eferee legend Nigel Owens reveals his picks for the top captains he’s ever officiated, but with one major disclaimer: Welsh fans, brace yourselves—no home heroes make the cut! Owens makes his stance clear:
“I am not going to include any Welsh players on my list because I haven’t refereed them in international matches. Anyway, these are my top Test skippers ranked, Welshmen aside.”
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Nigel Owens’ Top 5 Captains – the countdown begins!
#5. Chris Robshaw (England)
Former England skipper Chris Robshaw may raise a few eyebrows at #5, but Owens thinks he deserves the nod. This Harlequins legend led England from 2012 to 2015 with relentless determination and a high work rate.
Owens wrote in his column for Wales Online: “Some people will be surprised at this one to start off. His misfortune was perhaps to be leading England during a difficult time, but he always gave everything for the cause, encouraging others to follow suit, and he was a nice guy off the pitch.”
#4. Jean de Villiers (South Africa)
Jean de Villiers made a huge impression as Springboks captain. Known for his skill and tactical mind, he brought experience and steadiness to the team from 2012 to 2015 and remains a respected voice in the sport.
Owens said: “He was not only a great rugby player but also a great leader and a great man. Whenever I came across him on the field, he impressed me.”
#3. Richie McCaw (New Zealand)
At #3, the iconic Richie McCaw. McCaw’s contributions go far beyond stats; he redefined what it meant to be a captain, leading New Zealand to Rugby World Cup victories in 2011 and 2015.
Owens said: “He’s right up on any list of rugby’s greatest players. Maybe he will be at the top for many people. New Zealand won something like nine out of every 10 games in which he led them, but the mark of Richie McCaw was how he conducted himself when the All Blacks lost.”
#2. Paul O’Connell & Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland)
It’s a joint ticket for Ireland’s Paul O’Connell and Brian O’Driscoll at #2! These two Irish titans defined leadership in their era, each making unique contributions to the game.
Owens said: “I’m classing this as a joint-ticket as whenever I seemed to ref Ireland in their day O’Driscoll was captain and O’Connell was vice-skipper. O’Driscoll actually used to tell me if there were issues with the forwards then I should chat to O’Connell. I found them excellent to deal with.”
#1. Thierry Dusautoir (France)
Owens’ top spot goes to France’s fearless flanker Thierry Dusautoir. Known for his leadership and defense, Dusautoir took French rugby to new heights with his legendary performance against New Zealand in the 2007 World Cup.
Owens said: “My choice as the best skipper I encountered may raise a few eyebrows, but what a captain Dusautoir was. He unfailingly put his body on the line throughout his career — recall the 38 tackles he made when France knocked the All Blacks out of the 2007 World Cup — led by example and understood the game very well.”
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Nigel Owens selects his all-time rugby dream team
Fullback: Israel Folau (Australia)
Owens said: “For me, it’s nip and tuck between Halfpenny and Folau, next to nothing to choose between them. Leigh is brilliant because under the high ball and with his kicking at goal under pressure. He may not always break the line when running but puts his body on the line in defence and is a top-notch match-winner.
“But I go for Folau – only just, I should stress – because of his ability to seemingly beat his man every time he gets the ball in his hand. He’s such an exciting player and like Leigh he is one of the best under the high ball.
“It’s a toss of a coin for me… and it’s come down in Folau’s favour.”
Winger: Stuart Hogg (Scotland)
Owens said: “How can you fail to be impressed when watching Hogg play. He’s so exciting as he burst into that line and, of course, was named Six Nations player of the tournament.
“I know he’s a full-back for Scotland, but he is so quick and direct he could easily play on the wing. He reminds me a bit of Shane Williams with some of the things he does.
“When you see who is on the other wing in my team, you’ll see how they would work brilliantly in tandem.”
Outside-centre: Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland)
Owens said: “Not only is he one of the greatest centres in the history of rugby union but he’s a fantastic man off the field as well. O’Driscoll has been a wonderful ambassador for the sport and a real leader. He always respected referees and set the right example for others to follow.
“A legend of the game who conducted himself superbly, on and off the pitch.”
Inside-centre: Ma’a Nonu (New Zealand)
Owens said: “He’s another brilliant player and after every game, win or lose, he would come up and give me a hug. Ma’a has always found time at after-match functions or at breakfast if we’ve been staying at the same hotel to come over and have a chat.
“What a player, mind, too. One of the stalwarts of the New Zealand side for so many years.”
Winger: Shane Williams (Wales)
Owens said: “When people ask me who is the best player I have refereed it’s pretty much an impossible task to pick one because I’ve been lucky enough to take charge of so many greats.
“But if I’m pushed, I would pick Shane for what he achieved after coming from football at 17 or 18 years of age.
“He was in the mould of Gerald Davies in how he left defenders gasping for air as he beat them with those dazzling sidesteps. Nobody would fancy defending against a back three of Shane, Hogg and Folau, I can tell you that.”
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