4&5. Brian O’Driscoll & Paul O’Connell (Ireland)
Brian O’Driscoll is widely regarded as one of the greatest rugby players of all time. The former Irish centre captained both Ireland and the British & Irish Lions, earning a record 141 international caps during his career (133 for Ireland and 8 for the Lions). O’Driscoll was known for his elusive running, vision, and ability to score crucial tries, finishing as Ireland’s all-time top try-scorer. He played a key role in Ireland’s Six Nations Grand Slam in 2009 and helped Leinster win multiple European titles. A natural leader, O’Driscoll was celebrated for his consistency, longevity, and extraordinary skill set over a career that spanned more than 15 years.
Paul O’Connell is an iconic former Irish rugby union player, renowned for his leadership, physicality, and line-out expertise. Playing primarily as a lock, O’Connell was a towering presence on the field, captaining both Ireland and the British & Irish Lions during his distinguished career. Known for his intelligence and uncompromising style of play, he was a key figure in Ireland’s Six Nations successes, including the Grand Slam triumph in 2009. O’Connell earned 108 caps for Ireland and appeared in three British & Irish Lions tours (2005, 2009, and 2013). After retiring in 2015, he left a legacy as one of Ireland’s greatest rugby players, admired for his leadership, discipline, and consistent excellence on the field.
Carter said: “Two giants of the game that have worn the green jersey were Paul O’Connell and Brian O’Driscoll. Their work rate and how they conducted themselves on and off the pitch was exemplary.”
Brian O’Driscoll facts:
- He is devoted to Manchester United and his boyhood hero was Mark Hughes
- O’Driscoll’s father, Frank, played two games for Ireland and an uncle, Barry, won four caps
- His final appearance for Leinster, and for any team, was in the 2014 Pro12 Grand Final on 31 May in Leinster’s home ground, the RDS in Dublin, in which Leinster defeated the Glasgow Warriors 34-12
- His most oft-quoted line was delivered at a press conference at Croke Park before an England match in 2009: “Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit; wisdom is knowing not to put it in a fruit salad.”
- O’Driscoll was chosen as Player of the Tournament in the 2006, 2007 and 2009 RBS Six Nations Championships.
3. Jonah Lomu (New Zealand)
Jonah Lomu (1975–2015) was a legendary New Zealand rugby union player who revolutionized the sport with his size, speed, and power. Standing 6’5” and weighing over 260 pounds, Lomu redefined the role of the winger, becoming rugby’s first global superstar. He shot to fame during the 1995 Rugby World Cup, where his devastating runs, particularly against England in the semi-final, earned him global recognition. Lomu scored 15 tries across two World Cups (1995 and 1999), a record that stood for many years. Despite battling a serious kidney disorder throughout much of his career, he remained one of the most iconic figures in rugby history.
Carter said: “He 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.”
Jonah Lomu Facts:
- He weighed 120 kg and was 1.96 metres tall, but could run 100 metres in 10.8 seconds
- In 1996, McDonald’s New Zealand named a burger after Lomu
- He’s the only rugby player ever to feature on the front cover of TIME magazine
- According to the Telegraph, Leeds were ready to make a third bid to attract All Blacks giant Jonah Lomu to England in 2001
- He played 63 tests as an All Black, scoring 37 tries
- In 2001 he helped New Zealand win the Rugby World Cup Sevens.