England legend Jonny Wilkinson has been named the best Six Nations player of all time – ahead of Welsh stars Sir Gareth Edwards and JPR Williams.

The World Cup-winning fly-half had a glittering career, with a total of 91 caps for England as well as hoovering up trophies at club level.

Irish captain Brian O’Driscoll placed fourth on the list, with his fearlessness securing his legacy as one of the most exciting players in Six Nations history.

While English rugby fans also championed Martin Johnson, whose ball carrying skills and physical resilience made him a modern icon, landing him in fifth place.

The poll of 2,000 rugby fans also revealed generational divides in player preferences, with older fans opting for legends from the 'Five Nations' era, such as Wales’ Sir Gareth Edwards.

A spokesperson for Lottoland.co.uk, which commissioned the research alongside its Sportsbook team, said: "We've been lucky enough to have seen some incredible players down the years.

“As the Five Nations changed to Six, some things haven’t changed at all when it comes to making yourself a hero of the game.

“It’s not even all about winning, it’s about the way they made fans feel, and their contributions to exciting matches.”

The study also found some players Brits believe have been over-rated in the Nations tournaments, with Jeremy Guscott topping the list.

But teamwork and the ability to elevate teammates were the attributes players most needed to be in the ‘GOAT’ conversation (36%).

While 29% wanted to see consistency in performance across matches, and the same amount opted for technical ability.

Although 23% simply liked a player who exhibited passion and pride in representing their nation.

Nearly a fifth (18%) have been so moved by a Five or Six Nations player they’d consider naming a child after them – if they hadn’t already done so.

Ireland are the favourites to take home the win from this year’s tournament, with 27% believing they’ll go all the way – compared to 25 per cent opting for England.

Just 1% think Italy have what it takes to win, with 10% also believing they shouldn’t even remain in the event.

In fact, 21% of rugby fans, polled via OnePoll, would like to see the Six Nations expanded to include more teams.

Lottoland’s spokesperson added: “Rugby fans are as passionate off the pitch as the players are on it, and the Six Nations always sparks lively debates about the legends of the game.

“From record-breaking moments to unforgettable performances, every fan has their favourites—and that’s what makes these conversations so engaging.

“The beauty of rugby is that every generation has its icons, and the Six Nations is the stage where many of them shine.”

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The best Six Nations players of all time

1. Jonny Wilkinson - England

2. Gareth Edwards - Wales

3. JPR Williams – Wales

4. Brian O’Driscoll - Ireland

5. Martin Johnson - England

6. Johnny Sexton - Ireland

7. Lawrence Dallaglio - England

8. Gavin Hastings - Scotland

9. Serge Blanco – France

10. Alun Wyn Jones – Wales

11. Jonathan Davies (Jiffy) – Wales

12. Jason Robinson – England

13. Ronan O’Gara - Ireland

14. Antoine Dupont - France

15. Shane Williams - Wales

16. Sam Warburton - Wales

17. Jeremy Guscott – England

18. Willie John McBride - Ireland

19. Jason Leonard - England

20. Chris Patterson – Scotland

21. Sergio Parisse - Italy

22. Ieuan Evans - Wales

23. Mike Gibson – Ireland

24. Paul O’Connell - Ireland

25. Richard Hill - England

26. Christophe Dominici - France

27. Keith Wood – Ireland

28. John Dawes - Wales

29. Philippe Sella - France

30. Tommy Bowe – Ireland