The 50 Greatest Rugby Players of All Time – Ranked from Lowest to Highest

October 2, 2025 Oliver Obel

Rugby has never been more global, more competitive, or more physically demanding than it is today. With stars rising from every corner of the world and national teams reaching new heights, the game has entered a golden era where greatness is constantly being redefined.

In this article, we take a look at the 50 greatest rugby players of all time — through a modern lens. That means the list favors players who have shaped the sport over the past two decades, without ignoring the legends whose impact remains timeless. From powerhouse forwards to dazzling backs, this is our take on the best to ever do it.

50. Charles Ollivon

A hard-nosed flanker with smart leadership instincts, Ollivon has been a cornerstone for France in both Six Nations and international campaigns. His work rate and quiet authority have been vital to the French revival.

49. Manu Tuilagi

At his peak, few centers in world rugby could match Tuilagi's power and explosiveness. Injuries have slowed him down, but his ability to break tackles and create chaos remains iconic.

48. Emiliano Boffelli

One of Argentina’s most reliable backs in recent years, Boffelli combines aerial dominance with a deadly boot. He’s been central to Los Pumas' big wins, especially with his cool under pressure.

47. Levani Botia

Known as “The Breakdown Monster,” Botia brings sheer force and versatility to the pitch. Whether at center or flanker, the Fijian’s defensive presence is feared around the world.

46. Tom Curry

England’s tireless flanker, Curry made an instant impact on the international stage with his tackling and breakdown dominance. He’s the blueprint for the modern openside.

45. Jamie George

A hooker with the hands of a back and the mind of a leader, George has been a key figure in England’s forward pack. His consistency and reliability set him apart at the highest level.

44. Samu Kerevi

A wrecking ball with surprising finesse, Kerevi is one of Australia’s most dangerous midfielders. His line-breaking runs and physical presence give him game-changing potential.

43. Matías Moroni

Moroni is the kind of player every coach wants — gritty, unselfish, and endlessly tough. His defensive resilience and quiet impact have been key to Argentina’s rise.

42. Julien Marchand

France’s most dependable hooker of the past decade, Marchand is the engine in Les Bleus’ scrum. His leadership and precision in set-pieces elevate the entire forward unit.

41. Malcolm Marx

Possibly the most explosive hooker in world rugby, Marx is a destructive force at the breakdown and a nightmare for defenses. His physicality is second to none.

40. Brodie Retallick

A modern-day lock legend, Retallick is as comfortable in open play as he is in the trenches. His work ethic, intelligence, and presence make him a generational forward.

39. Mack Hansen

The Irish-Aussie flyer brings flair, speed, and unshakable confidence to every match. A breakout star in the Six Nations, he’s helped redefine Ireland’s attacking game.

38. Jamie Ritchie

Scotland’s current captain is known for his discipline, physicality, and heart. He leads by example and has become the spine of a resurgent Scottish side.

37. Damian McKenzie

Dynamic, daring, and unpredictable, McKenzie is the spark plug of New Zealand rugby. Whether at fly-half or fullback, he can shift momentum in an instant.

36. Josh van der Flier

World Rugby Player of the Year 2022, van der Flier is a tackling machine with textbook technique. He’s the gold standard for modern back-row efficiency.

35. Romain Ntamack

France’s silky fly-half oozes calm and class under pressure. His playmaking has been crucial to the French revolution under Fabien Galthié.

34. Cameron Woki

Woki is the prototype of the next-gen forward — tall, mobile, and technically sharp. His lineout dominance and dynamic play have made him one of France’s brightest stars.

33. Thomas Ramos

Ramos’ kicking game and counter-attacking skills have turned him into one of the world’s most complete fullbacks. He’s often the difference-maker for France in tight matches.

32. Marcus Smith

An electrifying talent with bold instincts, Smith represents the future of English rugby. His fearless attacking style has injected new life into the fly-half role.

31. Franco Mostert

The unsung hero of South Africa’s pack, Mostert’s work rate and tackling are second to none. He’s the kind of lock who does the dirty work so others can shine.

30. Jordan Petaia

A rising star for the Wallabies, Petaia brings raw athleticism and positional versatility. Whether at wing, fullback, or center, he’s proven to be a dynamic attacking threat.

29. Freddie Steward

England’s safest pair of hands at fullback, Steward is dominant under the high ball and composed under pressure. His calm presence has been key to England’s backfield structure.

28. Robbie Henshaw

A rock-solid center with defensive steel and attacking instinct, Henshaw has been crucial to Ireland’s golden era. He shines brightest in high-stakes matches.

27. Pieter-Steph du Toit

World Rugby Player of the Year 2019, du Toit is a relentless tackler and lineout weapon. His mix of size and athleticism defines the modern blindside flanker.

