Rugby Royalty: Ranking the World’s Best 100 Players This Year
The world of rugby has never been more competitive, and 2025 has delivered a new wave of superstars alongside seasoned legends. From bruising forwards to electrifying backs, this definitive Top 100 ranking—compiled by FloRugby—spotlights the players who have dominated the global stage this year.
Whether it's Ardie Savea’s relentless power, Antoine Dupont’s masterful orchestration, or the rise of young phenoms like Louis Bielle-Biarrey, this list reflects the skill, impact, and influence each player has brought to club and country. Ranked from #100 to #1, it’s time to discover who truly defines world-class rugby in 2025.
100. Henry Pollock – Northampton Saints
The young flanker has quickly become one of the most exciting prospects in English rugby. His breakdown work and relentless energy have made him a standout for Northampton.
99. Cyril Baille – Stade Toulousain
A cornerstone of France’s scrum, Baille continues to dominate in the front row with his strength and technique. His experience remains vital for both club and country.
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98. Andre Esterhuizen – Hollywoodbets Sharks
Known for his raw power and hard-running style, Esterhuizen brings physicality to the midfield. He remains a key figure for the Sharks in the URC.
97. Santiago Carreras – Bath Rugby
Equally dangerous at fullback or fly-half, Carreras brings flair and unpredictability to the game. His move to Bath has been a huge success in 2025.
96. Will Stuart – Bath Rugby
One of England’s premier tightheads, Stuart has proven himself as a dependable force in the scrum and open play. He continues to grow into a leadership role at Bath.
95. Maxime Lucu – Union Bordeaux Bègles
A tactically sharp scrum-half, Lucu’s precision and control have helped Bordeaux stay competitive. He also offers key depth behind Dupont for France.
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94. Joe McCarthy – Leinster Rugby
This towering lock has become a consistent starter for Leinster thanks to his work rate and lineout dominance. McCarthy’s physical presence is hard to ignore.
93. Caleb Clarke – Auckland Blues
With his electric pace and ability to break tackles, Clarke remains one of the most thrilling wings in Super Rugby. He continues to be a fan favorite.
92. Paul Boudehent – Stade Rochelais
A dynamic back rower, Boudehent blends physicality with clever support play. His performances for La Rochelle have earned him international attention.
91. Fin Smith – Northampton Saints
Smith has emerged as one of England’s most promising young fly-halves. His calm demeanor and sharp kicking game are key assets for Northampton.
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90. Julián Montoya – Pau
A fierce competitor and experienced leader, Montoya brings grit and leadership to Pau. He’s one of the top hookers in the game today.
89. Sevu Reece – Crusaders
Back from injury, Reece has reestablished himself as a lethal finisher. His speed and awareness make him a constant threat out wide.
88. Duhan van der Merwe – Edinburgh Rugby
The powerhouse winger continues to bulldoze defenders across the Premiership and for Scotland. His physicality is unmatched in open field.
87. Marcus Smith – Harlequins
Creative, flashy, and fearless—Smith remains a talisman for Harlequins and a contender for England’s No. 10 shirt. His flair lights up any match.
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86. Ben Earl – Saracens
One of the hardest-working flankers in the game, Earl's pace and tackling make him a defensive nightmare for opponents. A constant menace at the breakdown.
85. Tom Wright – Brumbies
An attacking fullback with superb balance and speed, Wright offers flair and composure at the back. He remains a key part of the Brumbies' spine.
84. Thibaud Flament – Stade Toulousain
Flament’s agility and skill make him a rare type of lock. He’s an intelligent player who adds finesse and creativity in tight spaces.
83. Cameron Hanekom – Vodacom Bulls
A breakout star in 2025, Hanekom’s athleticism and vision have made him a standout in South Africa’s next generation of forwards.
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82. Robert Valetini – Brumbies
An aggressive ball-carrier, Valetini is central to the Brumbies’ forward dominance. He’s earned his place as a mainstay in the Wallabies setup.
81. Darcy Graham – Edinburgh Rugby
Lightning fast and deadly in one-on-ones, Graham’s footwork and finishing make him one of the most exciting wingers in the world.
80. Santiago Chocobares – Stade Toulousain
The Argentine center has continued to shine with his powerful carries and smart running lines. His 2025 form has made him a key piece in Toulouse’s backline.
79. Mack Hansen – Connacht Rugby
Known for his flair and unpredictability, Hansen continues to light up matches with his creativity and counter-attacking brilliance.
