It’s a question often asked, but who is the fastest rugby player in the world?
We’ve checked the stats and simulated how a 100m race would finish based on international rugby stars top speeds reached in matches during 2020 and 2021.
It’s fair to say it would be a VERY CLOSE finish.
* This list doesn’t include sevens players.
Image credit: Erik van Leeuwen, attribution: Erik van Leeuwen (bron: Wikipedia).
FIFTH. ANTHONY WATSON – England – 11.2 SECONDS (100m)
- Current age 27
- Major teams Bath Rugby, British and Irish Lions, England Saxons, England Under-20s, London Irish, England
- Position Fullback, Wing
- Height 6 ft 2 in
- Weight 205 lb
Once ran a 100 metres in 11.2 seconds at a school sports day and his raw pace saw the 21-year-old have a trial for Premier League giants Chelsea. Helped England Under-20s beat Wales in the final of the 2013 Junior World Cup before making the step up to the Test side.
DID YOU KNOW? Watson played for England in the 2011 under 20s 6 Nations Championship at the age of 17