Ranking the Top 10 Icons in the Illustrious History of Rugby World Cup 2023

Who are the greatest Rugby World Cup icons?

In a captivating podcast series, two legendary rugby players – Matt Dawson and Bryan Habana – joined forces with esteemed rugby union correspondent Chris Jones to discuss their rankings of the greatest Rugby World Cup icons.

The podcast delves into various themes such as best captains, remarkable tries, unexpected upsets, and exceptional teams throughout the tournament’s history.

The Unstoppable Force: Jonah Lomu

Jonah Lomu is hailed as the first true global superstar of rugby union. His awe-inspiring performances in both the 1995 and 1999 World Cups propelled him to iconic status within the sport. Despite never clinching a World Cup title himself, this powerful winger transcended boundaries and became an indelible figure in rugby history. With an astounding record of 15 tries in total during his World Cup appearances, he shares the top spot for most tries with none other than Bryan Habana.

Habana on Lomu: “The epitome of a global superstar! The moment South Africa faced him head-on in 1995 left an everlasting impact on everyone who witnessed it. He shattered preconceived notions about rugby across the world.”

Dawson on Lomu: “I don’t believe anyone has surpassed him as a global superstar yet. During those early days when professionalism was taking root in our game, Jonah stood out as one of its hottest commodities ever seen.”

The Indomitable Leader: Richie McCaw

Richie McCaw stands as a testament to leadership and excellence. He represented the All Blacks in four consecutive World Cups from 2003 to 2015, captaining them to back-to-back victories in 2011 and 2015 – a feat yet unmatched by any other captain.

Habana on McCaw: “Playing the 2011 World Cup final with a broken foot speaks volumes about his determination. And then leading his team to lift that illustrious trophy once again in 2015… Richie embodied what every aspiring rugby player dreams of achieving: becoming the greatest of all time.”

The Resilient Hero: Jonny Wilkinson

A hero forever etched in rugby history, Jonny Wilkinson’s name is synonymous with England’s triumphant moment at the Rugby World Cup in 2003. With just seconds remaining in extra time during the final against Australia, he kicked an extraordinary drop-goal using his weaker foot, securing an unforgettable victory for England. Despite battling injuries later on, Wilkinson played a crucial role in guiding England to another World Cup final appearance in Paris four years later.

Dawson on Wilkinson: “If you step into Australia today, it’s clear that Jonny Wilkinson holds greater iconic status than even Richie McCaw.”

The Sporting Maestro: Dan Carter

Dan Carter mesmerized fans throughout his career and left an indelible mark on New Zealand rugby. Representing the All Blacks across four World Cups, he was instrumental in their victorious campaign at the Rugby World Cup held in England during 2015. Remarkably, this triumph followed Carter missing out on lifting the trophy when injury struck him during New Zealand’s home tournament four years prior.

Dawson on Carter: “‘Icon’ signifies those who transcend the sport, capturing the attention of even non-rugby fans. Dan Carter undoubtedly possesses such iconic status, leaving a lasting impression on both the sporting and wider public.”

The Inspirational Pioneer: Siya Kolisi

Siya Kolisi etched his name in rugby history as the first black South African captain to hoist the Webb Ellis Trophy. Leading his team to a resounding victory over England in Yokohama in 2019, he believed their triumph would unite an entire nation. Inspired by Richie McCaw’s achievement of back-to-back titles as captain, Kolisi now sets his sights on replicating that feat in France.

The Daring Trailblazer: David Campese

In Australia’s triumphant campaign during the 1991 World Cup, David Campese emerged as a standout performer. His courageous act of ignoring New Zealand’s haka before their semi-final match garnered widespread attention. Campese further showcased his brilliance with a mesmerizing run and no-look pass that led to a crucial try.

Dawson on Campese: “While rugby enjoys extensive coverage today through social media platforms, it is important to acknowledge that if we were discussing this list during the early or mid-2000s, David Campese would have been held in high regard.”

The Unifying Leader: Francois Pienaar

Francois Pienaar united South Africa as he led them to World Cup glory on home soil in 1995. Receiving the trophy from Nelson Mandela himself elevated this monumental achievement beyond mere sporting significance – Pienaar emphasized that it was not just for those present at Ellis Park Stadium but for all 43 million South Africans.