BBC readers have picked their all-time rugby XV – and only two England legends made the cut
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Over 200,000 rugby fans have spoken, casting their votes in a BBC poll to decide the ultimate all-time XV. With so much talent to pick from, some absolute icons missed out. But these are the legends that made the cut.
15. SERGE BLANCO (France)
The definition of flair. Blanco was a magician in the No.15 shirt, tearing apart defences with his electric footwork and blistering pace. Despite playing in an era when French rugby was more about brute force than backline brilliance, Blanco brought a touch of artistry to the game.
- Scored 38 tries in 93 Tests for France
- Helped Les Bleus reach the inaugural Rugby World Cup final in 1987
- Famously smoked cigarettes at half-time—imagine that in today’s game
14. BRYAN HABANA (South Africa)
Bryan Habana was so fast that he once raced a cheetah—yes, an actual cheetah—as part of a promotional stunt. While he didn't quite beat the big cat, he certainly left defenders in his dust throughout his career. The Springbok speedster was a key figure in South Africa's 2007 World Cup-winning campaign.
- Joint-top try scorer in Rugby World Cup history with 15 tries
- Won the IRB Player of the Year award in 2007
- Studied marketing before choosing rugby as a full-time career
13. BRIAN O’DRISCOLL (Ireland)
A once-in-a-generation talent, O'Driscoll was Ireland's heartbeat for well over a decade. Known for his outrageous footwork, defensive steel, and knack for scoring crucial tries, he became one of the most respected figures in world rugby.
- Captained Ireland for nine years, earning 133 Test caps
- Scored a famous hat-trick against France in 2000, announcing himself on the world stage
- Inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame in 2016
12. MA'A NONU (New Zealand)
Nonu was built like a bulldozer but played with the finesse of a back-three player. His ability to smash through tackles and offload in the tightest spaces made him a nightmare to defend against. Even in his 40s, he is still playing professionally in the USA.
- Won back-to-back Rugby World Cups in 2011 and 2015
- Started his professional career as a winger before transitioning to centre
- Had a brief stint playing football in New Zealand’s second division
11. JONAH LOMU (New Zealand)
Lomu wasn't just a rugby player—he was a phenomenon. Standing at 6ft 5in and over 18 stone, he redefined what was possible for a winger. His destruction of England in the 1995 World Cup remains one of the most famous performances in rugby history.
- Scored seven tries at the 1995 World Cup, despite being just 20 years old
- Could run 100 metres in under 11 seconds at his peak
- Tragically passed away in 2015 due to a kidney condition
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