The 50 Best Rugby Players of 2024 – Ranked from Lowest to highest
Rugby in 2024 has delivered some incredible performances, with established superstars continuing to dominate and new talents emerging on the world stage. As teams evolve and competitions become even more intense, the battle for the title of the best player in the world has never been more competitive.
We have analyzed the top players across club and international rugby, ranking them based on their performances, influence, and overall impact on the game. From powerhouse forwards to electrifying backs, here are the 50 best rugby players of 2024, counted down from 50 to 1.
50. James Lowe
James Lowe remains a key player for both Leinster and Ireland, known for his powerful carries and exceptional left-footed kicking game. While his pace has slightly declined, his game intelligence and physicality continue to make him a crucial asset.
49. Bongi Mbonambi
The Springboks’ starting hooker is a master of set-piece play, excelling in both scrummaging and lineout throwing. His leadership and relentless work rate have kept him among the world’s top forwards.
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48. Charles Ollivon
Ollivon’s season started slow, but he responded with dominant performances, reminding everyone why he was once France’s captain. His versatility and lineout expertise make him invaluable for Toulon and Les Bleus.
47. Alex Mitchell
Mitchell has firmly established himself as England’s premier scrum-half, showcasing quick service, smart decision-making, and a sharp running game. If not for injury concerns, he could be even higher on this list.
46. Emmanuel Meafou
A rising force in Toulouse’s pack, Meafou’s sheer size and physical dominance make him a nightmare for opposing forwards. The French lock is improving rapidly and is expected to be a key figure for years to come.
45. Davit Niniashvili
The Georgian sensation has been outstanding for Lyon, proving himself as one of the best young outside backs in the game. His ability to break tackles and counterattack with flair sets him apart.
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44. Maro Itoje
Once a top-10 player, Itoje has not quite reached his peak form in 2024 but remains a world-class lock. His defensive work and big-game performances continue to make him a cornerstone for Saracens and England.
43. Rob Valetini
Valetini has been a driving force in Australia’s resurgence, using his immense power to dominate collisions. His transition to the blindside flanker role has unlocked another level of his game.
42. Kurt-Lee Arendse
One of the most electric finishers in world rugby, Arendse has an incredible ability to create something out of nothing. While not South Africa’s first-choice wing, his impact off the bench is undeniable.
41. Jamison Gibson-Park
Gibson-Park’s high-tempo style has been a key factor in Ireland’s success, although his form has dipped slightly in 2024. Despite this, his distribution and game management keep him among the elite scrum-halves.
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40. Scott Barrett
Leading the All Blacks with grit and determination, Barrett remains one of the most influential forwards in the game. His aggressive playstyle and leadership make him a crucial figure for New Zealand and the Crusaders.
39. Jack Willis
Despite playing mostly in the Top 14 with Toulouse, Willis has continued to prove his world-class ability. His breakdown skills and relentless work rate make him one of England’s most impactful back-rowers.
38. Tomas Albornoz
The Argentine fly-half has been instrumental for Benetton, impressing with his tactical kicking and playmaking abilities. His performances against top-tier teams have solidified his reputation as a rising star.
37. Peato Mauvaka
An explosive hooker with remarkable mobility, Mauvaka thrives with ball in hand and consistently makes big plays. While not as strong in the set-piece as some, his all-around game is exceptional.
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36. Will Skelton
A dominant force in the La Rochelle pack, Skelton’s combination of size and skill makes him one of the most intimidating locks in rugby. His recent fitness improvements have further enhanced his game.
35. Bundee Aki
A key figure for both Ireland and Connacht, Aki brings physicality and experience to the midfield. Although he’s managing wear and tear, his impact on the game remains significant.
34. Wallace Sititi
A standout young talent from New Zealand, Sititi has emerged as a dynamic back-rower with excellent ball-carrying ability. His Test performances suggest he could soon be among the world’s best in his position.
33. Pablo Matera
Matera’s influence on Los Pumas remains immense, as he continues to be a driving force in Argentina’s forward pack. When in top form, his aggressive style and leadership make him nearly unstoppable.
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32. Juan Martín González
A rising star for Argentina and Saracens, González’s agility and work rate set him apart. His ability to cover multiple back-row positions makes him an invaluable asset.
31. Theo McFarland
McFarland’s athleticism and versatility make him one of the most unique forwards in the game. Injuries have held him back, but when fit, he’s a game-changer for Saracens and Samoa.
30. Thibaud Flament
Flament’s transformation from a former university fly-half to one of France’s top locks has been nothing short of remarkable. His work in the lineout, defensive effort, and dynamic ball-carrying make him an essential piece for both Toulouse and Les Bleus.
29. Kwagga Smith
Despite being undersized for a South African forward, Smith continues to defy expectations with his relentless energy and effectiveness in contact. His ability to create turnovers and inject pace into the game makes him a game-changing presence.
28. Jordie Barrett
Having finally settled into the inside center role for New Zealand, Jordie Barrett has been instrumental in solidifying the All Blacks’ midfield. His kicking, physicality, and versatility continue to be major assets for both club and country.
27. Codie Taylor
The highest-ranked hooker on this list, Taylor has been a consistent leader for the Crusaders and the All Blacks. His set-piece reliability, defensive contributions, and ability to link up with backs in attack set him apart from his peers.
26. Damian Penaud
Penaud remains one of the most devastating attacking players in world rugby, but inconsistency has seen his ranking drop slightly. His ability to score from anywhere on the field makes him a constant threat, but improvements in his defensive work will be key moving forward.
25. Mark Tele’a
A player who thrives in high-pressure situations, Tele’a is one of New Zealand’s most reliable finishers. His strength in contact and evasiveness in tight spaces make him a crucial weapon for the Blues and the All Blacks.
