Speed is an important factor in all sports, and things are no different in rugby union.
There have been a lot of fast players to play the 15 aside game at international level, and some of them have even been the best players in the game.
A race, or set of races, would definitely be the easiest way to settle the debate about the fastest players, but that will never happen for a number of reasons—one being that some players on this list are retired.
In any case, we will try and sort out who are some of the fastest rugby players to have played the game.
Here they are. Enjoy
#5. JONNY MAY – England – 10.71 SECONDS (100M)
The speedster clocked 10.71 for the 100 metres. With a strong argument to be England’s quickest wide man ever, May is gradually improving his finishing prowess and is now arguably the first name on the team-sheet for head coach Eddie Jones.
#4=. JONAH LOMU – NZ – 10.70 SECONDS (100M)
Will Carling famously labelled Lomu a ‘freak’ after his four-try show in 1995, and for a man of such bulk, it’s remarkable he was clocked at 10.7 sec 100m time. Lomu could ‘gas’ opponents as much as steamroller them and his first of two tries against France in the 1999 World Cup semi, and many of his Counties Manukau scores showed he had more than enough top-end pace for a wide-man.
#4=. CHESLIN KOLBE – SA – 10.70 SECONDS (100M)
This was the Springbok speedsters time from school so he could be possible even quicker now!
#2. JOE ROKOCOKO – NZ – 10.66 SECONDS (100M)
Smokin’ Joe Rokocoko didn’t earn his nickname for nothing, as the Fijian-born All Black winger left defences scratching their heads throughout his time with the All Blacks and Blues. The winger ran a 10.66 in his prime – a great time for a man of his size and stature.
#1. BRYAN HABANA – SOUTH AFRICA -10.4 SECONDS (100M)
The speedster made his debut in 2005 and managed to score a try with his first touch of the ball. Since then the winger has become a prolific try scorer, showing blistering pace for the Springboks, Bulls, Stormers and Toulon. Habana’s best 100m time is captured at 10.4 seconds. He also once raced a Cheetah.
Bryan Habana of South Africa gives the thumbs up after his side wins the Bronze final during the Rugby World Cup Bronze Final match between Argentina and South Africa at The Stadium, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park on Oct 30th 2015 in London - Photo mandatory by-line: Graeme Truby/Pinnacle - Tel: +44(0)1363 881025 - Mobile:0797 1270 681 - VAT Reg No: 183700120 - SPORT - International Rugby
