Referee legend Nigel Owens recently shared his top picks for the best rugby captains he has ever officiated. However, he made it clear that no Welsh players were included in his list because he had not refereed them in international matches. Despite this, Owens ranked the following Test skippers as his top five, excluding Welshmen.
At number five, Owens ranked former England captain Chris Robshaw. Although some may be surprised by this choice, Owens commended Robshaw for his dedication and hard work during his time leading England from 2012 to 2015.
Coming in at number four is Jean de Villiers from South Africa. Known for his skill and tactical prowess, de Villiers brought experience and stability to the Springboks during his captaincy from 2012 to 2015.
Taking the third spot is the iconic Richie McCaw from New Zealand. McCaw’s leadership transcended mere statistics, as he led the All Blacks to Rugby World Cup victories in 2011 and 2015, showcasing his exceptional leadership qualities.
Sharing the second spot are Ireland’s Paul O’Connell and Brian O’Driscoll. Owens considered them a joint-ticket, highlighting their exceptional leadership qualities and unique contributions to the game during their time leading Ireland.
Finally, Owens crowned Thierry Dusautoir from France as the best captain he has encountered. Dusautoir’s fearless leadership and defensive skills propelled French rugby to new heights, particularly during his legendary performance against New Zealand in the 2007 World Cup.
In addition to his rankings, Owens also shared his all-time rugby dream team, featuring players like Israel Folau, Stuart Hogg, Brian O’Driscoll, Ma’a Nonu, and Shane Williams. Owens praised each player for their exceptional skills and contributions to the game, highlighting their impact on and off the field.
Overall, Owens’ rankings and dream team selections provide insight into the qualities and attributes that make a great rugby captain, showcasing the leadership, skill, and dedication required to excel in the sport.