24. Huw Jones
A classy and intelligent center, Jones has been a standout performer for Glasgow Warriors and Scotland. His partnership with Sione Tuipulotu has been particularly effective, with his ability to unlock defenses making him a key playmaker.
23. Fraser McReight
McReight has emerged as one of the premier openside flankers in the game, leading Australia’s resurgence. His ability to disrupt at the breakdown and contribute as a ball carrier makes him indispensable to the Wallabies.
22. Ben Earl
Whether playing at number eight or openside, Earl’s explosive carrying and aggressive tackling have made him a key figure for both Saracens and England. His ability to make an impact in both attack and defense keeps him among the best back-rowers in the world.
21. Josh van der Flier
A former World Rugby Player of the Year, Van der Flier continues to be a model of consistency in the Leinster and Ireland setups. His tireless work rate and ability to link play in attack make him a vital cog in any team he plays for.
20. Jesse Kriel
Kriel is often underrated, but his contributions to South Africa’s defensive system and backline structure cannot be overstated. His incredible work ethic and fitness levels set the standard for the Springboks.
19. Marcus Smith
One of the most exciting playmakers in world rugby, Smith’s vision and footwork make him a joy to watch. Whether playing at fly-half or full-back, his ability to break defenses and create scoring opportunities is unmatched.
18. Gregory Alldritt
Alldritt had a slow start to 2024, but he has since returned to his best form. His relentless carrying, defensive work, and leadership make him a key figure for La Rochelle and France.
17. Tadhg Beirne
Beirne’s versatility and ability to influence both the tight and loose aspects of the game make him one of Ireland’s most valuable players. His defensive breakdown work and set-piece excellence ensure he remains among the best in the world.
16. Handré Pollard
Pollard continues to be one of the most reliable fly-halves in world rugby, particularly in high-pressure situations. His game management, tactical kicking, and goal-kicking accuracy make him invaluable for South Africa and Leicester Tigers.
15. Francois Cros
Often operating in the shadows, Cros is a workhorse who does all the unseen dirty work for Toulouse and France. His defensive positioning and ability to slow down opposition ball make him one of the most important back-rowers in the game.
14. Louis Bielle-Biarrey
One of the fastest-rising stars in French rugby, Bielle-Biarrey has transformed into a world-class winger. His finishing ability and skill under the high ball have made him a nightmare for opposing defenses.
13. Will Jordan
A natural try-scorer, Jordan’s ability to pop up in the right places at the right time is uncanny. His intelligence on the field and clinical finishing ensure that he remains one of the most dangerous attacking threats in rugby.
12. Damian de Allende
De Allende has become the backbone of the Springbok backline, offering stability in attack and defense. His ability to get over the gain line and his improved distribution make him a complete inside center.
11. Sione Tuipulotu
The best center in the Northern Hemisphere right now, Tuipulotu is the glue that holds Scotland’s midfield together. His power, decision-making, and ability to create space for those around him make him one of the best backs in the game.
10. Ox Nché
Nché has cemented himself as the most dominant loosehead prop in world rugby, particularly in the scrum. His ability to single-handedly dismantle opposing front rows has made him a cornerstone of the Springboks’ set-piece dominance. His mobility and ball-handling skills make him more than just a scrummager—he’s an all-around force.
9. Beauden Barrett
One of the most talented playmakers of his generation, Barrett continues to showcase his class for New Zealand. Whether at fly-half or full-back, his vision, tactical kicking, and ability to exploit space make him a game-changer. While he may be entering the latter stages of his career, his influence on the All Blacks remains immense.
8. Caelan Doris
Doris is arguably the best number eight in the Northern Hemisphere, leading Ireland and Leinster with his intelligent carrying and defensive excellence. His footwork in contact and ability to link play between forwards and backs have made him a crucial figure for both club and country.
7. Thomas Ramos
A complete full-back, Ramos has been instrumental for both Toulouse and France, offering a perfect balance of attacking flair and defensive solidity. His goal-kicking under pressure and ability to step in as a playmaker make him an invaluable asset in any game situation.
6. Finn Russell
The ultimate maverick, Russell has refined his game to balance risk-taking with game management. Now with Bath, he has demonstrated a newfound maturity, elevating his tactical awareness while maintaining his natural flair. His ability to control matches and create magic out of nothing makes him one of the world’s most influential fly-halves.
5. Cheslin Kolbe
Few players can match Kolbe’s ability to change a game in an instant. His footwork, acceleration, and defensive tenacity set him apart as one of rugby’s greatest entertainers. Whether playing on the wing or at full-back, he remains one of the most feared attacking threats in the sport.
4. Ardie Savea
Savea’s consistency is staggering—his work rate, carrying, tackling, and breakdown presence make him a complete forward. He has the unique ability to dominate in multiple positions across the back row, making him a crucial figure for both Moana Pasifika and the All Blacks.
3. Pieter-Steph du Toit
The reigning World Rugby Player of the Year, du Toit continues to be an absolute machine in both attack and defense. His unmatched work rate, physicality, and defensive dominance have been the backbone of South Africa’s success. His ability to play both lock and flanker at a world-class level makes him an irreplaceable asset.
2. Eben Etzebeth
Etzebeth embodies everything you want in a lock: power, aggression, and tactical intelligence. His ability to disrupt mauls, dominate in open play, and impose himself physically has made him one of the greatest second-rows of all time. He is the enforcer every team wishes they had, setting the standard for modern locks.
1. Antoine Dupont
There is no debate—Antoine Dupont is the best rugby player in the world. The French scrum-half does everything at an elite level: his vision, passing, running, kicking, and defensive work are second to none. He dictates the pace of a game like no other, and his ability to influence a match, whether in 15s or 7s, is unparalleled. If he continues at this level, he may go down as the greatest to ever play the sport.
