Greatest XV of the Six Nations Era: Rugby Dream Team

Determining the "best ever" Six Nations players is difficult enough, but narrowing it down to a team of 15 players is an even harder task.
Picking the best XV is subjective, and it depends on individual opinions. However, some players have left a lasting impact on the tournament due to their exceptional skills, achievements, and contributions to their respective national teams.

Here's our best attempt at forming the greatest ever Six Nations team... 

 

1. Prop: Cian Healy (Ireland)

Ireland prop, Cian Healy, has had a successful career playing for Leinster in the Pro14 and European competitions, but his most notable success has come with Ireland, helping them win two grand slams (2018 and 2023). Healy is widely regarded as one of the greatest props to ever play the game. 

2. Hooker - Keith Wood (Ireland)

Keith Wood is a former Irish rugby union player who played as a hooker. Wood is widely regarded as one of the greatest rugby players in Ireland's history. He had a successful career both at the provincial and international levels. Wood played for the Irish provincial team Munster and the English club Harlequins during his career. He earned 63 caps for the Irish national team, making significant contributions to the squad.

3. Prop - Adam Jones (Wales)

Adam Jones had a successful career playing for the Ospreys in the Pro14 and European competitions. He was also a key figure in the Welsh national team, earning numerous caps as a prop. Jones was known for his scrummaging skills and became a fixture in both the domestic and international rugby scenes. Jones won an impressive three grand slams (2005, 2008, and 2012). 

4. Lock - Paul O'Connell (Ireland)

Paul O'Connell is a former Irish rugby union player who is widely regarded as one of the greatest locks in the history of the sport. O'Connell had an illustrious career as a second-row forward, playing the majority of his club rugby for Munster in the Pro14 and European competitions. He captained Munster to two Heineken Cup victories in 2006 and 2008. He also represented Ireland at the international level, earning numerous caps winning two grand slams (2009 and 2018).

5.  Lock - Alun-Wyn Jones (Wales)

On the international stage, Alun-Wyn Jones has been an integral part of the Welsh national team. He is known for his leadership skills, toughness, and exceptional work rate. Jones has represented Wales in multiple Six Nations Championships and Rugby World Cups, scooping three grand slams (2008, 2012, and 2019).

6. Flanker - Richard Hill (England)

Richard Hill earned 71 caps for the England national team. He played a crucial role in England's success, including their famous victory in the 2003 Rugby World Cup, where they defeated Australia in the final. Hill's contributions as a flanker were widely praised, and he was regarded as one of the best players in his position. Hill was also an integral part of the grand slam winning side in 2003. 

7. Flanker - Thierry Dusautoir (France)

Thierry Dusautoir is perhaps most renowned for his performance in the 2011 Rugby World Cup, but he was also brilliant in the Six Nations, too. He was a key player in the French team that won a grand slam in 2010, and his individual efforts earned him the IRB Player of the Year award for 2011. Dusautoir was known for his leadership, defensive prowess, and work rate on the field.

8. Number 8 - Sergio Parisse (Italy)

On the international stage, Sergio Parisse represented Italy in numerous Six Nations Championships and Rugby World Cups. He became the captain of the Italian national team, leading them with distinction for many years. Parisse's leadership and individual performances earned him widespread recognition and respect in the rugby community. He is widely regarded as one of the great players of his generation. 

9. Scrum Half - Antoine Dupont (France)

Antoine Dupont has been a key player for the French national team. His dynamic playing style, exceptional passing, and strategic vision have made him one of the most exciting scrum-halves in world rugby. Some say, when his career is done, Dupont will be ranked as the greatest rugby player that ever lived. The jury is still out, but as things stand, he's certainly on his way. 

10. Fly Half - Jonny Wilkinson (England)

Johnny Sexton is very unlucky to miss out on this spot, but we couldn't leave Jonny Wilkinson out of this side. Wilko is widely regarded as one of the greatest fly-halves in the history of the sport. Wilkinson had an illustrious career with both the English national team and at the club level, winning both the grand slam and world cup in 2003. 

11. Wing - Shane Williams (Wales)

Shane Williams is a retired Welsh rugby union player who is widely regarded as one of the greatest wingers in the history of the sport. Williams had an illustrious career playing for both the Welsh national team and at the club level, winning two grand slams (2005 and 2008), and winning the World Player of the Year award in 2008. 

12. Centre - Gavin Henson (Wales)

This addition may surprise a few people, but in all honesty, having looked through the list of inside centres to grace the Six Nations, there wasn't one who had the natural skill and talent of Henson. Henson is often seen as a wasted talent, but some forget that he won two grand slams (2005 and 2008), and played a pivotal role in both campaigns. Injuries robbed him of playing in a world cup, but he'll always be regarded as one of the most complete players of the Six Nations era. 

13. Centre - Brian O'Driscoll (Ireland)

Outside centre was an easy pick. Who else could fill this position quite as skilfully and as gracefully as the great Brian O'Driscoll. Grad slam winner in 2009, O'Driscoll isn't only one of the Six Nations greats, but he's one of the sport's true greats. This is a player who would have walked into any team, during any era. 

14. Wing - Vincent Clerc (France)

Jason Robinson will feel unlucky not to make this team, but it with three championship medals, including two grand slams (2004 and 2010), it was difficult to look past the French wing, Vincent Clerc. This dynamic winger possessed speed, strength, and a clinical ability to finish. In his pomp, Clerc was one of the game's best players. 

15. Full-Back - Stuart Hogg (Scotland)

The sole Scot to make this side is Stuart Hogg.  The dynamic full-back has been a key figure in the Scottish national team over the years. He has represented Scotland in multiple Six Nations Championships and Rugby World Cups. His performances, particularly in the fullback position, have made him one of the standout players in Scottish rugby. Hogg nudges out the very unlucky Leigh Halfpenny. 

What do you think? Is this a fair line-up? How many players who featured in this team would you pick?

As always, let us know your thoughts in the comments section below- and remember, be nice! 

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