St George's Day Special: Picking the Greatest England Men's XV of All Time

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Happy St. George’s Day to all our readers across England! Today’s patriotic celebrations will run all the way run from Cornwall to Northumberland, and we’ve decided to mark the occasion with a dream team featuring the best players from the history of the RFU.

England is perceived to be the birthplace of rugby union, when William Web Ellis picked up and ran with a football back in 1823. The moment that sparked the greatest sport known to man was witnessed at Rugby School in Warwickshire, as ‘Rugby Football’ was born in the heart of the English midlands.

The homeland of rugby has produced some of the all-time greats to ever lace a pair of boots, and we’ve put together an Ultimate XV of the best English players to mark St. George’s Day.

This article is dedicated to the best men’s players from history, with the legendary Red Roses getting their own team in the upcoming women’s edition.

ULTIMATE XV: THE GREATEST ENGLAND MEN’S XV OF ALL TIME

BACK THREE

15. Jason Robinson

The one and only 'Billy Whizz', Jason Robinson, kicks off our dream team after an extraordinary dual-code career. A Yorkshire native, Robinson burst onto the rugby league scene with Wigan as a teenager, winning multiple trophies and earning a Great Britain call-up at just 19. He toured against Australia and New Zealand before switching codes to rugby union in 2000, signing with Sale Sharks.

Fast-tracked into the England set-up, Robinson made his Test debut in 2001 and earned a British & Irish Lions call-up the same year. His pace and footwork made him a standout in England's 2003 Rugby World Cup-winning team, famously scoring in the final. He finished with 28 tries in 54 caps and later captained England before retiring from international rugby in 2007. He also helped Sale to the 2004/05 Premiership title, becoming the first player to win both a Rugby League Grand Final and a Premiership crown.

14. Rory Underwood

Rory Underwood's selection on the wing in England's greatest-ever XV is a no-brainer. With 49 tries in 85 caps, he remains England's all-time leading try-scorer, a record that speaks volumes about his devastating pace, precision, and finishing instincts. A key figure in three Grand Slam-winning sides and a veteran of three Rugby World Cups, Underwood’s impact at both international level and with Leicester Tigers, where he scored 134 tries, makes him a true legend of the game.

What sets Underwood apart isn't just the stats, it's the story. A Royal Air Force pilot nicknamed "The Flying Wing," he balanced elite level sport with military service as a trailblazer of the amateur era’s services stars. He also made history with his brother Tony as the first male siblings to play together for England since 1937. More than just a prolific scorer, Underwood's professionalism and lasting influence on English rugby secure his place among the all-time greats.

11. Jonny May

One of the most entertaining England players both on and off the pitch, Jonny May always lit up the touch-lines when he raced away in the famous white shirt. A legend in both the Cherry and White of his beloved Gloucester and on the Test match stage, May earned his England debut back in 2013, and was a stalwart of the side throughout the following decade.

The flying outside back racked up 78 caps for his country, before he ended his career his international career as England’s second highest try scorer. May’s 36 trips across the whitewash is a testament to his longevity in the England shirt, which featured two Six Nations titles in 2017 & 2020, the Autumn Nations Cup, and a runners-up medal from the 2019 Rugby World Cup. Electric along the wing with an incredible first step, powerful and tall runners come and go, but May’s legacy will remain for England fans.

CENTRES

13. Jeremy Guscott

Elegant, elusive, and effortlessly brilliant, Jeremy Guscott was the epitome of class at outside centre and an automatic pick for England's all-time XV. Nicknamed "The Prince of Centres," Guscott scored 30 tries in 65 Tests for England between 1989 and 1999, combining sublime footwork, searing pace, and sharp rugby intelligence. A key figure in three Five Nations title-winning campaigns, including the Grand Slam triumphs of 1991, 1992, and 1995, Guscott brought style and substance to a position often dominated by brute force.

Guscott’s big-game temperament was never more evident than during the 1997 British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa, where his iconic drop goal sealed the series win. His attacking flair, paired with steely composure, made him a nightmare for defences and a dream for teammates. Whether slicing through backlines or finishing with finesse, Guscott defined a golden era of English back-line play. His selection at 13 is not just about brilliance, it's about how Guscott redefined what a centre could be.

12. Will Greenwood

Will Greenwood was the thinking man's centre. Tactically astute, fiercely competitive, and one of the most intelligent backs England has ever produced. With 31 tries in 55 Tests, Greenwood was a linchpin in England's 2003 World Cup-winning side, bringing balance, creativity, and a cool head to the midfield. He formed a formidable partnership with Jeremy Guscott, Mike Tindall and Mike Catt, as Greenwood provided the vision that flourished England’s attack. Tall, rangy, and deceptively quick, Greenwood was just as comfortable creating space as he was taking it, making him the perfect choice for Sir Clive Woodward.

