Renowned referee Nigel Owens has revealed the five best captains he officiated during his illustrious career — and his top pick might surprise you!
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Speaking to Wales Online, Owens explained his ground rules:
“I won’t be picking any Welsh players because I haven’t refereed them in international matches,” he clarified. “That said, here are my top Test captains, Welshmen excluded.”
While his choices will undoubtedly spark debate, each name on the list has earned Owens’ respect for their leadership, conduct, and influence on the game.
Here’s his full selection:
#5. Chris Robshaw (England)
Bio: Chris Robshaw earned 66 caps for England between 2009 and 2018 and captained his country in 43 of those matches. Known for his tireless work rate and ability to lead by example, Robshaw captained England through highs and lows, including their disappointing 2015 Rugby World Cup campaign. A loyal servant to Harlequins, he also won the Premiership title with the club in 2012.
Owens’ Take:
“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)
Bio: A stalwart of South African rugby, Jean de Villiers earned 109 caps for the Springboks between 2002 and 2015. Renowned for his rugby intelligence and sportsmanship, he captained South Africa during a transitional period and was instrumental in fostering team unity. De Villiers won the Rugby World Cup in 2007, though injury cut short his participation in that tournament.
Owens’ Take:
“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)
Bio: Widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, Richie McCaw captained the All Blacks in 110 of his record 148 Test matches. Under his leadership, New Zealand won back-to-back Rugby World Cups in 2011 and 2015 and achieved an astonishing win rate of over 85%. Known for his tactical acumen, relentless work ethic, and resilience, McCaw is a true icon of the game.
Owens’ Take:
*”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)
Bio (Paul O’Connell): A legendary lock and Ireland captain, Paul O’Connell earned 108 caps between 2002 and 2015. Known for his inspirational leadership and dominance in the lineout, O’Connell captained Ireland to Six Nations glory in 2014 and 2015 and was also a key figure for the British & Irish Lions on three tours.
Bio (Brian O’Driscoll): A dynamic centre, Brian O’Driscoll represented Ireland 133 times between 1999 and 2014, scoring 46 tries. He is celebrated as one of the finest players to ever grace the game, combining flair with determination. As captain, O’Driscoll led Ireland to their first Grand Slam in 61 years in 2009 and was a mainstay of the Lions on four tours.
Owens’ Take:
“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)
Bio: Nicknamed “The Dark Destroyer,” Thierry Dusautoir earned 80 caps for France from 2006 to 2015 and captained the side in 56 matches. Famous for his defensive heroics and tireless effort, he delivered one of the greatest individual performances in rugby history during the 2007 World Cup quarter-final against New Zealand, making 38 tackles. Dusautoir won the 2011 IRB Player of the Year award and is regarded as one of the best captains France has ever produced.
Owens’ Take: “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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Can You Name Every British & Irish Lions Captain Since 2001?
You have five minutes to recall the leaders who have represented the four nations on some of rugby’s most historic tours.
From monumental victories to heart-stopping battles, these captains have etched their names into Lions folklore. Can you name them all before time runs out? Let’s find out—good luck!
