.png)
The Highest Point Scorers in Six Nations History
From Guest Blogger Jonathan Piggins
Rugby Union’s Six Nations, played every year between England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales, has seen many legends of the game take part in the tournament down the years. The competition began as the Home Nations tournament in 1883, with France joining in 1910, and Italy making it six in 1999. Between them, the top five point scorers have amassed an impressive 2,373 points and 517 international caps between them.
Ronan O’Gara
Expected to appear in the 2013 tournament and heading the list of point scorers is Ireland’s consistent fly half Ronan O’Gara. He has scored 551 points across a 12 year Six Nations career. Not satisfied with this, he is also the most capped player in the history of the Six Nations, as well as being the all time appearance record holder for Ireland. O’Gara is known for his level headed play and ability to keep calm under significant pressure.
Jonny Wilkinson
Although 2 years younger than O’Gara, and only five points behind in the list of highest scorers, England’s Jonny Wilkinson will not be challenging for the record after announcing his international retirement in 2011.
Wilkinson made his England debut in the one of the last Five Nations tournaments in 1998, aged just 18. He became recognised as one of the world’s best players, making his name at fly half and known for his consistent kicking ability. Over his career Wilkinson amassed 546 Six Nations points, winning four Six Nations tournaments in the process.
Stephen Jones
Sneaking in ahead of his compatriot, Wales’s Stephen Jones scored 467 points in his 13 year Six Nations career. Jones was recognised for playmaking skills and became a fixture of the Welsh side in the mid 2000’s. Jones was involved in two successful Six Nations campaigns – both Grand Slams - and being regarded by many as the driving force behind Wales’ success in 2005.
Neil Jenkins
Wales’ Neil Jenkins was the first international player to pass 1,000 points finishing his 11 year career with 1,049 points for Wales, as well as 41 for the British and Irish lions. 406 of those points came in the Five Nations and Six Nations competitions. Playing at fly half, Jenkins was a fantastic striker of the ball and his kicking was instrumental in the success achieved by Wales in his era.
Chris Paterson
Despite being the only player on this list not to have lifted a Six Nations trophy, Chris Paterson still managed to score 403 points – surpassing the next best Scotsman, Gavin Hastings, by 153 points. Playing as full-back, fly-half or occasionally on the wing, Paterson’s Six Nations career lasted 11 years, and he was consistently one of Scotland’s standout performers.
This article was produced by Keith Prowse - one of the leading providers of Six Nations tickets and sports hospitality.
Rugby Union’s Six Nations, played every year between England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales, has seen many legends of the game take part in the tournament down the years. The competition began as the Home Nations tournament in 1883, with France joining in 1910, and Italy making it six in 1999. Between them, the top five point scorers have amassed an impressive 2,373 points and 517 international caps between them.
Ronan O’Gara
Expected to appear in the 2013 tournament and heading the list of point scorers is Ireland’s consistent fly half Ronan O’Gara. He has scored 551 points across a 12 year Six Nations career. Not satisfied with this, he is also the most capped player in the history of the Six Nations, as well as being the all time appearance record holder for Ireland. O’Gara is known for his level headed play and ability to keep calm under significant pressure.
Jonny Wilkinson
Although 2 years younger than O’Gara, and only five points behind in the list of highest scorers, England’s Jonny Wilkinson will not be challenging for the record after announcing his international retirement in 2011.
Wilkinson made his England debut in the one of the last Five Nations tournaments in 1998, aged just 18. He became recognised as one of the world’s best players, making his name at fly half and known for his consistent kicking ability. Over his career Wilkinson amassed 546 Six Nations points, winning four Six Nations tournaments in the process.
Stephen Jones
Sneaking in ahead of his compatriot, Wales’s Stephen Jones scored 467 points in his 13 year Six Nations career. Jones was recognised for playmaking skills and became a fixture of the Welsh side in the mid 2000’s. Jones was involved in two successful Six Nations campaigns – both Grand Slams - and being regarded by many as the driving force behind Wales’ success in 2005.
Neil Jenkins
Wales’ Neil Jenkins was the first international player to pass 1,000 points finishing his 11 year career with 1,049 points for Wales, as well as 41 for the British and Irish lions. 406 of those points came in the Five Nations and Six Nations competitions. Playing at fly half, Jenkins was a fantastic striker of the ball and his kicking was instrumental in the success achieved by Wales in his era.
Chris Paterson
Despite being the only player on this list not to have lifted a Six Nations trophy, Chris Paterson still managed to score 403 points – surpassing the next best Scotsman, Gavin Hastings, by 153 points. Playing as full-back, fly-half or occasionally on the wing, Paterson’s Six Nations career lasted 11 years, and he was consistently one of Scotland’s standout performers.
Featured images:
This article was produced by Keith Prowse - one of the leading providers of Six Nations tickets and sports hospitality.
0 comments: