The 100 Greatest Rugby Players: The Definitive Ranking
Rugby is a sport dominated by powerhouse nations and elite players, but every year, new stars emerge to challenge the established greats. The current landscape of world rugby is as competitive as ever, with players excelling across different leagues and international tournaments.
In this article, we take a deep dive into the top 100 rugby players in the world, ranking them based on their performances, impact, and consistency. From explosive backs to dominant forwards, these players have set themselves apart as the best in the game. Join us as we count down from 100 to 1 and highlight what makes each of these stars truly world-class.
100. Robbie Henshaw – Leinster
A versatile center who can also play fullback, Henshaw is known for his strong defense, powerful ball carrying, and leadership in the midfield for both Leinster and Ireland.
99. Tomos Williams – Cardiff Rugby
One of the sharpest scrum-halves in world rugby, Williams combines quick distribution with an attacking flair that makes him a key playmaker for Cardiff and Wales.
98. Bongi Mbonambi – Sharks
A world-class hooker, Mbonambi brings immense physicality and reliability in the set-piece, having been a crucial part of South Africa’s World Cup-winning squad.
97. Mack Hansen – Connacht
An explosive winger with Irish and Australian roots, Hansen is known for his elusive running, aerial skills, and ability to break defensive lines.
96. Sebastian Negri da Oleggio – Benetton
A powerful blindside flanker, Negri is a key figure for Italy, known for his relentless tackling, work rate, and ability to carry hard into contact.
95. Len Ikitau – Brumbies
A silky outside center with excellent footwork and passing ability, Ikitau is a rising star in the Wallabies’ backline.
94. Pablo Matera – Honda Heat
A tough and experienced flanker, Matera is a strong defender and ball carrier who has played a crucial role for Argentina in recent years.
93. Ange Capuozzo – Stade Toulousain
The electric Italian fullback has pace to burn and a knack for scoring stunning tries, making him one of the most exciting attacking players in world rugby.
92. Courtney Lawes – Northampton Saints
A veteran forward known for his bruising tackles and lineout presence, Lawes’ versatility allows him to dominate in both the second row and back row.
91. Jasper Wiese – Leicester Tigers
A powerful No. 8 with a direct, hard-running style, Wiese has become a key component of both Leicester and the Springboks’ forward pack.
90. Jiuta Wainiqolo – Toulon
A dynamic Fijian winger, Wainiqolo’s speed and footwork make him a constant attacking threat in open play.
89. Angus Bell – Waratahs
One of the most promising loosehead props in world rugby, Bell combines scrummaging power with impressive mobility in the loose.
88. Marcos Kremer – Stade Français
A relentless tackler and enforcer in the pack, Kremer is a workhorse for Argentina, excelling in defense and breakdown battles.
87. Manie Libbok – Stormers
An exciting fly-half with a wide passing range and an eye for the try line, Libbok has been a game-changer for the Stormers and Springboks.
86. Michele Lamaro – Benetton
Italy’s captain and inspirational leader, Lamaro is a tireless openside flanker known for his defensive work rate and leadership.
85. Caleb Clarke – Blues
A powerful winger in the mold of classic All Black finishers, Clarke’s combination of pace and strength makes him a nightmare for defenders.
84. Davit Niniashvili – Lyon
One of Georgia’s brightest stars, Niniashvili is a versatile back with a fearless approach, often breaking tackles and creating space for his teammates.
83. Dewi Lake – Ospreys
A young and dynamic hooker, Lake is making a name for himself with his aggressive carries and strong set-piece skills.
82. Julian Montoya – Leicester Tigers
The captain of Argentina, Montoya is an exceptional hooker known for his leadership, tackling, and efficiency at the lineout.
81. Sam Cane – Suntory Sungoliath
The former All Blacks captain remains a workhorse flanker, known for his defensive prowess and leadership on the field.
80. Tadhg Furlong – Leinster
One of the best tighthead props in the game, Furlong’s scrummaging power and ball-handling skills make him a rare talent.
79. Julien Marchand – Stade Toulousain
A rock-solid hooker, Marchand excels in the set-piece and is a fierce competitor at the breakdown.