What set Greenwood apart was his game sense and adaptability. He could play direct when needed, but his passing range and offloading skills brought a subtlety to England's attack that few inside centres could match. A key figure during England's dominant run in the early 2000s, Greenwood was not just a great centre, he was a leader, a strategist, and a clutch performer on the biggest stage. His spot at 12 in the all-time XV is a nod to both his talent and his influence in shaping England's most successful era.

HALFBACKS

10. Jonny Wilkinson

Jonny Wilkinson is not just England's greatest fly-half, he's a national icon whose name is forever linked with one of the most greatest moments in English rugby history. With 1,179 points in 91 Tests, Wilkinson was a master of control, precision, and nerves of steel. His legendary extra-time drop goal in Australia’s own back yard, sealed the 2003 Rugby World Cup for England's first and only world title, along with his status as a sporting hero.

Beyond the stats and silverware, Wilkinson's relentless work ethic and quiet intensity made him a leader by example. He revolutionised the fly-half role with his all-round game, equally comfortable at dictating play from deep, or putting his body on the line with some monstrous shots from defence. Whilst Injuries interrupted his career, his resilience only added to his legend. Wilkinson wasn't just pivotal to England's success in the early 2000s, he defined it. His selection at 10 in England's all-time XV isn't up for debate, as Owen Farrell takes a seat on the replacements bench.

9. Ben Youngs

Ben Youngs, England's most-capped men's player, takes his rightful place at scrum-half in the all-time XV thanks to a career defined by consistency, leadership, and longevity at the highest level. With over 127 England caps between 2010 and 2023, Youngs was a central figure in England's resurgence under Eddie Jones, as he was apart of four Six Nations title winning campaigns, as well as a run to the 2019 Rugby World Cup final. His sharp delivery, sniping runs, and game management made him a reliable general at the base of the ruck for over a decade in the nine jersey.

His loyalty to Leicester Tigers stood the test of time, with five Premiership titles, three Anglo-Welsh Cups and a European Challenge Cup to boot. Youngs hung up his Test match boots after the 2023 Rugby World Cup, with his Leicester protoge Jack van Poortvleit now well established within England’s halfback ranks. Yesterday, Youngs confirmed his plans to retire at the end of the 2024/25 season, with the Tigers in the hunt for a perfect send off as Premiership champions.

FRONT ROW

1. Jason Leonard

Jason Leonard, affectionately known as "The Fun Bus," is the undisputed choice for loose-head prop in England's all-time XV. With 114 caps between 1990 and 2004, Leonard was the cornerstone of England's scrum for over a decade, for his immense durability, scrummaging power, and work rate around the park. He featured in four Rugby World Cups, including the triumphant 2003 campaign, and was a key figure in five Five/Six Nations title-winning sides, three of which were Grand Slams. Leonard's longevity and adaptability, as he played both loose-head and tight-head at Test level, made him invaluable to England.

What made Leonard truly special wasn't just his technical excellence, but his character. A natural leader and unifying figure in the squad, Leonard brought experience, calm, and humour to the pressure cooker of international rugby. His 114 caps were a world record at the time, and few props have ever matched his combination of grit and grace under fire. Dan Cole is the only English prop to surpass Leonard’s record, with more on him shortly. Leonard’s selection at loose-head is as solid as the man himself.

2. Jamie George

Jamie George's inclusion at hooker in England's all-time XV, reflects not only his outstanding technical ability but also his leadership and longevity at the top of the game. With 101 caps and counting, George is England’s most-capped men’s hooker by some serious distance, and he recently enjoyed a run with the captaincy after Owen Farrell vacated the armband after the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

A key figure in the England team since his debut in 2015, George surpassed Dylan Hartley to be the first choice hooker and has now beaten the former England captain to be our pick for this Ultimate XV. With a decorated club career at Saracens, where he's won six Premiership titles and three Champions Cups, George has proven himself time and again at every level. His all-round game, character, and influence on and off the pitch make him the clear choice for the two jersey in England's greatest XV.

3. Dan Cole

The most-capped England men’s forward of all time, Dan Cole takes the tight-head prop spot in England's all-time XV. A battle tested master of the scrummaging dark arts, and a pillar of consistency over a remarkably long international career, Cole has amassed 118 caps and counting with no retirement confirmed just yet from the ‘Cola Bear’. However, at 37-years-old, Cole could soon well join his long time friend and podcast co-host Ben Youngs in retirement before too long, as the tight-head torch gets passed onwards to the next generation of England props.

Cole became synonymous with England's forward dominance throughout the 2010s, playing a central role in multiple Six Nations titles and the journey to the 2019 Rugby World Cup final. What makes Cole's story even more compelling is his resilience. After falling out of favour following the 2019 Rugby World Cup, he fought his way back into the England squad in 2023, proving that class and experience never fades. He may not chase headlines, but ask any forward who they'd want next to them in the trenches and Dan Cole's name comes up every time.

