"There have been so many world-class players to have represented the six countries since Italy's inclusion to the championship in 2000. Success also comes into the equation, and longevity and influence. In many ways, these are linked, yet it was important to also recognise the outstanding individual contributions of those even if their sides were not title winners. Balancing, say, the achievements of the great England team at the start of the 2000s with the later achievements of Wales, France and Ireland is tricky."
"The task of selecting the greatest Six Nations players of the last 25 years was a mammoth one."
Many world-class players have represented the six countries since Italy joined the championship in 2000. Selection of the greatest players over the last 25 years requires weighing team success alongside individual longevity and influence. Longevity and influence often correlate with success but merit separate recognition when standout performances occurred for non-title-winning sides. Outstanding individual contributions should be acknowledged even if teams did not win championships. Comparing achievements across eras is difficult, particularly when balancing the dominant England team of the early 2000s against the later successes of Wales, France and Ireland. Final selections must balance achievement, consistency and impact.
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