I’m keen to talk about those greats from the yesteryears of rugby and how they may or may not compare to todays superstars. Who is the best ever?

I like to split it into the modern era (professional rugby teams) circa 1995 and pre professional rugby before clubs were able to officially pay players to play.

Perhaps the most significant aspect to consider is how players worked alongside playing rugby at the highest standard, something that has to be admired pre the professional game. Some of the best Rugby players the world has ever seen had careers to consider when travelling too and from training or matches, let alone balancing life with long-term tours.

The 1955 Lions tour of South Africa, lasting over three months with 25 games to play, today’s rugby ‘athletes’ would not be able to stick the course with such a gruelling schedule. A one up for the players of pre professionalism.

There are a lot of differences in play these days when comparing the environment in which rugby players live in. Full time training, analysis, equipment and facility improvements. With increases in technology and sports science, we now see some impressive athletes, something rare in times of amateur rugby.

The most pleasing part of this argument/conversation is that it isn’t just the highest points scorers that make to grade. Different positions, shapes and sizes of players have to be considered, from the Pontypool front row of Price, Windsor and Faulkner to David Campese, Johnny Wilkinson to Ritchie McCaw, or Jonah Lomu to Willie John McBride.

It is tough not to lean toward backline players when I think of my favourite but Dan Carter is up there, he could simply do everything, helped of course in a fantastic team but none the less I’d put him as my no.1.

It’s fairly reasonable to say that the majority of world class rugby players in the ‘good old days’ would still be the world class players of today, they may look slightly different or play in a different way but the cream always rises to the top. Gareth Edwards in today’s game would still be one of the best, he may just have to use more box kicks and worry less about the opposition back row trying to throttle him at the bottom of every ruck.

I for one would have loved to play rugby in the 80s/90s, a nostalgic time for me watching rugby as a young lad. With some fantastic role models to follow with the likes of Ieaun Evans, Scott Gibbs and Neil Jenkins. Maybe my athletic abilities (or lack of) may have really suited the game then