Bakkies Botha Made EPCR 30 Year Top Ten Lock List

 

To celebrate the 30th year of the Investec Champions Cup, we continue the nominations for the Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup 30-Year Dream 15. This week, it's the legendary locks.

We continue with the second row to see which locks deserve the fourth and fifth spots in the team, having narrowed down a shortlist of 10 with the help of renowned rugby pundits and media from across the globe.

Devin Toner is in the top 10. The Leinster legend has recorded a career total of four Champions Cup titles with Leinster, having played a part in all of the side's wins and up until recently held the record for the most appearances for the province.

Another man to have had a role to play in all four of Leinster's crowns is Leo Cullen. The now Head Coach of the Irish giants won three Champions Cup trophies as a player and claimed his fourth in his current position in 2018.

Elsewhere in Ireland, the iconic Paul O'Connell won two Champions Cup titles with Munster Rugby in 2006 and 2008 so is also part of the coveted list.

Across the Irish Sea, the English clubs have had their fair share of talented locks. Maro Itoje is one of them, having played a vital role in all three of Saracens' Champions Cup wins.

A Leicester Tigers legend makes the cut, as Martin Johnson helped the side win back-to-back titles in 2001 and 2002.

Simon Shaw's name also features on the shortlist thanks to his double Champions Cup exploits with London Wasps in 2004 and 2007.

Ex-Saracens lock Will Skelton makes the cut thanks to his one Champions Cup with the English side before going to France and winning two more back-to-back with Stade Rochelais.

Also across the Channel, Bakkies Botha's heroic efforts in all three of RC Toulon's Champions Cup victories means he is in the top 10, while Stade Toulousain's Trevor Brennan has been shortlisted thanks to his three Champions Cup finals with the side, including two titles in 2003 and 2005.

Another Stade Toulousain legend completes our list of locks, with Fabien Pelous deservedly making the cut after he claimed two Champions Cup titles with the side.