When it comes to identifying the best rugby players in history, few opinions carry as much weight as that of Sir Ian McGeechan.
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A legendary player and coach, McGeechan has spent decades at the heart of the sport, guiding teams and observing the finest talents rugby has to offer.
Without hesitation, McGeechan named his top three rugby players of all time, each of whom left an indelible mark on the game with their extraordinary skill, leadership, and impact on the global stage.
#3. Jonah Lomu
Full Name: Jonah Tali Lomu
Date of Birth: May 12, 1975
Died: November 18, 2015
Nationality: New Zealand
Position: Wing
Overview:
Jonah Lomu was a rugby union sensation and one of the sport’s first global superstars. Standing at 6’5″ and weighing over 120 kg (260 lbs), Lomu combined size, speed, and agility in a way that had never been seen before on a rugby field. He revolutionized the role of a winger, using his power and blistering pace to dominate opponents, and became a household name during the 1995 Rugby World Cup.
Career Highlights:
Lomu burst onto the international stage as a 19-year-old during the 1995 Rugby World Cup in South Africa, where his performance made him an overnight sensation. Most notably, he scored four tries in a semi-final against England, including one unforgettable try where he ran through and over England’s defenders. Although New Zealand did not win the tournament, Lomu’s impact was undeniable.
He continued to be a key figure for the All Blacks until 2002, earning 63 caps and scoring 37 tries. Lomu’s career was cut short due to a rare kidney condition, nephrotic syndrome, which eventually forced his retirement and led to a kidney transplant in 2004.
Legacy:
Despite his illness limiting his playing career, Lomu’s influence on rugby was immense. He brought the sport to a global audience and remains one of rugby’s most iconic figures. His untimely death in 2015 at age 40 was met with widespread mourning, highlighting the lasting impression he made on the sport and its fans.
McGeechan wrote: “Illness and injury ultimately slowed him down. But his performances at the 1995 World Cup, just as the game was turning professional, will never be forgotten. The game needed a superstar, and it got one in Lomu. He was brilliant for rugby.”