Six Nations news: The five oldest players in Championship history
After All Blacks legend Ma’a Nonu joined Toulon earlier this week, the rugby world has been speculating about some of the greats who might come out of retirement for one last swansong.
That idea might be a little far-fetched, but it is worth remembering the players who managed to compete at the highest level late in their careers.
So while the Six Nations is usually known for showcasing some of the world’s best players in their prime, here are those who proved that age is just a number.
Sports News Blitz rugby writer Charlie Elliot takes a look at the five oldest players in Championship history.
Diego Dominguez – Italy
Dominguez is a former Argentine-Italian rugby player who made a lasting impact on the Six Nations Championship.
Primarily known for his time with the Italian national team but also a cult hero at Stade Francais, Dominguez’s international career spanned over a decade, with his debut coming in 1991 for Gli Azzurri.
His first-ever Test cap came in 1989, however, when he represented his country of birth Argentina four times before later switching national allegiances.
By the time of his final Six Nations appearance in 2003 against Ireland, Dominguez – at 36 years and 303 days old – had become one of the oldest players in the tournament’s history.
It all could have ended much earlier for the Italian too as he originally retired in 2000, but he was convinced to stay on for a few extra years because there was no heir apparent to his fly-half position.
Known for his exceptional kicking ability, precise goal-kicking, and tactical acumen, Dominguez was a key figure for Italy, becoming their all-time top scorer and one of only eight players in history to accumulate over 1000 international points.
Ultimately, his longevity in the game and contributions to Italian rugby were a testament to his fitness, skill, and dedication.
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John Hayes – Ireland
John Hayes is a legendary Irish prop who left an indelible mark on the Six Nations.
With a Test career spanning from 2000 to 2011, Hayes earned over 100 caps for Ireland and was a key figure in their scrum.
Despite being considered one of the game's more unassuming players, Hayes played with immense physicality and consistency, which helped Ireland secure their first Grand Slam in 61 years in 2009.
During that 2009 campaign, he also became the most capped player in Ireland history up to that point.
Also selected for the 2005 and 2009 British & Irish Lions tours, Hayes truly was one of the best props in the world.
In the end, he continued to represent his country at the Six Nations until the ripe old age of 37.
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Simon Shaw – England
Former England lock Shaw’s Test career spanned from 1996 to 2011, and he became one of the oldest players to ever feature in the tournament during that time.
Standing at 6 feet 8 inches, Shaw was known for his physicality, aerial ability, and leadership in the line-out.
He earned over 70 caps for England and was a key part of the 2003 Rugby World Cup–winning team.
Shaw continued to play at the highest level well into his late 30s, making his final Six Nations appearance at the age of 38.
His durability and high performance in the pack earned him widespread respect, and his ability to adapt to the evolving game was a testament to his dedication and skill.
Involved in three Lions tours with two caps to his name, Shaw was one of the most evergreen players in rugby history, also being the third oldest Lion ever.
Club-wise, he made over 350 appearances for Wasps and enjoyed 23 years on the pitch at the highest level, ending his career at Toulon.
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Johnny Sexton – Ireland
A master of the fly-half position, Sexton made his Six Nations debut in 2010 and went on to become the tournament's leading figure for over a decade.
Renowned for his incredible kicking accuracy, game management, and leadership, Sexton played a pivotal role in Ireland’s 2018 Grand Slam victory and their 2023 Six Nations Championship win, the latter of which was his last Six Nations.
He also shone in Ireland’s 2014 win and was involved in a limited capacity due to injury when they won it again a year later.
Despite being unlucky with injuries at certain points in his career, Sexton’s generally remarkable fitness and resilience allowed him to continue playing at the highest level for a while, making his last Six Nations appearance at the age of 37 years and eight months.
In 2018, he finally got some individual recognition for his quality, winning the World Player of the Year award ahead of players such as Faf de Klerk and Beauden Barrett.
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Rory Best – Ireland
As hooker and captain, Best made 124 appearances for Ireland from 2005 to 2019, with his leadership and consistency key to his longevity.
Known for his sharp throwing in the line-out, powerful scrummaging, and tireless work around the field, Best played a pivotal role in Ireland’s successes during his career, including their 2018 Grand Slam victory.
He made his final Six Nations appearance aged 36 years and 7 months at the Principality Stadium against Wales and got a standing ovation from players and fans alike.
Although he never got that elusive Test cap for the Lions, he went on the tours in 2013 and 2017 and was crucial in some of the warm-up games against club sides.
His influence both on and off the field made him a true legend of Irish rugby.
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