Ranking the 15 Best French Rugby Players

March 6, 2025 Rasmus Kristensen

The French national team continues to be a dominant force in international rugby, with a squad filled with world-class talent. Many of these players have played crucial roles in France’s recent successes, both in the Six Nations and on the global stage.

Despite fierce competition from other top rugby nations, France remains among the elite, thanks to a squad that blends experience, skill, and physicality. We’ve taken a closer look at the country’s top talents and ranked the 15 best French rugby players right now.

15. Uini Atonio

A massive presence in the front row, Uini Atonio plays for Stade Rochelais (La Rochelle). His size and strength make him a dominant force in scrums, while his mobility for a prop adds an extra dimension to his game. Atonio has been a crucial part of La Rochelle’s success and remains a key player for France.

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14. Cyril Baille

Cyril Baille is one of the best loosehead props in the world and plays for Stade Toulousain. He is known for his excellent scrummaging, ball-carrying ability, and work rate around the pitch. His contributions in both club and international rugby have cemented his reputation as a top-tier forward.

13. Paul Willemse

Paul Willemse, a towering second-row forward for Montpellier Hérault Rugby, is a dominant presence in lineouts and mauls. His physicality and defensive strength make him an invaluable asset for both club and country. Despite injuries in recent seasons, he remains a key figure in France’s forward pack.

12. Jonathan Danty

Jonathan Danty plays as a powerful center for Stade Rochelais (La Rochelle). His strong ball-carrying ability, defensive toughness, and offloading skills make him a constant threat in attack. He has been a crucial part of France’s midfield in recent years, bringing physicality and creativity to the backline.

11. Julien Marchand

A world-class hooker for Stade Toulousain, Julien Marchand is known for his exceptional throwing accuracy, strong scrummaging, and ability to steal possession at the breakdown. His leadership and consistency have made him one of the top hookers in the game today.

10. Thomas Ramos

Thomas Ramos, another standout player from Stade Toulousain, is one of the most versatile backs in French rugby. Playing primarily as a fullback, he is an excellent goal-kicker, reliable under the high ball, and a dynamic attacking threat. His consistency and ability to perform under pressure make him a key player for both club and country.

9. Louis Bielle-Biarrey

A rising star in French rugby, Louis Bielle-Biarrey plays for Union Bordeaux-Bègles. His speed, agility, and finishing ability make him a constant danger on the wing. Despite his young age, he has already proven himself at the international level and is seen as a future star for France.

8. Emmanuel Meafou

Emmanuel Meafou is a powerful lock playing for Stade Toulousain. Known for his size, strength, and impact in collisions, he is a dominant force in both attack and defense. Recently eligible to play for France, he is expected to play a crucial role in the national team’s forward pack.

7. Gaël Fickou

gael fickou — Victor Velter / Shutterstock.com

One of the most experienced players on this list, Gaël Fickou plays for Racing 92. A world-class center, he brings defensive solidity, tactical awareness, and leadership to any team he plays for. His versatility and ability to read the game make him one of France’s most important backs.

6. Romain Ntamack

Romain Ntamack, a playmaker for Stade Toulousain, is one of the most talented fly-halves in world rugby. His composure, passing ability, and game management have made him a key player for France. Although he missed the 2023 World Cup due to injury, he remains one of the top French players.

5. Charles Ollivon

Charles Ollivon, captain of RC Toulon, is a dynamic flanker known for his leadership and all-around skill set. He is a strong ball carrier, excellent at the breakdown, and a key presence in the lineout. His leadership qualities make him one of the most respected players in French rugby.

4. Gregory Alldritt

Gregory Alldritt is one of the best No. 8s in the world and plays for Stade Rochelais (La Rochelle). He is known for his relentless work rate, powerful carrying, and excellent defensive contributions. A key player for both club and country, he is a leader in the French forward pack.

3. Peato Mauvaka

Peato Mauvaka, the explosive hooker for Stade Toulousain, is one of the most dangerous players in his position. His ability to break tackles, carry the ball effectively, and score tries sets him apart from other hookers. His performances for France have been consistently outstanding.

2. Damian Penaud

One of the most exciting wingers in world rugby, Damian Penaud plays for Union Bordeaux-Bègles. His speed, footwork, and try-scoring ability make him a nightmare for defenders. He has been France’s most consistent try-scorer in recent years and remains a crucial part of their attacking play.

1. Antoine Dupont

At the top of the list is Antoine Dupont, widely regarded as the best player in the world. The Stade Toulousain scrum-half is a complete player—his vision, passing, kicking, and defensive abilities set him apart. As France’s captain and leader, he continues to dominate the sport and is the face of French rugby.