Just three Irish in Rugby World’s best Six Nations XV of all-time

Colman Stanley

“Only played three Six Nations but left his mark.”

Rugby’s top magazine, Rugby World, has named their ‘Ultimate Men’s Six Nations XV’ as part of their 25-year celebrations of the tournament (it’s actually in its 26th year).

The breakdown of nationalities in the team is as follows: 5 Wales, 4 France, 3 Ireland, 2 England, 1 Italy.

Given England have the most titles (seven), this may seem a bit harsh on our neighbours. However, Wales and France both have the most Grand Slams with four each. England have two Slams, while Ireland have three and six titles in total.

🥳 To celebrate 25 years of the @SixNationsRugby, Rugby World has picked its Ultimate Men's Six Nations XV.

See who makes the cut below. 🧵 pic.twitter.com/B8JBf0Zyeq
— Rugby World (@Rugbyworldmag) January 7, 2025

Overall it is one of the better ‘best XVs’ type of selections that you will see, with every name on the team sheet coming with a strong case.

Although hooker Keith Wood only played in three Six Nations, he was magnificent, and there aren’t others putting their hand up for selection.

Rugby World write: “Goated. Inaugural world player of the year for good reason. Only played three Six Nations but left his mark.”

Paul O’Connell was a shoo-in at lock, with ability, trophies, and longevity all in his favour. The magazine describes him as “a player you would want by your side.”

One of the first names on the team sheet is clearly Brian O’Driscoll, a man who would also be favourite for greatest Six Nations player ever.

In terms of Irish players who are unlucky to miss out, Tadhg Furlong definitely has a case at tight head, while Rob Kearney and Johnny Sexton would not have looked out of place either.

England’s Richard Hill and Martin Johnson are unfortunate not to be picked, as are Scotland’s Stuart Hogg, France’s Vincent Clerc, and Jamie Roberts of Wales.

Rugby World’s ‘Ultimate Men’s Six Nations XV’: