As the 2025 Guinness Men’s Six Nations approaches, we celebrate the iconic players who have left an indelible mark on rugby’s most historic Championship.
From appearance records to scoring milestones, these legends epitomise excellence and resilience in rugby’s most prestigious annual competition.
Appearances:
1. Sergio Parisse – 69 appearances (Italy, 2004–2019)
The undisputed talisman of Italian rugby, Sergio Parisse is regarded as one of the greatest number eights in world rugby. His 69 Six Nations caps are a testament to his longevity, leadership, and skill. Parisse’s contributions for Italy transcended his nation’s results, often single-handedly keeping his team competitive. A two-time Rugby World Cup captain, Parisse was revered not just for his athleticism but for his playmaking ability, vision, and tactical awareness – rare for a forward. As Italy’s most capped player, he was central to many of his country’s iconic victories, including the famous wins over France in 2011 and 2013.
2. Alun Wyn Jones – 67 appearances (Wales, 2007–2023)
Alun Wyn Jones is synonymous with never taking a backwards step and taking no prisoners. The Welsh lock has not only been a Championship stalwart but also one of rugby’s most decorated players. A three-time Grand Slam winner (2008, 2012, 2019), Jones captained Wales to their 2019 and 2021 titles and led by example throughout his career. Renowned for his tireless work rate, leadership, and consistency, he also became the world’s most-capped rugby player in 2020. His 67 Six Nations appearances underline his importance to Wales, having become a totemic figure during the nation’s first golden age of the professional era.
3. Brian O’Driscoll – 65 appearances (Ireland, 2000–2014)
An iconic figure in Irish rugby, Brian O’Driscoll is widely considered one of the best centres the sport has ever seen. He burst onto the scene in 2000 and played an instrumental role in Ireland’s resurgence in the Six Nations. Renowned for his balance, speed, and game intelligence, O’Driscoll’s ability to produce match-winning moments in the most critical games was often without parallel. Captaining Ireland for many of his 65 appearances, he led them to a historic Grand Slam in 2009, Ireland’s first since 1948. O’Driscoll retired in 2014 as the highest try-scorer in the Championship’s history.
4. Rory Best – 64 appearances (Ireland, 2006–2019)
One of Ireland’s most influential captains, Rory Best made 64 Six Nations appearances over 13 years. The Ulsterman was a cornerstone of Ireland’s forward pack, revered for his scrummaging and mastery of the dark arts. Best captained Ireland to their Grand Slam triumph in 2018, and his calm authority and work ethic became synonymous with Irish rugby in the early stages of what has proved to be their most successful period. He retired in 2019, having left an indelible mark on the team as one of its most dependable hookers.
5. Cian Healy – 64 appearances (Ireland, 2010–2024)
Prop Cian Healy has been a mainstay of the Irish front row for well over a decade. A cornerstone of Ireland’s scrummaging dominance, his blend of power, agility, and versatility made him a formidable opponent. During the 2024 Autumn Nations Series in Ireland’s last 150th anniversary match versus Australia, Healey stole the spotlight becoming Ireland’s most capped International ever overtaking O’Driscoll (133) to claim his 134th cap. Healey could again make history and leapfrog all legends above, equalling Parisse’s record if he plays every game of the 2025 Guinness Men’s Six Nations.
Points:
1. Johnny Sexton – 566 points (Ireland, 2010-2023)
Fly-half Johnny Sexton is a name synonymous with Irish rugby excellence. A master tactician and prolific goal-kicker, Sexton was the heartbeat of Ireland’s backline for over a decade. From guiding Leinster to European glory to leading Ireland to a historic Grand Slam in 2023, his career has been marked by clutch performances and unrivalled leadership. Retiring as Ireland’s all-time leading points scorer (1,108), Sexton’s influence extended beyond the pitch, leaving an indelible legacy as one of the game’s greatest playmakers.
2. Ronan O’Gara – 557 points (Ireland, 2000-2013)
A master tactician and one of the most prolific fly-halves in rugby history, Ronan O’Gara was the heartbeat of the Irish team for over a decade. Known for his pinpoint kicking and game management, O’Gara was instrumental in securing Ireland’s first Grand Slam in 61 years during the 2009 Six Nations. His iconic drop goal against Wales in the final minutes of that campaign remains etched in Irish rugby folklore. After hanging up his boots, O’Gara transitioned seamlessly into coaching, carving out a reputation as one of the game’s brightest minds.
3. Jonny Wilkinson – 546 points (England, 1998-2011)
Fly-half Jonny Wilkinson remains one of rugby’s most iconic figures, famed for his precision kicking and unflappable composure under pressure. Best remembered for his dramatic drop goal in extra time to secure England’s historic 2003 Rugby World Cup victory, Wilkinson was a linchpin of the national team for over a decade. His relentless work ethic and rugby intellect set a benchmark for future generations. Wilkinson’s tally of 1,179 Test points, combined with his pivotal role in two World Cup finals, cements his legacy as one of the all-time greats of the game.
Tries:
*Six Nations Era
1. Brian O’Driscoll – 26 tries (Ireland, 2000–2014)
Known for his dazzling footwork, defensive tenacity, and unmatched vision, O’Driscoll captained Ireland to Grand Slam glory in 2009 and was a cornerstone of their golden era. With 26 tries in the Six Nations, he remains the tournament’s all-time leading try-scorer—a testament to his extraordinary ability to deliver in the biggest moments over his storied international career scoring 46 International tries for Ireland.
2. George North – 24 tries (Wales, 2010-2024)
Winger-turned-centre George North has been a towering presence in Welsh rugby for over a decade. Renowned for his explosive pace, powerful runs, and exceptional try-scoring ability, North has made an indelible impact on the international stage. A pivotal figure in Wales’ Six Nations triumphs and Rugby World Cup campaigns, North became the youngest player in history to achieve 100 international caps.
3. Shane Williams – 22 tires (Wales, 2000-2011)
Standing at just 5’7″, Shane Williams defied expectations to become Wales’ all-time leading try-scorer, with 58 tries in 87 appearances. The fleet-footed winger was celebrated for his electrifying sidestep, elusive running, and uncanny ability to conjure something from nothing. A true magician on the pitch, Williams played a pivotal role in Wales’ Grand Slam triumphs in 2005 and 2008. Named the IRB World Player of the Year in 2008, Williams’ legacy as one of the greatest wingers in rugby history remains unparalleled.
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