European rugby's premier International competition, the Six Nations brings the Northern Hemisphere's greatest players together to face off every year.
Some of the all-time rugby greats have demonstrated their abilities in the Six Nations, with England, France, Wales, Ireland, Scotland and Italy all battling out for European glory.
With that in mind, let's take a look at our choices for the greatest Six Nations XV of all time.
Greatest Six Nations XV of All Time
15 - Jason Robinson
The full-back of the modern era, Jason Robinson sidesteps his way into this team.
Electrifying pace and footwork were staples of Robinson's game and he played a vital role in England's 2003 Grand Slam and Rugby World Cup victories.
A cross-code international, his hattrick of tries against Italy in 2004 was a key competition highlight.
14 - George North
A barnstorming Welsh great, winger George North's retirement in 2024 has left a significant hole in his international side's ranks.
Making 121 appearances for his country - scoring 47 tries - North won four Six Nations titles, which included Grand Slams in 2012 and 2019.
His 2016 tournament was particularly impressive, setting Welsh records of 473 metres gained, 12 clean breaks and 26 defenders beaten as he finished as the tournament's top try scorer with four.
13 - Brian O'Driscoll
The face of modern Irish rugby, Brian O'Driscoll is synonymous with the Six Nations.
A silky, skilful technician 'BOD' is widely regarded as one of the greatest players that the sport has ever seen.
A former captain for his country and for the British & Irish Lions, O'Driscoll earned 141 caps and remains as Ireland's top scorer of all time with 49.
12 - Jamie Roberts
In a fiercely competitive position, Jamie Roberts earns the nod as one of the key cogs in Wales' era of success under Warren Gatland.
A fast, physical inside centre, Roberts made 94 appearances for the Red Dragons, scoring 12 tries in the process, as his side won three Six Nations titles - which included Grand Slams in 2008 and 2012.
11 - Duhan van der Merwe
One of the few active players to make this team, South African turned Scot Duhan van der Merwe crashes into this team.
A fast, physical finisher, van der Merwe has a strike rate amongst the best that this competition has ever seen, scoring 34 tries in his 50 appearances for Scotland.
Although, like his nation, he has never won this competition before, van der Merwe produced iconic Six Nations moments against England, France and Wales, including a record-breaking 2021 campaign.
10 - Jonny Wilkinson
The greatest fly-half of all time, Jonny Wilkinson earns his spot in this side.
As the only fly-half from European shores to win a Rugby World Cup, Wilkinson's record speaks for itself, not to mention his four Six Nations titles, including a Grand Slam in 2003.
9 - Antoine Dupont
The second active player in this team and the first Frenchman, Antoine Dupont makes the scrum half position his own.
Arguably the greatest player that his position has ever seen, Dupont is the complete scrum half, combining elite level athleticism with an exceptional game intelligence.
To date, Dupont has won just one Six Nations title to his name, missing the 2025 tournament due to an ACL injury, earning a Grand Slam in 2022.
1 - Mako Vunipola
An understated international legend, Mako Vunipola was a key member of the England side which won back-to-back titles in 2016 and 2017 under Eddie Jones.
The former Saracens loosehead prop was also a member of the side which reclaimed the title in 2020 and fell just short in the 2019 Rugby World Cup final.
2 - Rory Best
An iconic Irishman, Rory Best just pips his fellow countryman Keith Wood to the starting berth in this side.
A four time Six Nations winner, including Grand Slams in 2009 and 2018, Best led his side from the front and was a key member of the Ireland side who earned a spot as the world number one team.
3 - Tadhg Furlong
A second Irishman in the front row, Tadhg Furlong is widely regarded among the best tightheads to have played the game.
The embodiment of the modern prop, Furlong's scrummaging, physicality, ball carrying and skill has made him a formidable player for any side to face.
Three Six Nations titles - including Grand Slams in 2018 and 2023 - as well as three places in World Rugby Men's 15s Dream Team of the Year highlight the quality of Furlong's international career.
4 - Paul O'Connell
A third Irishman in as may picks, legendary Irish captain Paul O'Connell is chosen, in a second row that picks itself.
Three Six Nations titles, including a Grand Slam in 2009, as well as three British & Irish Lions tours highlight the consistency and longevity displayed by the Irish lock.
5 - Alun Wyn Jones
Partnering O'Connell at in the second row, Alun Wyn Jones spearheaded Wales era of success.
Wales and rugby's all-time most capped player, Jones won five Six Nations titles, including Grand Slams in 2008, 2012 and 2019, across his glittering career.
6 - Sam Warburton
A legendary Welsh leader, Sam Warburton was another member of the Wales 'Golden Generation'.
Captain of the Wales sides which won the Six Nations in 2012 and 2013, Warburton embodied everything good about the Welsh at that point in time.
His career will forever be marred by his red card in the 2011 Rugby World Cup quarter final, but his Six Nations career is nothing short of exemplary.
7 - Thierry Dusautoir
A Six Nations champion in 2010, Thierry Dusautoir made a significant contribution to French Rugby in the late 2000s and early 2010s.
Nicknamed “The Dark Destroyer", Dusautoir led with grit, fight and determination as the captain of his nation and drove his team to the Rugby World Cup final in 2011, earning the World Rugby Player of the Year award that same year.
8 - Sergio Parisse
The greatest Italian player of all time, Sergio Parisse carried his nation through two decades of poor performances, consistently fighting to keep his nation competitive in the tournament.
Italy's most capped player, Parisse appeared at five different Rugby World Cups and revolutionised his position as a leader.