78. Zander Fagerson – Glasgow Warriors
A rock in the Scottish scrum, Fagerson’s power and consistency at tighthead prop have made him indispensable at both club and national level.
77. Ollie Chessum – Leicester Tigers
Athletic and aggressive, Chessum brings energy to the second row. His versatility and work rate have made him one of England’s rising forwards.
76. Mark Tele’a – Auckland Blues
Tele’a remains one of the most elusive wingers in Super Rugby. His footwork, acceleration, and finishing instincts are top tier.
75. Pablo Matera – Mie Honda Heat
Matera continues to be a global rugby force, bringing leadership and physical edge to his Japanese club. He’s one of Argentina’s most consistent stars.
74. Tupou Vaa’i – Chiefs
A young lock with immense potential, Vaa’i has matured into a reliable starter with strong set-piece ability and mobility around the park.
73. Thomas Du Toit – Bath Rugby
Du Toit has anchored Bath’s scrum in 2025, delivering strong performances week after week. His impact in both attack and defense is notable.
72. Len Ikitau – Brumbies
Smooth-running and defensively sound, Ikitau’s positioning and decision-making have kept him among Australia’s most dependable centers.
71. Tadhg Furlong – Leinster Rugby
Still one of the best tighthead props in the game, Furlong combines brute strength with ball-handling skills rarely seen at his position.
70. Franco Mostert – Honda Heat
A workhorse in the engine room, Mostert is known for his relentless tackling and high work rate. He remains a key leader for club and country.
69. James Ryan – Leinster Rugby
Ryan’s leadership and set-piece excellence continue to shine. His presence in Leinster’s pack has been instrumental in their 2025 form.
68. Beauden Barrett – Auckland Blues
While shifting roles in recent seasons, Barrett’s class is still undeniable. His vision and pace make him dangerous whether at 10 or 15.
67. Yoram Moefana – Union Bordeaux Bègles
Moefana’s strength and direct style have been a huge asset to Bordeaux’s midfield. He remains a tough man to bring down in contact.
66. Alex Mitchell – Northampton Saints
A livewire at scrum-half, Mitchell injects tempo and creativity into every match. His sniping runs have been a highlight in the Premiership.
65. Tamaiti Williams – Crusaders
Williams has impressed with his raw power and scrummaging prowess. The Crusaders’ prop continues to grow into an All Blacks regular.
64. Angus Bell – Waratahs
Bell’s dynamic ball-carrying and scrummaging have made him one of Australia’s brightest front row talents. Injuries haven’t slowed his progress.
63. Grant Williams – Hollywoodbets Sharks
Explosive and intelligent, Williams adds spark from the base of the ruck. His speed and decision-making have earned him national caps.
62. Ben Tameifuna – Union Bordeaux Bègles
A true powerhouse at tighthead, Tameifuna brings size and scrummaging force. His physical dominance is a constant weapon for Bordeaux.
61. Tomos Williams – Gloucester Rugby
Williams blends flair and control at scrum-half. His slick passing and eye for space make him a critical figure for Wales and Gloucester.
Juan Ignacio Brex – Benetton
Brex has been a rock in Italy’s midfield, combining sharp defense with smart distribution. His presence has been crucial in Benetton’s backline.
59. Jac Morgan – Ospreys
Morgan’s tireless work ethic and ability to disrupt at the breakdown have made him a fan favorite in Wales. His leadership qualities continue to grow.
58. Marcos Kremer – ASM Clermont
Known for his bone-crunching tackles, Kremer brings a physical edge to any contest. He’s one of Argentina’s most ferocious defenders.
57. François Cros – Stade Toulousain
A consistent performer for both club and France, Cros excels with his lineout work and smart support play. A true unsung hero in Toulouse’s pack.
56. Huw Jones – Glasgow Warriors
Jones’ form has surged in 2025, with sharp running lines and defensive solidity. He’s become a mainstay in Scotland’s backline.
55. Andrew Porter – Leinster Rugby
A powerful scrummager with surprising mobility, Porter has delivered another strong year at loosehead. His versatility makes him even more valuable.
54. Matthieu Jalibert – Union Bordeaux Bègles
One of the most gifted fly-halves in Europe, Jalibert blends flair with precision. His creativity is central to Bordeaux’s attacking style.
53. Fraser McReight – Queensland Reds
McReight is an open-side menace, excelling at turnovers and defensive pressure. He’s staking his claim as the Wallabies’ future at 7.