78. Darcy Graham – Edinburgh Rugby
A quick and elusive winger, Graham is a key attacking weapon for both Edinburgh and Scotland.
77. Ellis Genge – Bristol Bears
A hard-hitting prop with a dynamic carrying game, Genge provides physical dominance in the scrum and around the field.
76. Codie Taylor – Crusaders
An experienced hooker with an all-around skill set, Taylor is a crucial part of the Crusaders’ and All Blacks’ forward pack.
75. Zander Fagerson – Glasgow Warriors
A scrummaging powerhouse, Fagerson is a key figure in Scotland’s forward pack, providing stability at tighthead prop.
74. Thomas Ramos – Stade Toulousain
An accurate goal-kicker and creative fullback, Ramos offers a complete skill set that makes him a key playmaker for both club and country.
73. Damian Willemse – Stormers
A versatile back who can play fly-half, fullback, or center, Willemse combines flair with physicality to make game-changing plays.
72. Cam Roigard – Hurricanes
One of the most exciting young scrum-halves in world rugby, Roigard’s speed around the breakdown and attacking instincts set him apart.
71. Garry Ringrose – Leinster
A classy outside center with smooth footwork and strong defensive awareness, Ringrose is a vital part of Leinster’s and Ireland’s backline.
70. Levani Botia – La Rochelle
Known as the “Demolition Man,” Botia’s incredible strength and ability to dominate at the breakdown make him a unique force in world rugby.
69. Juan Cruz Mallia – Stade Toulousain
A dependable and intelligent backline player, Mallia offers versatility in multiple positions, bringing balance to any team he plays for.
68. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii – Sydney Roosters
A rising star in both rugby league and union, Suaalii possesses immense athleticism and raw talent, making him a future global star.
67. Santiago Chocobares – Stade Toulousain
A robust inside center with sharp decision-making and a strong defensive presence, Chocobares is a key asset for club and country.
66. Damian McKenzie – Chiefs
A fan-favorite for his fearless playing style, McKenzie’s ability to spark attacks from anywhere on the field makes him one of the most dangerous playmakers in rugby.
65. Duhan van der Merwe – Edinburgh Rugby
A giant of a winger, Van der Merwe’s sheer power and finishing ability make him a nightmare for defenders.
64. Owen Farrell – Racing 92
A composed and tactical fly-half, Farrell’s leadership and kicking game have made him a mainstay in top-level rugby for over a decade.
63. Jesse Kriel – Canon Eagles
An experienced and reliable center, Kriel’s combination of defensive awareness and attacking support play makes him a valuable asset.
62. Blair Kinghorn – Stade Toulousain
A versatile backline player, Kinghorn’s speed, size, and skill make him a key figure in Toulouse’s attacking game.
61. Tommaso Menoncello – Benetton
A rising Italian star, Menoncello is a strong-running center who continues to impress with his ability to break the line and create space.
60. Tyrel Lomax – Hurricanes
A dominant tighthead prop, Lomax provides immense strength in the scrum while being a hard-hitting defender in open play.
59. Richie Mo’unga – Toshiba Brave Lupus
A world-class fly-half, Mo’unga’s dazzling footwork, playmaking ability, and precise goal-kicking make him a match-winner.
58. Louis Bielle-Biarrey – Bordeaux Bègles
A young French winger with blistering pace and natural finishing ability, Bielle-Biarrey is a rising talent in international rugby.
57. Jac Morgan – Ospreys
An aggressive and mobile flanker, Morgan’s defensive work rate and breakdown skills make him a vital player for both Ospreys and Wales.
56. Scott Barrett – Crusaders
A dominant second-row forward, Barrett brings a mix of leadership, lineout expertise, and physicality to the game.
55. Emmanuel Meafou – Stade Toulousain
A giant of a lock, Meafou’s power and ability to dominate collisions make him a crucial figure in Toulouse’s pack.
54. Hugo Keenan – Leinster
A rock-solid fullback with excellent positioning and counter-attacking ability, Keenan is one of the most reliable backs in world rugby.
53. Rieko Ioane – Blues
An explosive center/winger, Ioane’s speed and attacking instincts make him one of the most dangerous backs in the game.
52. Rob Valetini – Brumbies
A hard-hitting No. 8, Valetini’s ball-carrying ability and defensive presence make him a key player for both club and country.
