Ranking the 30 Best Foreign Players in the Rugby League Top 14 from Lowest to Highest
The Top 14 is one of the most competitive and physically demanding rugby leagues in the world, attracting elite talent from across the globe. With clubs investing heavily in world-class players, foreign stars have become essential to the league’s success.
Some of these players arrive as seasoned international veterans, while others are rising talents looking to make their mark on the French stage. Whether they are dominating in the forward pack, orchestrating play from fly-half, or finishing tries with flair, these foreign players are among the best in the league.
We’ve analyzed the 213 foreign players competing in the 2024/25 Top 14 season and ranked the 30 best, based on their performance, influence, and impact on their respective teams.
30. Santiago Arata – Castres
The Uruguayan scrum-half has steadily built a reputation as one of the most exciting No. 9s outside of Tier 1 rugby. His quick decision-making and ability to create attacking opportunities make him a key figure for Castres. He will be looking to further cement his status in the Top 14 this season.
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29. Duncan Paia’aua – Toulon
The Samoan center brings a mix of physicality and playmaking to Toulon’s midfield. With his strong defensive abilities and ability to break the line, he is a crucial asset for his team. His consistency makes him one of the most valuable backs in the competition.
28. Richie Arnold – Toulouse
The towering Australian lock has become a dominant force in Toulouse’s pack. His lineout ability, defensive work, and physical presence make him an essential figure in the tight five. Toulouse will rely on him for their set-piece dominance this season.
27. Joel Sclavi – La Rochelle
The Argentine prop has established himself as one of the strongest scrummagers in the Top 14. His work rate in the loose and his set-piece stability make him a vital asset for La Rochelle’s pack. He will be a key player in their championship ambitions.
26. Fritz Lee – Clermont
The veteran Samoan No. 8 has been a consistent performer in the Top 14 for years. His leadership, carrying ability, and defensive work make him a pillar of Clermont’s forward pack. Even as he ages, he remains one of the most effective loose forwards in the league.
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25. Tevita Tatafu – Bayonne
The Tongan back-row forward is an explosive ball-carrier with an incredible ability to break tackles. His presence in Bayonne’s pack gives them an edge in physical battles. With his raw power and athleticism, he is a game-changer on his day.
24. Tommaso Allan – Perpignan
The Italian fly-half is one of the most underrated playmakers in European rugby. His ability to control the game, kick accurately, and guide his team around the field makes him a crucial player for Perpignan. He will be vital in their fight for survival.
23. Ignacio Calles – Pau
The Argentine prop has been one of the most consistent front-rowers in the league. His strong scrummaging and mobility around the park make him a valuable player for Pau. He continues to prove his worth in one of the most physically demanding positions.
22. Thomas Staniforth – Castres
The Australian lock is a dominant figure in Castres’ second row. His work rate, tackling ability, and lineout presence make him a crucial part of the team’s forward pack. His consistency has made him one of the most reliable locks in the Top 14.
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21. Veikoso Poloniati – Bayonne
The Tongan lock has become a standout performer in the league with his physicality and dominance in the air. His ability to disrupt opposition lineouts and contribute in open play makes him a force in Bayonne’s squad. He will be key to their set-piece success.
20. Billy Vunipola – Montpellier
The English No. 8 was once one of the most dominant forwards in world rugby, but his form has declined in recent years. Despite this, he remains a physically imposing player with vast experience, making him a key addition to Montpellier’s pack. If he rediscovers his best, he could have a major impact.
19. Levani Botia – La Rochelle
The Fijian “Demolition Man” is one of the hardest-hitting players in the game. His ability to play both flanker and center makes him unique, and his defensive work and ball-carrying remain at an elite level. Even as he ages, he is still a key piece in La Rochelle’s setup.
18. Jack Nowell – La Rochelle
The former England and Exeter Chiefs wing has brought his high work rate and tactical awareness to La Rochelle. Though not as explosive as in his prime, he remains a dependable presence in the backline. His versatility and leadership add value to the squad.
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17. Juan Cruz Mallía – Toulouse
The Argentine back is a reliable and technically sound player who has been a crucial figure for both club and country. Whether at fullback or center, he offers strong defense, tactical kicking, and good attacking instincts. His consistency makes him a key asset for Toulouse.
16. Kyle Sinckler – Toulon
The English tighthead prop is known for his aggression, scrummaging power, and dynamic ball-carrying. While his form has been inconsistent in recent years, he remains a world-class front-rower when at his best. Toulon will be hoping he delivers on his potential this season.