26. Ellis Genge

Nicknamed "The Baby Rhino," Genge is a modern loosehead prop with explosive ball-carrying and attitude. He’s reshaped what fans expect from a front-row forward.

25. Finn Russell

Unpredictable and utterly fearless, Russell is Scotland’s maverick fly-half. His vision and boldness make him one of the most entertaining players in world rugby.

24. Caelan Doris

One of Ireland’s brightest young talents, Doris is a complete number 8 with superb handling, balance, and defensive awareness. He’s quickly become indispensable.

23. Michael Hooper

A tireless workhorse with over 120 caps, Hooper’s leadership and breakdown dominance have defined Australian rugby in the modern era. His consistency is unmatched.

22. Beauden Barrett

Barrett’s blend of pace, vision, and counterattacking brilliance earned him two World Rugby Player of the Year titles. Equally dangerous at fly-half or fullback.

21. Faf de Klerk

With his trademark blond hair and nonstop energy, de Klerk is a whirlwind at scrum-half. His defense and sniping runs have helped lead South Africa to global success.

20. Sam Whitelock

One of New Zealand’s most decorated forwards, Whitelock is the epitome of second-row endurance and intelligence. A two-time World Cup winner and vital All Blacks leader.

19. Gregory Alldritt

France’s back-row powerhouse, Alldritt mixes brute strength with clever support play. He’s the heart of Les Bleus’ physical game plan.

18. Damian Penaud

Penaud is a French winger with flair, footwork, and the instinct to find the try line. His unpredictability keeps defenders guessing and fans on their feet.

17. Aaron Smith

A maestro at scrum-half, Smith’s passing game is pure precision. He’s the key that unlocks the All Blacks' backline with speed and vision.

16. Eben Etzebeth

A fierce enforcer in South Africa’s engine room, Etzebeth combines brute power with surprising agility. One of the most feared locks of his generation.

15. Rieko Ioane

Originally a lightning-fast wing, Ioane has evolved into a game-breaking center. His athleticism and nose for the try line make him a constant threat.

14. Will Jordan

Arguably the best finisher in the modern game, Jordan’s pace and spatial awareness are elite. Every time he touches the ball, something happens.

13. Duane Vermeulen

A battle-hardened number 8, Vermeulen has been the Springboks’ backbone for over a decade. His power and game sense define big-match rugby.

12. Tadhg Furlong

Furlong is the gold standard for modern props — powerful, mobile, and skilled with the ball in hand. He’s been a cornerstone in Ireland’s forward dominance.

11. Maro Itoje

A relentless disruptor and lineout technician, Itoje is one of the smartest and most athletic forwards of his era. His timing and presence elevate every team he plays for.

10. Cheslin Kolbe

Tiny in stature, enormous in impact — Kolbe’s dazzling footwork and acceleration make him one of the most electric wings the game has ever seen. His solo try in the 2019 World Cup final cemented his legacy.

9. Alun Wyn Jones

With more international appearances than any other player, Jones has been the ironman of modern rugby. His leadership, toughness, and set-piece mastery made him Wales’ heartbeat for over a decade.

8. Ardie Savea

Equally comfortable at 7 or 8, Savea combines brute force with silky ball skills. His unmatched work rate and physicality have made him a standout All Black since his debut.

7. Owen Farrell

The face of English rugby for over a decade, Farrell is known for his steely focus, elite goal kicking, and tactical brain. His fiery competitiveness has made him both respected and feared.

6. Johnny Sexton

A generational fly-half, Sexton has guided Ireland to historic highs with his clutch kicking and brilliant distribution. His longevity and leadership are testaments to his elite preparation and heart.

5. Jonah Lomu

The most iconic figure in rugby history, Lomu was a once-in-a-lifetime athlete. His raw power and terrifying pace redefined what a wing could be — and terrified defenses globally.

4. Siya Kolisi

More than a world-class flanker, Kolisi became a symbol of unity and hope. The first Black Springbok captain, he led South Africa to back-to-back World Cup titles with passion, humility, and strength.

3. Antoine Dupont

Considered by many as the best current player in the world, Dupont is a scrum-half with vision, control, and explosive power. He has taken French rugby to new heights with his sheer brilliance.

2. Dan Carter

The ultimate fly-half, Carter’s left boot, game IQ, and calm under pressure helped New Zealand dominate world rugby. His performance in the 2015 World Cup final was a masterclass in control and poise.

1. Richie McCaw

No one defined greatness like McCaw. A tireless flanker, inspirational leader, and two-time World Cup-winning captain, he set the standard for what it means to be the best — and stayed there for over a decade.