51. Frans Malherbe – Stormers
A cornerstone of South Africa’s scrum, Malherbe’s experience and technical prowess make him one of the best tighthead props in world rugby.
50. Ben Earl – Saracens
An explosive back-row forward, Earl’s speed, tackling, and ability to carry the ball effectively make him a standout player for Saracens and England.
49. Romain Ntamack – Stade Toulousain
A skillful fly-half and center, Ntamack brings vision, creativity, and composure to the Toulouse and French backline.
48. Semi Radradra – Lyon
One of the most devastating runners in world rugby, Radradra’s ability to beat defenders and offload in contact makes him a game-changer.
47. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu – Stormers
A rising talent in South African rugby, Feinberg-Mngomezulu is a versatile back known for his kicking game and attacking instincts.
46. Gael Fickou – Racing 92
A defensive rock and playmaker at center, Fickou’s leadership and ability to organize backlines make him one of France’s most experienced backs.
45. Josua Tuisova – Racing 92
A powerhouse center/winger, Tuisova’s sheer strength and finishing ability make him a lethal attacking weapon.
44. Tomas Albornoz – Benetton
A dynamic fly-half, Albornoz has a sharp running game and excellent tactical awareness, making him a key figure for Benetton and Argentina.
43. Charles Ollivon – Toulon
A commanding presence in the back row, Ollivon’s leadership, work rate, and lineout ability set him apart.
42. Fraser McReight – Queensland Reds
A tireless openside flanker, McReight is known for his defensive work, breakdown skills, and high rugby IQ.
41. Tupou Vaa’i – Chiefs
A powerful lock with great athleticism, Vaa’i is a future star in New Zealand’s second row.
40. Kwagga Smith – Shizuoka Blue Revs
A high-energy loose forward, Smith excels in turnover ball, dynamic carries, and relentless tackling.
39. Siya Kolisi – Racing 92
A natural leader and strong flanker, Kolisi is a world-class breakdown specialist and carries immense influence both on and off the field.
38. James Lowe – Leinster
An attacking winger with a lethal left boot, Lowe is a key figure in Ireland’s game plan with his powerful runs and defensive capabilities.
37. Mark Tele’a – Blues
A lethal finisher with exceptional footwork, Tele’a’s ability to evade tackles and break defenses makes him a dangerous threat on the wing.
36. Malcolm Marx – Kubota Spears
A world-class hooker, Marx is dominant in the set-piece and breakdown, making him an indispensable asset for any team.
35. Josh van der Flier – Leinster
A relentless openside flanker, Van der Flier’s speed, work rate, and ability to disrupt opposition attacks make him one of the best in his position.
34. Jack Willis – Stade Toulousain
A turnover machine, Willis thrives in defensive situations, using his breakdown expertise to win crucial possession for his team.
33. Gregory Alldritt – La Rochelle
A complete No. 8, Alldritt combines physicality, ball-handling, and leadership to drive La Rochelle and France forward.
32. Dan Sheehan – Leinster
A modern hooker with exceptional speed and carrying ability, Sheehan is one of the most dynamic forwards in world rugby.
31. Peato Mauvaka – Stade Toulousain
A powerful and skillful hooker, Mauvaka is known for his impact in the loose and reliability in set-pieces.
30. Tom Wright – Brumbies
A versatile backline player, Wright’s speed and decision-making make him a vital part of the Brumbies’ and Wallabies’ attack.
29. Huw Jones – Glasgow Warriors
A creative and elusive center, Jones’ ability to break defenses and link up play makes him a crucial attacking asset.
28. Bundee Aki – Connacht
A hard-running inside center, Aki’s defensive strength and attacking presence make him a key part of Ireland’s midfield.
27. Handré Pollard – Leicester Tigers
A composed and experienced fly-half, Pollard’s tactical kicking, game management, and goal-kicking make him one of the best in the world.
26. Joe McCarthy – Leinster
A young and powerful lock, McCarthy’s physical presence and work rate have seen him emerge as a top second-row talent.
25. Juan Martin Gonzalez – Saracens
A dynamic back-row forward, Gonzalez excels in defense and at the breakdown, making him a crucial player for both Saracens and Argentina.
