Justin Tipuric is the best Welsh flanker of all-time according to Wales legend Martyn Williams after the 28-year-old was named the country’s player of the year.

The Ospreys man has been in stunning form for both club and country this year as well as being selected for the British and Irish Lions tour of New Zealand this summer.

Williams, who has made 100 appearances for Wales, has been dubbed by many as the greatest flanker to don the Welsh jersey but the former Cardiff Blues man believes Tipuric holds that mantle.

“Although Wales finished fifth in the Six Nations, the back row is one of the areas we did very well in,” Williams said.

“It is the first time in a while they went with Sam at six and Justin at seven. Justin is world class.

“As an out and out seven, he is the best we have ever had – he is just phenomenal. You ask any of the lads and they will all say the best they have ever played with is probably Justin Tipuric.

“Having been down with the Lions and speaking to some New Zealand friends, it struck me how highly thought of he is down there.

“It was a shame for him that he did not play so much in the Test matches. If he would have got a chance, he would have held his own.”

Sam Warburton has occupied the number seven jersey for Wales, captaining the nation to the semi-finals of the Rugby World Cup in 2011 and the Grand Slam in 2012.

But Williams has lauded the impact Tipuric has made on the squad since making his debut in 2011 and states he consistently performs at the highest level.

“Because Sam has worn the seven jersey for so long, Justin has had limited opportunities but he is a phenomenal player,” he said.

“Week in, week out for Wales and the Ospreys he is an eight or nine out of ten. Hopefully he will get a run there and people will appreciate how good he is.”

Tipuric’s Ospreys side will face Saracens, Clermont Auvergne and Northampton Saints in a tricky European Champions Cup pool.

But Williams is confident if the likes of Tipuric, Webb and Dan Biggar can remain fit, they Ospreys have a good chance of triumphing this campaign.

He said: “It is the first time in a long time they are back this season, they missed out last year, and with them it is like all the regions.

“When they have their star players, like Dan Biggar and Rhys Webb and Justin Tipuric, fit they will be tough to beat. But if they are without a few of those then they tend to struggle.

“They have the one group you would not want to be in as well, but you never know what can happen. They are the underdogs and they thrive under that at times.”

The Rugby Centurions have inspired others through their passion, integrity and discipline on the field, and now their legacy will live on through this extraordinary association. For more information on Rugby Centurions and the Gala Dinner on November 23 at Hilton Metropole; visit: www.rugbycenturions.com