Cian Healy Retires as Most-Capped Men’s Rugby Player of All Time
Ireland‘s Cian Healy has officially retired, concluding a remarkable international career with a record-breaking 137 caps earned between 2009 and 2025. The Leinster prop surpasses the previous record held by Alun Wyn Jones, cementing his place in rugby history. Here’s a look at the top 10 most capped men’s rugby players of all time:
- Cian Healy (ireland): 137 caps (2009-2025)
- Alun wyn Jones (Wales): 170 caps (2006-2021) – Note: This total includes British & Irish Lions caps.
- Sam Whitelock (New Zealand): 165 caps (2010-2024)
- Sergio Parisse (Italy): 142 caps (2008-2019)
- Keiran Read (New Zealand): 128 caps (2008-2019)
- George Gregan (Australia): 139 caps (1994-2007)
- Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland): 133 caps (1999-2014) – This number shifts to 10th when excluding lions caps.
- Stephen Moore (Australia): 129 caps (2005-2017)
- Richie McCaw (New Zealand): 148 caps (2001-2015)
- Gethin Jenkins (Wales): 129 caps (2005-2018)
The top 10 is heavily populated by forwards, with seven players representing the pack. Other players narrowly missing the top 10 include conor Murray (Ireland),Keven Mealamu (new Zealand),and Ronan O’Gara (Ireland).
Notably, Alun wyn Jones would still hold the top spot based solely on his Wales appearances. Ben Youngs (England, 129 caps), Ross Ford (Scotland, 111 caps), and fabien Pelous (France, 118 caps) hold their respective national records.
Currently,active players Beauden Barrett (New Zealand) and Eben Etzebeth (South Africa) are the only ones with a realistic chance of challenging Alun Wyn Jones’ overall record,perhaps playing around 30 more tests by the end of 2027.florin Vlaicu of Romania holds the record for the most capped player from a non-Tier 1 nation, with 129 appearances.