52. Tomás Albornoz – Benetton
The Argentine playmaker has stood out with his attacking instincts and tactical kicking. Albornoz is quietly becoming one of Europe’s best 10s.
51. Cam Roigard – Hurricanes
Dynamic and fearless, Roigard’s quick service and eye for the gap have made him one of Super Rugby’s breakout stars at scrum-half.
50. Tommy Freeman – Northampton Saints
A tall, athletic back with a nose for the try line, Freeman continues to impress in both the Premiership and on the international scene.
49. Ange Capuozzo – Stade Toulousain
Electrifying in open space, Capuozzo is one of the most exciting fullbacks in world rugby. His agility and fearlessness are unmatched.
48. Ellis Genge – Bristol Bears
Genge brings raw aggression and energy to the front row. As one of England’s most charismatic forwards, he leads with both voice and action.
47. Garry Ringrose – Leinster Rugby
A classy center with a complete skill set, Ringrose remains a pillar in Leinster’s midfield. His game-reading ability is second to none.
46. Malcolm Marx – Kubota Spears
A dominant force at hooker, Marx continues to wreak havoc at the breakdown and in mauls. His physicality has not diminished one bit in Japan.
45. Will Skelton – Stade Rochelais
The towering Australian lock is a wrecking ball in contact. Skelton’s presence and power drive La Rochelle’s physical identity.
44. Kurt-Lee Arendse – Vodacom Bulls
Arendse’s speed and evasiveness make him a constant threat from deep. His finishing ability has earned him regular Springbok selections.
43. Jack Conan – Leinster Rugby
A dependable No. 8 with solid fundamentals, Conan’s ability to link forwards and backs has kept him among Ireland’s most trusted options.
42. Romain Ntamack – Stade Toulousain
Returning from injury, Ntamack remains one of France’s most elegant playmakers. His control and decision-making are a perfect match for Toulouse’s tempo.
41. Bundee Aki – Connacht Rugby
Aki’s powerful running and relentless defense have kept him in the global spotlight. He continues to deliver top-level performances year after year.
40. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu – DHL Stormers
One of the brightest young stars in South African rugby, Sacha’s playmaking skills and confidence under pressure have made him a standout in 2025.
39. Grégory Alldritt – Stade Rochelais
A relentless carrier and defensive workhorse, Alldritt is a core leader for La Rochelle and France. His consistency is elite-level.
38. Kwagga Smith – Shizuoka Blue Revs
Always in motion, Smith brings incredible intensity to every game. His pace and jackaling ability keep him among the world’s top loose forwards.
37. Hugo Keenan – Leinster Rugby
Keenan remains one of the most dependable fullbacks in rugby. His positioning, aerial skills, and counter-attacks are crucial to Ireland’s structure.
36. Tyrel Lomax – Hurricanes
Lomax has cemented himself as New Zealand’s top tighthead in 2025. His scrummaging power and improved mobility have lifted his game to new heights.
35. Siya Kolisi – Hollywoodbets Sharks
South Africa’s inspirational captain continues to lead by example. Whether carrying into traffic or making a key turnover, Kolisi is always in the thick of it.
34. RG Snyman – Leinster Rugby
Back to full fitness, Snyman has become a lineout titan and defensive force. His blend of size and skill makes him a unique lock in world rugby.
33. Damian McKenzie – Chiefs
McKenzie’s spark is unmatched—he creates something out of nothing. Whether at 10 or 15, his flair and clutch kicking define his role.
32. Handré Pollard – Leicester Tigers
Pollard’s cool head and accurate boot continue to steer games. His leadership and experience keep him vital for both club and country.
31. Blair Kinghorn – Stade Toulousain
Tall, fast, and multi-skilled, Kinghorn has thrived in France. His versatility and creative spark have taken his game to another level in 2025.
30. Peato Mauvaka – Stade Toulousain
One of the most explosive hookers in world rugby, Mauvaka combines dynamic running with strong set-piece work. A rising star in France’s pack.
29. Jamison Gibson-Park – Leinster Rugby
Quick-thinking and composed, Gibson-Park remains central to Leinster and Ireland’s pace-driven attack. He excels in high-pressure situations.
28. Wallace Sititi – Chiefs
Sititi’s emergence has been one of the big stories of 2025. The powerful young No. 8 is making waves with his explosive carries and line breaks.
27. James Lowe – Leinster Rugby
Lowe continues to be a key attacking weapon for both Ireland and Leinster. His left boot, power, and passion keep him near the top of the wing rankings.
