Nigel Owens Reveals His Greatest Rugby Captain Ever (Not Kolisi or McCaw!)

Nigel Owens has finally revealed the greatest rugby captain he ever refereed – and it’s NOT Siya Kolisi or Richie McCaw.
In this video, we break down Owens’ top captain rankings, focusing on why Jean de Villiers and Richie McCaw stand out as two of the most respected leaders in rugby history.
You’ll discover:
Why Jean de Villiers’ leadership for the Springboks from 2012–2015 still inspires players and fans today.
How his versatility, tactical intelligence, and calm authority made him a referee’s dream captain.
Richie McCaw’s insane winning record as All Blacks skipper and what set him apart at the breakdown.
The character traits Owens values most in great captains – especially how they behave in defeat, not just in victory.
This is perfect for:
Rugby fans who love leadership stories.
Viewers comparing the greatest captains of all time.
Fans of the Springboks, All Blacks, and Nigel Owens.
Watch until the end to hear who Owens believes is the greatest captain he’s ever refereed – and why it might surprise you.
Keywords: Nigel Owens greatest rugby captain, Jean de Villiers captaincy, Richie McCaw leadership, best rugby captains ever, Springboks captain, All Blacks captain, rugby referee insights, rugby leadership analysis.