4. Alun Wyn Jones — Wales

Some players have long careers, Alun Wyn Jones had an entire era. he Welsh legend became the ultimate symbol of longevity, durability and competitive spirit across to of the most famous red jerseys in rugby. He established himself as one of the most reliable second-rowers international rugby has ever produced, across 170 international appearances for Wales and the British & Irish Lions.

Alun Wyn hung up the boots as the most-capped player in international rugby history at the time of his curtain call. Across more than a decade at the highest level, he remained an outstanding lineout operator, relentless defender and tireless presence around the breakdown. His leadership was equally significant, as Jones captained both Wales and the Lions, leading by example and becoming a central figure in multiple Welsh Six Nations successes, including Grand Slam campaigns.

His career spanned three separate decades, yet his standards rarely dipped. That combination of durability, leadership and sustained excellence makes Jones one of the greatest locks the game has ever seen.

3. Martin Johnson — England

Martin Johnson embodied the gritty England spirit, as he led the charge to their finest hour in 2003. The imposing lock was the psychological heartbeat of every team he played for, combining immense physical power with a ruthless competitive edge.

Johnson’s game was built around the brutal realities of forward play. He was an outstanding scrummager, an uncompromising tackler and a master of the dark arts that made life so difficult for opposition packs. But his greatest weapon was leadership, as Johnson captained England to their historic 2003 Rugby World Cup triumph, lifting the Webb Ellis Cup in Australia after defeating the hosts in the final.

He also holds the unique distinction of captaining the British & Irish Lions on two tours, in 1997 and 2001. That tells you everything about how highly his leadership was regarded. Johnson demanded absolute commitment from those around him and never appeared willing to surrender an inch. For physicality, authority and competitive drive, few locks have ever matched him.

2. John Eales — Australia

John Eales was so complete that the nickname “Nobody” — because nobody’s perfect — somehow felt appropriate.

The Australian was one of the most uniquely skilled locks rugby has ever produced, combining the physical attributes of a second row with the handling, mobility and tactical awareness of a back. Perhaps his most extraordinary talent was his goal-kicking.

Eales became Australia’s primary international kicker, producing crucial points while also providing elite lineout work and powerful scrummaging. He captained the Wallabies during their golden era and became a two-time Rugby World Cup winner, lifting the trophy in 1991 and 1999.

Yet his influence extended beyond his performances. Eales was renowned for his composure, leadership and sporting diplomacy, becoming one of Australia’s most respected sporting ambassadors. He demonstrated that a lock could be a complete rugby player — powerful enough to dominate the tight exchanges but skilled enough to influence matches all over the field. His legacy is still celebrated in the land down under, with the Eales Medal awarded to the stand-out Wallaby of that year.

1. Eben Etzebeth — South Africa

Eben Etzebeth is the modern definition of a world-class lock. Standing at 2.03 metres, the Springbok giant possesses the physical presence expected of a second rower, but combines it with an extraordinary work rate, athleticism and technical ability.

Etzebeth has developed into one of the most intimidating forwards in world rugby, capable of dominating collisions while remaining disciplined and tactically intelligent. His breakdown work is particularly impressive, allowing him to influence matches long after the scrum and lineout have finished.

But his greatest achievement is his sustained excellence. Etzebeth became South Africa’s most-capped player with 142 caps and counting, overtaking Victor Matfield in September 2024, while playing a central role in the Springboks’ historic back-to-back Rugby World Cup triumphs.

More than a decade at the highest level has seen him remain one of the most physically imposing and consistently effective locks in the world. His longevity, trophy cabinet, leadership and sheer enforcing influence on matches combine to create an almost complete second-row package. For that reason, Eben Etzebeth is our greatest lock in rugby history.