15. Blair Kinghorn – Toulouse
The Scottish international is one of the most versatile backs in the league, capable of playing fly-half, fullback, or wing. His attacking flair, kicking ability, and speed make him a dangerous weapon in Toulouse’s backline. He will be looking to cement his place as a key player this season.
14. Peceli Yato – Clermont
The Fijian back-row forward is one of the most explosive players in the league. His combination of speed, strength, and agility makes him a nightmare for defenders. Whether carrying the ball or making dominant tackles, he brings game-changing moments to Clermont.
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13. Leicester Fainga’anuku – Toulon
The New Zealand-born winger has already proven himself as a prolific try-scorer. His blend of pace and physicality makes him one of the most dangerous finishers in the Top 14. Toulon will be looking to him as a key attacking threat this season.
12. Facundo Isa – Toulon
The Argentine No. 8 is a powerful ball-carrier and defensive enforcer. His ability to break tackles and dominate collisions makes him a vital part of Toulon’s pack. He has been a consistent performer in the Top 14 and remains one of the best in his position.
11. Tawera Kerr-Barlow – La Rochelle
The former All Black scrum-half has been one of the best in Europe since joining La Rochelle. His leadership, tactical awareness, and quick service make him a crucial part of the team’s success. Even at 33, he remains one of the top playmakers in the league.
10. Marcos Kremer – Clermont
One of the most physical and hard-hitting forwards in world rugby, the Argentine flanker is a defensive powerhouse. His relentless tackling and ability to dominate at the breakdown make him a nightmare for opposing teams. Whether at flanker or lock, he brings unmatched aggression and intensity to Clermont’s forward pack.
9. Jack Willis – Toulouse
Since arriving in France, the English flanker has been one of the best at winning turnovers. His ability to dominate the breakdown and slow down opposition ball makes him a key player in Toulouse’s title ambitions. With a high work rate and elite defensive skills, he has established himself as one of the league’s top back-rowers.
8. Davit Niniashvili – Lyon
At just 22 years old, the Georgian winger/fullback is already one of the most dangerous attacking threats in the Top 14. His footwork, acceleration, and ability to create something from nothing make him a key player for Lyon. If he continues on his current trajectory, he could become one of the best backs in world rugby.
7. Henry Arundell – Racing 92
One of the most electrifying finishers in rugby, the English winger possesses blistering pace and a natural try-scoring instinct. Whether in open space or one-on-one situations, Arundell has the ability to change a game in an instant. His arrival at Racing 92 adds another dangerous attacking weapon to an already stacked squad.
6. Pieter-Steph du Toit – Toulon
The South African flanker is a former World Rugby Player of the Year and remains one of the best back-rowers in the game. His tireless work rate, defensive dominance, and ability to carry in tight spaces make him an invaluable player for Toulon. His experience at the highest level ensures that he will be a game-changer in the Top 14.
5. Will Skelton – La Rochelle
The towering Australian lock has been a dominant force in La Rochelle’s forward pack for years. His physical presence in the scrum, set-pieces, and open play makes him one of the most impactful forwards in the league. Few players can match his power, and he remains a crucial piece of La Rochelle’s success.
4. Semi Radradra – Lyon
The Fijian center is one of the most creative and destructive backs in rugby. His ability to offload in contact, break tackles, and create space for teammates makes him a constant threat. Injuries have slowed him down in recent years, but when fully fit, there are few players more dangerous with the ball in hand.
3. Owen Farrell – Racing 92
One of the most decorated fly-halves of his generation, the former England captain brings world-class game management to Racing 92. His tactical kicking, leadership, and composure under pressure make him an elite playmaker. If he adapts well to the Top 14, he could be the key to Racing’s title ambitions this season.
2. Josua Tuisova – Racing 92
A wrecking ball in midfield, Tuisova’s combination of raw power and speed makes him one of the most feared players in the league. Defenders struggle to bring him down, and his ability to break tackles and create opportunities is unmatched. Racing 92 will rely on him to dominate in the centers and provide game-changing moments throughout the season.
1. Siya Kolisi – Racing 92
A two-time Rugby World Cup-winning captain, Siya Kolisi is the best foreign player in the Top 14 this season. His leadership, work rate, and ability to rise to big occasions make him an invaluable asset to Racing 92. Still one of the world’s top flankers, his influence on and off the field will be crucial as he looks to lead Racing to championship success.