26. Damian de Allende – Saitama Wild Knights
De Allende brings controlled aggression and composure in midfield. Even in Japan, he remains a world-class presence.
25. Joseph Sua’ali’i – Waratahs
Sua’ali’i has adapted brilliantly after switching codes. His physical gifts and natural rugby sense have fast-tracked him into elite territory.
24. Juan Cruz Mallía – Stade Toulousain
An unsung hero, Mallía’s versatility and rugby IQ make him indispensable. Whether at fullback or wing, he delivers every time.
23. Damian Willemse – DHL Stormers
Willemse’s creativity and unpredictable style keep defenses guessing. His ability to switch between positions makes him a coach’s dream.
22. Scott Barrett – Crusaders
A hard-hitting lock with strong leadership, Barrett anchors the Crusaders’ pack. He brings discipline and fire in equal measure.
21. Thomas Ramos – Stade Toulousain
Reliable under the high ball and accurate from the tee, Ramos continues to be a steady presence for both Toulouse and France.
20. Tom Curry – Sale Sharks
Though injuries have interrupted his progress, Curry remains one of the most dominant opensides in the game. His defensive impact and leadership are elite.
19. Jesse Kriel – Canon Eagles
Kriel has found excellent form in Japan, continuing to deliver rock-solid defense and strong running lines. His experience remains a vital asset for the Springboks.
18. Josh van der Flier – Leinster Rugby
The tireless Irish flanker continues to impress with his work rate and tackling. A former World Player of the Year, his consistency is unmatched.
17. Tommaso Menoncello – Benetton
One of Italy’s brightest stars, Menoncello blends speed and strength in midfield. His attacking maturity belies his age.
16. Finn Russell – Bath Rugby
Russell’s creativity and risk-taking have lifted Bath’s attack in 2025. His vision and kicking game remain among the best in the world.
15. Ox Nché – Hollywoodbets Sharks
A key part of the Springbok scrum, Nché combines low center of gravity with technical brilliance. He dominates the set piece and brings mobility around the park.
14. Maro Itoje – Saracens
Still one of England’s most influential players, Itoje remains a menace in lineouts and mauls. His athleticism and leadership are invaluable.
13. Sione Tuipulotu – Glasgow Warriors
Tuipulotu’s playmaking ability and physical defense have made him essential for Scotland. His chemistry with Huw Jones has been a major weapon.
12. Louis Bielle-Biarrey – Union Bordeaux Bègles
The French flyer has taken 2025 by storm with dazzling tries and fearless runs. Still just 21, he’s already among the best wings in the world.
11. Tadhg Beirne – Munster Rugby
Versatile, technical, and relentless—Beirne continues to dominate both in the tight and at the breakdown. A leader in every phase of play.
10. Eben Etzebeth – Hollywoodbets Sharks
A towering presence in every match, Etzebeth’s physicality and aggression define Springbok rugby. He remains one of the most feared locks on the planet.
9. Will Jordan – Crusaders
When fit, Jordan is one of the most lethal attacking players in rugby. His timing, acceleration, and finishing instincts are second to none.
8. Caelan Doris – Leinster Rugby
Doris has evolved into one of the most complete No. 8s in the game. His balance of ball-carrying, breakdown work, and leadership is world-class.
7. Damian Penaud – Union Bordeaux Bègles
Penaud continues to terrorize defenses with his creativity and sharp finishing. He’s become the definition of a game-breaking wing.
6. Jordie Barrett – Hurricanes
Whether at fullback or inside center, Barrett dominates with his boot, vision, and physicality. He’s become a key cog in New Zealand’s backline.
5. Cheslin Kolbe – Tokyo Sungoliath
Kolbe’s elusive footwork and world-class balance make him a nightmare to defend. Even in Japan, he continues to dazzle on the biggest stages.
4. Dan Sheehan – Leinster Rugby
Arguably the best hooker in the world right now, Sheehan combines dynamic ball-carrying with excellent set-piece skill. A future Ireland captain in the making.
3. Pieter-Steph du Toit – Toyota Verblitz
Du Toit’s physicality, engine, and intensity remain unmatched. Whether in Japan or with the Springboks, he plays every game like a final.
2. Antoine Dupont – Stade Toulousain
The heartbeat of both France and Toulouse, Dupont’s game control, pace, and creativity keep him in the conversation for greatest of all time.
1. Ardie Savea – Moana Pasifik
Unstoppable in 2025, Savea leads with ferocity and flair. Whether smashing through contact or winning turnovers, he’s the complete modern forward—and the world’s best rugby player right now.
