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<\/p>\n4&5. Brian O\u2019Driscoll & Paul O\u2019Connell (Ireland)<\/p>\n
Brian O\u2019Driscoll and Paul O\u2019Connell stand among Ireland\u2019s greatest rugby icons, embodying leadership, excellence, and consistency across a golden era of Irish rugby.<\/p>\n
O\u2019Driscoll, 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.<\/p>\n
O\u2019Connell, born October 20, 1979, in Limerick, was the heart of Ireland\u2019s forward pack \u2014 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\u2019s Heineken Cup successes.<\/p>\n
Together, O\u2019Driscoll and O\u2019Connell symbolized Ireland\u2019s transformation into a consistent global contender, leading with passion, humility, and an unrelenting drive for excellence. Their partnership \u2014 one from the backs, one from the forwards \u2014 defined an era of Irish rugby greatness.<\/p>\n
Carter said: \u201cTwo giants of the game that have worn the green jersey were Paul O\u2019Connell and Brian O\u2019Driscoll. Their work rate and how they conducted themselves on and off the pitch was exemplary.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Brian O\u2019Driscoll facts:<\/p>\n
He is devoted to\u00a0Manchester United\u00a0and his boyhood hero was Mark Hughes<\/p>\n
O\u2019Driscoll\u2019s father, Frank, played two games for Ireland and an uncle, Barry, won four caps<\/p>\n
His final appearance for Leinster, and for any team, was in the\u00a02014 Pro12 Grand Final\u00a0on 31 May in Leinster\u2019s home ground, the RDS in Dublin, in which Leinster defeated the Glasgow Warriors 34-12<\/p>\n
His most oft-quoted line was delivered at a press conference at Croke Park before an England match in 2009: \u201cKnowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit; wisdom is knowing not to put it in a fruit salad.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
O\u2019Driscoll was chosen as Player of the Tournament in the 2006, 2007 and 2009\u00a0RBS Six Nations\u00a0Championships.<\/p>\n
3. Jonah Lomu (New Zealand)<\/p>\n
Jonah Lomu (May 12, 1975 \u2013 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 \u2014 combining the strength of a forward with the speed of a sprinter.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s global breakthrough came at the\u00a01995 Rugby World Cup, where his extraordinary performances \u2014 particularly his four tries against England in the semifinal \u2014 made him an international superstar and the sport\u2019s first true global icon.<\/p>\n
Over his career, he earned\u00a063 caps for New Zealand, scoring\u00a037 tries, and represented teams such as Auckland, Wellington, Counties Manukau, and the Blues. Despite his career being interrupted by a rare kidney disorder, Lomu\u2019s courage and determination remained inspirational both on and off the field.<\/p>\n
Carter said: \u201cHe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jonah Lomu Facts:<\/p>\n
He weighed 120\u00a0kg and was 1.96 metres tall, but could run 100 metres in 10.8 seconds<\/p>\n
In 1996,\u00a0McDonald\u2019s\u00a0New Zealand named a burger after Lomu<\/p>\n
He\u2019s the only rugby player ever to feature on the front cover of TIME magazine<\/p>\n
According to the Telegraph, Leeds\u00a0were ready to make a third bid to\u00a0attract All Blacks giant Jonah Lomu to England in 2001<\/a><\/p>\n He played 63 tests as an All Black, scoring 37 tries<\/p>\n In 2001 he helped New Zealand win the Rugby World Cup Sevens.<\/p>\n CONTINUES ON PAGE THREE<\/a><\/p>\n Like this:<\/p>\n Like Loading…<\/p>\n