24. Andrew Porter – Leinster
A dominant scrummager and mobile loosehead prop, Porter’s ability to contribute in open play makes him one of the best in his position.
23. Will Skelton – La Rochelle
A towering second-row enforcer, Skelton’s physical presence and power in tight exchanges make him a key player for club and country.
22. Damian de Allende – Panasonic Wild Knights
A world-class inside center, De Allende’s combination of power, distribution, and defensive strength makes him one of the most complete midfielders in rugby.
21. Maro Itoje – Saracens
A dominant lock with exceptional athleticism, Itoje’s ability to steal lineouts, disrupt opposition ball, and lead from the front sets him apart.
20. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso – Exeter Chiefs
An exciting young winger with pace and agility, Feyi-Waboso is making waves in the Premiership with his finishing ability and attacking flair.
19. Kurt-Lee Arendse – Bulls
A lightning-quick winger and fullback, Arendse’s ability to beat defenders and counter-attack from deep makes him one of South Africa’s most dangerous backs.
18. Tadhg Beirne – Munster
A versatile forward who can play both lock and back row, Beirne is known for his breakdown skills, lineout work, and ability to disrupt opposition attacks.
17. Marcus Smith – Harlequins
A skillful fly-half with electric pace and a creative attacking game, Smith’s vision and playmaking ability make him a star for England and Harlequins.
16. Sione Tuipulotu – Glasgow Warriors
A powerful yet skillful center, Tuipulotu’s ability to break tackles and link up with teammates makes him an important figure in Scotland’s midfield.
15. Jordie Barrett – Hurricanes
A versatile backline player, Barrett’s exceptional goal-kicking, aerial ability, and playmaking skills make him a key asset for the All Blacks.
14. Wallace Sititi – Chiefs
A rising back-row talent, Sititi’s powerful ball-carrying and defensive work make him a crucial player for the Chiefs.
13. Damian Penaud – Bordeaux Bègles
A world-class winger, Penaud’s finishing ability, evasive running, and creativity make him one of the most exciting attacking players in rugby.
12. Finn Russell – Bath
One of the most gifted fly-halves in the game, Russell’s unpredictable attacking style, pinpoint kicking, and vision make him a playmaker of the highest caliber.
11. Beauden Barrett – Toyota Verblitz
A two-time World Rugby Player of the Year, Barrett’s speed, skill, and game awareness make him a generational talent at fly-half or fullback.
10. Ox Nche – Sharks
A destructive scrummager and mobile loosehead prop, Nche’s strength in the set-piece and impact in open play make him a standout forward.
9. Jamison Gibson-Park – Leinster
A fast-paced and intelligent scrum-half, Gibson-Park’s ability to dictate tempo and distribute quickly has been instrumental in Ireland’s success.
8. Caelan Doris – Leinster
A complete No. 8, Doris’ work rate, carrying ability, and defensive dominance make him one of the best loose forwards in world rugby.
7. Will Jordan – Crusaders
An electrifying fullback and winger, Jordan’s acceleration, try-scoring instinct, and ability to create something out of nothing make him a world-class talent.
6. RG Snyman – Munster
A towering second-row forward, Snyman’s physicality, offloading ability, and presence in the air make him a crucial part of any forward pack.
5. Ardie Savea – Kobe Steelers
An elite No. 8 and open-side flanker, Savea’s dynamism, leadership, and ability to dominate both in attack and defense set him apart as one of the best players in the world.
4. Eben Etzebeth – Sharks
A world-class lock known for his physicality, lineout dominance, and enforcer mentality, Etzebeth is a cornerstone of the South African pack.
3. Pieter-Steph du Toit – Toyota Verblitz
A former World Player of the Year, Du Toit’s work rate, tackling ability, and all-around excellence make him one of the most effective forwards in rugby.
2. Cheslin Kolbe – Suntory Sungoliath
One of the most electrifying players in rugby, Kolbe’s footwork, speed, and ability to break defenses make him a game-winner..
1. Antoine Dupont – Stade Toulousain
The best player in the world, Dupont’s intelligence, speed, passing, and leadership as a scrum-half make him the ultimate game-changer in modern rugby.
