4. GEORGE GREGAN (AUSTRALIA)

Longevity, leadership and an extraordinary competitive spirit define George Gregan’s legacy. The Wallabies legend won 139 Test caps, remaining Australia’s most-capped international player and holding the world record for Test appearances for several years.

Gregan made his debut in 1994 and quickly established himself as one of the world’s leading scrum-halves. His famous cover tackle on All Blacks winger Jeff Wilson later that year remains one of the defining moments in Wallabies history.

He helped Australia win the 1999 Rugby World Cup and captained the side to the 2003 final. Gregan also led the Wallabies to a series victory over the British & Irish Lions in 2001 and won two Super Rugby titles with the ACT Brumbies.

A fierce competitor with exceptional leadership qualities, Gregan made the No.9 jersey his own for more than a decade.

Did You Know? Gregan captained Australia in 59 Tests and played at four Rugby World Cups.

3. ANTOINE DUPONT (FRANCE)

Antoine Dupont has redefined what a scrum-half can be. Possessing explosive acceleration, extraordinary strength and the ability to influence every aspect of the game, the French superstar is as dangerous carrying the ball as he is distributing it. His breakdown work and defensive impact have also made him one of rugby’s most complete players.

Dupont captained France to the 2022 Six Nations Grand Slam and was named World Rugby Men’s 15s Player of the Year in 2021. At club level, he has become the driving force behind a dominant Toulouse side, winning multiple Top 14 and Champions Cup titles.

His influence has extended beyond the 15-a-side game. Dupont helped France win Olympic gold in rugby sevens at the Paris 2024 Games, and with that took the 2024 World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year Award, underlining his extraordinary adaptability. Still with plenty of rugby ahead of him, Dupont has already earned a place among the greatest players the position has ever produced.

Did You Know? Dupont became the first player to win World Rugby’s Men’s 15s Player of the Year award and an Olympic gold medal in rugby sevens.

2. AARON SMITH (NEW ZEALAND)

Aaron Smith was the definition of precision. The All Blacks scrum-half built his reputation on lightning-fast service, outstanding tactical awareness and an ability to deliver the right pass under immense pressure. His speed at the base of the ruck helped define New Zealand’s attacking game throughout one of the most successful periods in the nation’s history.

Smith won 125 Test caps and scored 29 tries for the All Blacks. He played a key role in New Zealand’s 2015 Rugby World Cup triumph and helped the side win multiple Rugby Championship titles. At club level, Smith became a Highlanders legend, helping the franchise secure its first Super Rugby title in 2015.

Smith may not have possessed the physical power of some of the players on this list, but his technical excellence and consistency were almost impossible to match.

Did You Know? Smith scored a hat-trick against Italy at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, becoming one of the few scrum-halves to score three tries in a Test match for New Zealand.

Want the latest Ultimate Sevens merch? Click the link to head to the Online Shop now!

1. SIR GARETH EDWARDS (WALES AND BRITISH & IRISH LIONS)

The greatest scrum-half in rugby history. Sir Gareth Edwards was the heartbeat of Wales during the nation’s golden era and remains the benchmark against which every great No.9 is measured. Quick, fearless and endlessly creative, Edwards possessed the complete skill set long before the modern game demanded it.

He won 53 consecutive Test caps for Wales between 1967 and 1978, scoring 20 tries and helping the country win seven Five Nations titles, including three Grand Slams. Edwards was equally influential for the British & Irish Lions. He played in the famous unbeaten tour of South Africa in 1974 and featured in the series victory over New Zealand in 1971, which remains the Lions’ only series win against the All Blacks.

His famous try for the Barbarians against New Zealand in 1973 is widely regarded as the greatest ever scored.

Did You Know? Edwards never missed a Wales Test during his international career, appearing in 53 consecutive matches and starting every one.

LATEST RUGBY NEWS