Six Nations followers have their say on who’s the most effective participant ever within the event
A poll of 2,000 rugby fans has revealed who they believe to be the best Six Nations player of all time – and the results may surprise you
The Six Nations rugby tournament is set to kick off this Friday with a match between Italy and Wales. Ireland is tipped as the favourite to clinch the championship title for the third time in a row.
A poll suggests that a quarter of fans are backing England for the win, while only 1% believe Italy has what it takes. Interestingly, 10% of respondents suggested that Italy should no longer participate in the tournament.
In a recent survey of 2,000 rugby enthusiasts, the nation’s favourite rugby star was revealed. Irish skipper Brian O’Driscoll ranked fourth on the list, his fearless play securing his status as one of the most thrilling players in Six Nations history.
English fans also celebrated Martin Johnson, whose ball-handling prowess and physical tenacity have made him a contemporary icon, earning him fifth place.
However, it was English legend Jonny Wilkinson who was crowned the greatest Six Nations player of all time, surpassing Welsh greats Sir Gareth Edwards and JPR Williams.
The World Cup-winning fly-half had an illustrious career, earning 91 caps for England and bagging numerous club-level trophies. Jeremy Guscott on the other hand was crowned as the most overrated player, according to the poll.
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A spokesperson for Lottoland.co.uk, which conducted the study alongside its Sportsbook team, commented: “We’ve been lucky enough to have seen some incredible players down the years.
“As the Five Nations changed to Six, some things haven’t changed at all when it comes to making yourself a hero of the game. It’s not just about bagging the win, it’s about how they make the fans feel and their role in thrilling matches.”
Fans reckon that teamwork and the ability to lift up their teammates are key qualities for a player to be considered the ‘GOAT’. Meanwhile, 23% admitted they have a soft spot for players who show real passion and pride when playing for their country.
Interestingly, nearly one in five fans confessed they’d been so inspired by a Five or Six Nations player that they’d think about naming their kid after them if they haven’t already done so.
Lottoland’s spokesperson chimed in: “Rugby fans are as passionate off the pitch as the players are on it, and the Six Nations always sparks lively debates about the legends of the game.”
RUGBY FANS TOP SIX NATIONS PLAYERS OF ALL TIME:
- Jonny Wilkinson – England
- Gareth Edwards – Wales
- JPR Williams – Wales
- Brian O’Driscoll – Ireland
- Martin Johnson – England
- Johnny Sexton – Ireland
- Lawrence Dallaglio – England
- Gavin Hastings – Scotland
- Serge Blanco – France
- Alun Wyn Jones – Wales
- Jonathan Davies (Jiffy) – Wales
- Jason Robinson – England
- Ronan O’Gara – Ireland
- Antoine Dupont – France
- Shane Williams – Wales
- Sam Warburton – Wales
- Jeremy Guscott – England
- Willie John McBride – Ireland
- Jason Leonard – England
- Chris Patterson – Scotland
- Sergio Parisse – Italy
- Ieuan Evans – Wales
- Mike Gibson – Ireland
- Paul O’Connell – Ireland
- Richard Hill – England
- Christophe Dominici – France
- Keith Wood – Ireland
- John Dawes – Wales
- Philippe Sella – France
- Tommy Bowe – Ireland
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