Six Nations Greatest: Sam Warburton, Danny Care choose the top six captains

Dates:5 February through 19 March
Coverage:Live coverage of select matches on BBC TV, commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live, podcasts from BBC Sounds, podcasts on BBC Sounds, and live text and highlights via the BBC Sport website and app.

What makes a good captain and why? What makes a good captain?

Warburton was instrumental in leading Wales to two Six Nations titles. He believes that captaincy is more than playing on the pitch.

He said, “It’s the most important but only 1% of what is involved.” People don’t understand how captains set standards on the pitch, conduct training sessions and lead meetings. They also don’t see what other players can learn from them.

Care and Warburton have selected their top six leaders since 2000 when the Six Nations began. The Welshman was reluctant to discuss his place on the list.

You can decide if they agree with you and choose your favourite at bottom of page.

6. Dylan Hartley, England – hooker

Six Nations games as captain Won 11; Lost 3; Win % 78.6

Highlights from Captaincy: Hartley was named captain in the beginning of Eddie Jones’ reign. Hartley led England to a Grand Slam and a Championship in 2016, as England enjoyed an unbeaten record of 18 matches.

Care: He would have risen to the top of the list if we had won back-to-back grand slams for 2016 and 2017. Although he was only captain for three campaigns, he was an exceptional captain and was one of the main reasons we had that unbeaten streak. He was an example of great leadership through his work off-the field and the example that he set by working so hard.

Warburton: All the players I spoke to about him at Northampton and England praised him. He was a great example of off-field captaincy, and would do anything to help the players.

5. Sam Warburton, Wales – flanker

Six Nations games as captain; Won 11; Drew 1, Lost 5, and Win % 64.7

Highlights from Captaincy: Wales won a Grand Slam in 2012, and a Championship in 2013.

Warburton: I’m uncomfortable with being on the list. I received the Grand Slam in 2012. However, I wasn’t captain for England’s final match in 2013.

I didn’t want to be a captain, so I turned down Warren Gatland’s initial request. He eventually gave me his arm.

Naturally, I am introverted. All I wanted was to be professional and play hard on the pitch. I did not want to be a star, but I was happy to be one of them. In 2012, I felt guilty about lifting that trophy because I knew there were more influential boys.

Care: Looking at the stats, you can see how important it is to be there. You were a captain that I would have loved to have played for.

4. Fabien Pelous – France – lock

Six Nations games as captain Won 20; Lost 8; Win % 71

Highlights from Captaincy:Inspire France to a Grand Slam 2004 as a player and another title 2006

Care: He is a great guy and I’m so happy I didn’t play against him. He was a leader, had his heart on his sleeves, and was a typical Frenchman you shouldn’t mess around with. He is a man you might forget, but if we do some digging we will find that his stats are up there among the best.

Warburton:Pelous is an easy addition. He was a great inspiration and a true captain when I was young. This is why I was a bit imposter as a captain.

3. Alun Wyn Jones – Wales – lock

Six Nations games as captain Won 25; Lost 10: Win % 60

Highlights from Captaincy:Led Wales to the Grand Slam 2019 – his third title as a player – and the championship 2021

Warburton: While he was not captain in 2017, his impact on the 2012 and 2008 slams of Wales and the 2013 championship win was immense. Alun Wyn, who was my captain, was our leader and often took over for me. While I was responsible for the tactical aspects, communication with the refs, and talking to the media, he was the one who drove the standards and barks. He was both a coach and a player, and he had the respect of everyone.

Care: He is a tireless speaker and the kind of person you want to be on your side. He is an absolute nightmare to play against, and he is a brilliant captain from the outside.

2. Martin Johnson – England – lock

Six Nations games as captain Won 10; Lost 1; Win % 90.9

Highlights from Captaincy:England won the World Cup in 2003 after leading England to the Six Nations title and the Grand Slam in 2003.

Warburton: He is my favorite captain. He has the best record as a captain. He was the leader of the 2003 England era, which set the standard for northern hemisphere teams. They led the charge and won. This was an iconic team, led by an icon man.

Care: After watching England win the World Cup 2003, he was an example of English rugby to many young girls and boys. He was a great example of what it takes to be a captain. He led by example and never lost a game. He was known for his ability to lead by example and run around melting people when England played well.

1. Brian O’Driscoll, Ireland – center

Six Nations games as captain Won 31; Lost 10; Win % 75.6

Highlights from Captaincy:From 2003 to 2012, the captain of the centre was he. From 2003-2012, he was captain. In 2009, Ireland won their second Grand Slam.

Warburton: Brian’s long-standing role in the tournament is what makes him number one, not Martin Johnson. He was awarded a Grand Slam and played it for nine consecutive years. He was also the player of tournament three times. He also won four Triple Crowns.

Care:He was the first Grand Slam for Ireland in 61 years. His success and longevity as a great player and captain make him the number one.

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Honourable Mentions for…

Warburton: Paul O’Connell served as Ireland’s captain for two titles, but he did not win the Grand Slam. He was only a fraction away from making the list. Talking strictly Six Nations, he would be a captain if he had his Munster or Lions accolades.

Care:Sergio Parisse is one of my favorite players. He was a great leader for a struggling Italy team.

Warburton: Rory Best was also an excellent captain, but narrowly missed out.