Richie McCaw

When New Zealand's most capped player confirmed his retirement from rugby after another triumphant Rugby World Cup campaign in 2015, he drew the highest praise from his peers. Though most called him the greatest All Black of all time, some went even further, suggesting the openside flanker was the single best to have ever graced the sport. With a Test career that began at Lansdowne Road in 2001, McCaw remains the most capped player in rugby history, having represented New Zealand 148 times across fourteen years. He won 131 of those Tests, which is also a record, and was captain of the All Blacks for 110 matches. This three-time World Rugby Player of the Year will forever be remembered as one of the very best.