LOCKS

4. Maro Itoje

Maro Itoje's place in England's all-time XV is a tribute to a player who has reshaped the role of the modern lock. Since debuting in 2016, his mix of athleticism, intelligence, and unrelenting drive has made him a game-changer. Dominant in lineouts, destructive at the breakdown, and consistently clutch on rugby's biggest stages. Now England's captain, Itoje led the team through an unbeaten home campaign in the 2025 Six Nations, adding another chapter to a career already packed with Saracens silverware and Grand Slam glory.

But Itoje's impact goes beyond the stat sheet. A natural leader with a magnetic presence, he commands respect and inspires those around him. With the British & Irish Lions he is a two-time tourist in 2017 & 2021, with the goal for a third tour this Summer as a potential captain for Andy Farrell’s side. Still very much in his prime, Itoje doesn't just anchor the second row, he elevates every team he's part of. His selection isn't just about achievements; it's about aura, and ‘The Pearl’ has plenty of it.

5. Martin Johnson

Few players embody English rugby’s grit and glory quite like Martin Johnson. A towering figure both physically and in presence, Johnson was the engine room of England's forward pack throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. His crowning achievement came in 2003 when, as captain, he led England to their only Rugby World Cup triumph, an iconic campaign defined by his steely leadership. A serial winner at club level with Leicester Tigers, Johnson collected five Premiership titles and two Heineken Cups, becoming the heartbeat of one of Europe's most dominant sides.

But Johnson's legacy runs deeper than silverware. He was the kind of captain who didn't just talk, he set the tone with every ruck, tackle, and glare. His transition from player to England head coach after retirement spoke to the respect he commanded across the rugby world. Unflinching, authoritative, and intensely competitive, Johnson defined an era of English rugby built on toughness and unity. His place in the all-time XV is inevitable. Not just for his accolades, but for the unshakable attitude he carried every time he wore the rose.

6. Richard Hill

Richard Hill was the silent enforcer of England's golden era. Widely regarded as the greatest blindside flanker England has ever produced, Hill was the glue that held the back row together, balancing the fire of Neil Back and the fury of Lawrence Dallaglio. His relentless work rate, brutal tackling, and exceptional rugby intelligence were pivotal in England's 2003 Rugby World Cup triumph and multiple Six Nations titles.

Post-retirement, Hill continues to shape English rugby as the national team's manager and pathways mentor. Appointed by Eddie Jones in 2016, he plays a crucial role in talent identification and development, working closely with head coach and former teammate Steve Borthwick. Hill has been instrumental in discovering and nurturing players like Sam Underhill, Tom Curry, Ethan Roots, and Chandler Cunningham-South, ensuring a steady pipeline of talent for the national team.

7. Courtney Lawes

Few players have worn the England shirt with more adaptability than Courtney Lawes. A colossus at open side, blind side, number eight and lock, Lawes earned 105 caps across a 14-year international career, renowned for his bone-rattling tackles and dominance in the air. Lawes was central to England's resurgence under Eddie Jones, winning three Six Nations titles. As captain, he brought calm leadership and uncompromising physicality, setting the tone every time he stepped onto the pitch.

A two-time British & Irish Lion, Lawes started all three Tests against South Africa in 2021, and has not closed the door on a return in 2025. Domestically, he was the heart and soul of Northampton Saints for 17 seasons, bowing out in fairytale fashion as a Premiership champion in 2024. Now closing his career in France with CA Brive, Lawes is winding down towards retirement as an all-time legend of the back row.

8. Lawrence Dallaglio

Lawrence Dallaglio's place at number eight in England's all-time XV is a testament to his immense impact on the game and a career that has led many to consider him the greatest England forward of all time. A towering presence in the back row from 1995 to 2007, Dallaglio was the beating heart of England's pack and a driving force in their 2003 Rugby World Cup triumph. Dallaglio is England’s most capped specialist number eight, with consistency and dominance in the eight jersey unmatched by all who followed.

A natural-born captain, Dallaglio guided England through three Six Nations titles and countless hard-fought battles, as well as earning three Lions tour call-ups and filling up the Wasps trophy cabinet throughout his tenure. Since retiring, Dallaglio has continued to shape the game as a respected pundit, offering sharp insight and analysis to the TV audience.

REPLACEMENTS

16. Dylan Hartley

17. Joe Marler

18. Phil Vickery

19. Steve Borthwick

20. Neil Back

21. Danny Care

22. Owen Farrell

23. Manu Tuilagi

EDITORS PICKS:

• STATEMENT: England confirms they've ditched Umbro for new kit supplier
• Former England number 8 Sam Simmonds set for shock transfer this summer
• Celebrity Traitors full line-up revealed with Joe Marler confirmed
• Statement: Gloucester confirms the signing of England hopeful
• England’s most-capped men’s player Ben Youngs confirms retirement, takes on coaching role

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