10 best rugby players in the world 2025 updated (Ranked 10-1)

France showed their flair in a controlled win over Fiji, Ireland tore through Australia with ruthless precision, and Argentina capped the round with a statement comeback victory in Edinburgh.

This Top 10 is based solely on performances from this weekend’s matches — not reputation, not past form, just pure impact on the pitch.

A thrilling afternoon from Ollie Lawrence lit up the outside channels. He showed the full range of his skillset—power, pace, and vision—scoring one try, setting up Fraser Dingwall for another, and constantly battering the All Black defence. It was the kind of performance that demands attention.

Leadership was what Wales needed in the closing stages, and Dewi Lake provided exactly that. His physicality was obvious, but it was his calmness under pressure that really helped Wales finally shut down a tight Test match. He looked every inch a long-term cornerstone for this side.

Among South Africa’s heavy lifters, Ruan Nortje stood tall once again. With the Springboks adapting after another early setback, he churned through a mountain of work—quietly influential, relentlessly dependable, and vital to their forward dominance.

Few players commanded the air like Rodrigo Isgro did. His mastery under the high ball turned into a highlight reel, and he was central to Argentina’s huge second-half resurgence.

Improvement was the headline for Joe Heyes, who, alongside Fin Baxter, took on a notoriously strong New Zealand scrum and held his own impressively. His growth was clear in both the set-piece and the loose, marking one of his most assured Test showings.

For England, so many of their numbers once again pointed toward Ben Earl. Whether carrying, tackling, or linking play, he delivered another tireless, high-impact performance from the base of the scrum—now a trademark of his England career.

Emotions ran high at Murrayfield, and Pablo Matera channelled every bit of that intensity. He came on, seized control, and refused to accept the narrative of the match as written. His presence alone seemed to shift momentum—a leader’s performance in every sense.

Hat-tricks don’t come easily, but Mack Hansen made his look effortless, crossing three times in just 27 minutes. His finishing and work rate were exceptional, reaffirming why Andy Farrell rates him so highly.

England’s attack was once again shaped by the steady hands of George Ford. An early spiral bomb rattled the opposition, and a pair of drop goals hauled England back into the match. While his kicking from the tee wobbled, his tactical control in the second half was masterful.

And then there was Santiago Carreras, who spent his day spearheading the Pumas comeback. His influence was irresistible—creative, daring, and decisive—and the result was a performance that will stick long in the memory, especially north of the border.