable forwards ever to grace the Six Nations.

2 Keith Wood

Power, pace and personality redefined the hooker role through Wood’s career. Capped by Ireland and the Lions, he was named the inaugural World Rugby Player of the Year and widely regarded as the finest in his position of his era.

Dynamic in the loose and fearless in contact, he helped drive Ireland’s rise in the professional age. His impact reshaped expectations of front-row play in the Six Nations.

3 Tadhg Furlong

The prototype of the modern tighthead, Furlong combines scrummaging dominance with destructive carrying and rare skill in open play. A cornerstone for Ireland, Leinster and the British & Irish Lions, he has started Tests on three Lions tours.

Multiple Six Nations titles and Grand Slams reflect his influence, while repeated World Dream Team selections underline his standing. Few players have controlled the front row so consistently at the highest level.

4 Alun Wyn Jones

Rugby’s ultimate ironman, Jones amassed more international caps than any player in history. Captaining Wales and the Lions, he became synonymous with resilience, leadership and relentless work rate.

A three-time Grand Slam winner and Player of the Championship in 2019, his impact stretched across nearly two decades of Six Nations battles. Tireless in defence and authoritative in the line-out, his legacy defines modern Welsh rugby.

5 Paul O’Connell

Authority, physicality and leadership made O’Connell Ireland’s defining lock of the professional era. A Lions captain and Munster icon, he earned 108 caps and inspired Ireland to their historic 2009 Grand Slam.

Renowned for lineout mastery, ferocious competitiveness and exacting standards, he set the tone for those around him. Now shaping the next generation as Ireland’s forwards coach, his influence on Six Nations rugby remains profound.

6 Sam Warburton

Breakdown mastery and calm authority defined Warburton’s career. First capped in 2009, he captained Wales at two World Cups and led the Lions on their victorious 2013 tour and again in 2017. A Grand Slam winner in 2012, he holds the record for most Wales caps as captain.

Tactical intelligence, discipline and defensive excellence made him one of the most effective and respected flankers of his generation.

7 Thierry Dusautoir

Nicknamed “The Dark Destroyer,” Dusautoir embodied defensive ferocity and leadership. He captained France to the 2011 World Cup final, earning Man of the Match in defeat, and remains famed for his record 38 tackles against New Zealand in 2007.

A European champion with Toulouse and World Player of the Year in 2011, his work rate, power and mental toughness earned admiration from opponents and teammates alike.

8 Sergio Parisse

Italian rugby’s greatest-ever figure, Parisse carried his nation through nearly two decades at the top level. Italy’s most-capped player and a five-time World Cup participant, he elevated the number eight role with athleticism, skill and leadership.

Twice nominated for World Player of the Year, he was often the standout performer in Six Nations contests. Universally respected, Parisse remains one of the finest back-row forwards of the modern era.

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