The term ‘world-class’ gets thrown around far too easily in modern rugby.
At RUCK, we believe the label should be reserved for players who are genuinely among the very best in the world in their position — not simply those with a big reputation or an impressive highlights reel.
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Every player on this list has, at some stage, deserved that status. Some have won World Cups, others have starred for the British & Irish Lions, while several were once almost automatic selections in a World XV.
But rugby moves quickly.
To be clear, most of these players remain very good — some are still outstanding on their day. This is not a list of players who are finished, washed up or no longer capable of performing at Test level.
It is simply about the very top table.
Based on their current level, can they still honestly be described as one of the very best players in the world in their position?
For these 10 superstars, we’re no longer convinced.
10. Tom Curry
At his peak, Curry was one of the most feared flankers in world rugby.
The Sale Sharks and England star was relentless over the ball, brutal in defence and mature far beyond his years, becoming a British & Irish Lion and one of England’s most important players.
He remains a very good international forward, and this is certainly not a claim that he is finished.
But injuries, time out of the side and the rise of other elite back-rowers mean Curry has slipped from the very top table.
Still excellent? Absolutely.
Still world-class? That is now a much tougher argument.
9. Sam Underhill
Underhill produced one of the great England performances against New Zealand in the 2019 Rugby World Cup semi-final.
At his best, the flanker was a brutal defender capable of completely changing the momentum of a match.
His partnership with Curry became the foundation of England’s run to the World Cup final, with the pair briefly considered among the finest back-row combinations in the game.
Underhill remains an excellent player who can still produce huge performances.
However, injuries have taken their toll and he is no longer the terrifying force who once looked capable of dominating any back-row battle.
Very good? Without question.
Among the best flankers in the world right now? Probably not.
8. Gaël Fickou
For several years, Fickou had a genuine claim to being the most complete centre in world rugby.
Powerful, intelligent and exceptional defensively, the Frenchman was a central figure in his country’s return to the top table.
His defensive leadership was particularly important, while his ability to cover both midfield positions made him invaluable.
Now deep into his international career, his influence has inevitably declined.
Fickou remains a classy and hugely experienced operator, but the gap between his reputation and his current standing among the world’s best centres has grown.
Still very good. No longer world-class.
7. Bongi Mbonambi
A two-time Rugby World Cup winner and one of the most physical hookers of his generation.
Mbonambi was once an automatic contender whenever the best front-rowers in the world were discussed.
His aggression, set-piece work and ability to impose himself on major matches made him a key part of South Africa’s dominance.
He remains an important player and an intimidating opponent.
However, age and injuries have begun to catch up with him, while a new generation of elite hookers has emerged.
Mbonambi is still capable of operating at the highest level, but is he still among the very best number twos in the world?
We’re not convinced.
6. George Ford
Ford has been one of England’s most intelligent and influential players for more than a decade.
At his peak, his game management, tactical kicking and ability to control matches made him one of the finest fly-halves in Test rugby.
Few players can read a game better.
He can still take control of a match and remains a very good international number 10, but world-class is a different standard.
It is increasingly difficult to argue that Ford belongs in the same bracket as the very best fly-halves on the planet.
Still a top player. Just no longer at the very top table.
