A year is a long time in rugby union, and the Telegraph’s latest annual rundown of the top players required major surgery.
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Seven names from last year’s list – including stars like Louis Rees-Zammit, Steven Kitshoff, and Owen Farrell – departed the Premiership or the United Rugby Championship, leaving room for fresh faces and form players.
This year’s list reflects the growing influence of Scotland, thanks to Glasgow Warriors’ resurgence and the national side’s success. Meanwhile, Wales and Ulster endured tougher times, impacting their representation.
Here’s the definitive 2024 countdown from the Telegraph:
30. George Ford – Sale Sharks
The Veteran Maestro
Ford’s autumn for England was a grind, but his class remains undeniable. Expect the experienced fly-half to stay pivotal for Sale and England in 2025.
29. Ellis Genge – Bristol Bears
Bristol’s Bulldozer
Genge’s leadership and aggression fueled a thrilling Premiership run for Bristol. Though 2024 wasn’t plain sailing, his performance against Ireland reminded everyone why he’s indispensable.
28. Julián Montoya – Leicester Tigers
The Argentine Warrior
The lone hooker on this list, Montoya’s tireless jackalling and physicality keep him at the heart of Tigers’ pack. His upcoming move to Pau marks the end of an era for Leicester.
27. Tomos Williams – Gloucester
The Welsh Wizard
Since joining Gloucester, Williams has been electric. His Lions prospects grow with every dazzling display. Wales will hope his fitness holds for a sustained Test run.
26. Juarno Augustus – Northampton Saints
Trokkie Takes Off
The South African powerhouse delivered breakthrough performances in 2024. Ulster will welcome his game-breaking carries when he joins them next season.
25. Fin Smith – Northampton Saints
The Ice-Man Fly-Half
Maturity beyond his years. Smith’s composure helped Northampton conquer Munster and the Bulls in the Champions Cup. England caps surely beckon.
24. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso – Exeter Chiefs
The Human Highlight Reel
With explosive speed and aerial prowess, Feyi-Waboso terrorizes defenses. His challenge in 2025? Overcoming heightened opposition focus.
23. Pedro Rubiolo – Newcastle Falcons/Bristol Bears
Argentina’s Rising Star
Rubiolo’s relentless physicality shines for both club and country. Injuries have hampered him, but his potential is sky-high.
22. Tommy Freeman – Northampton Saints
The Dynamic All-Rounder
Freeman’s versatility makes him invaluable for club and country. Whether in midfield or on the wing, he delivers intelligent, incisive rugby.
21. Jac Morgan – Ospreys
Wales’ Tireless Titan
Morgan embodies grit and determination. His all-action displays were the lone bright spot in a tough autumn for Wales.
20. Jack Dempsey – Glasgow Warriors
Scotland’s Secret Weapon
Dempsey’s dynamic carrying and defensive nous make him a cornerstone for both Glasgow and Scotland. A Lions spot is in sight.
19. Ben Earl – Saracens
England’s Engine Room
Earl’s consistency powers Saracens. While errors have crept into his game, his tireless work-rate ensures his place among the elite.
18. Scott Cummings – Glasgow Warriors
The Line-Out General
Cummings’ URC final heroics typify his value. A vital cog in Glasgow’s machine and a stalwart for Scotland.
17. Matt Fagerson – Glasgow Warriors
The Combative Flanker
Fagerson’s blend of skill and steel underpins Glasgow’s success. A quiet leader who lets his performances do the talking.
16. Alex Mitchell – Northampton Saints
England’s Livewire 9
Mitchell’s speed and sharpness elevate Northampton and England. His decision-making at the breakdown is razor-sharp.
15. Duhan van der Merwe – Edinburgh
Scotland’s Try Machine
With 30 tries in 44 Tests, Van der Merwe is Scotland’s talismanic finisher. Defenders beware.
14. Pierre Schoeman – Edinburgh
Scrum Beast
A fan favorite, Schoeman anchors Scotland’s set-piece while providing punchy carries in open play.
13. Zander Fagerson – Glasgow Warriors
The Durable Prop
Playing three consecutive 80-minute knockout games? Unreal. Fagerson’s endurance and power set him apart.
12. Sam Underhill – Bath
The Breakdown Beast
Underhill’s ability to disrupt opposition ball is unmatched. He’s evolving into a complete back-rower.
11. Huw Jones – Glasgow Warriors
Scotland’s Line-Breaker
Jones’ ability to unlock defenses makes him Scotland’s midfield magician.
10. Rory Darge – Glasgow Warriors
The Young Gun
A menace at the breakdown, Darge’s physicality and tenacity drive Glasgow forward.
9. Darcy Graham – Edinburgh
The Pocket Rocket
Graham’s dazzling footwork and fearless jackalling are key weapons for Edinburgh and Scotland.
8. Maro Itoje – Saracens
The Line-Out Maestro
Itoje remains a defensive colossus. His dominance in the air is unrivaled.
7. Juan Martín González – Saracens
Pumas’ Phenomenon
Wherever he plays, González shines. His athleticism and flair are game-changers.
6. Marcus Smith – Harlequins
The Maverick Tamer
Smith’s attacking genius now comes with defensive steel. England’s creative linchpin.
5. Benhard Janse van Rensburg – Bristol Bears
The Centre of Attention
Equally adept at attack and defense, Van Rensburg is the Bears’ midfield maestro.
4. Finn Russell – Bath
The Kicking King
Russell’s tactical kicking and vision are sublime. Now, he needs silverware to cap his brilliance.
3. Handré Pollard (Leicester Tigers)
The Ice-Cold Playmaker
Frills are few and far between in Pollard’s performances, which is not to disparage the double World Cup champion in the slightest. The man is a serial winner with an ice-cool mentality on the biggest occasions. His distribution, in the shape of cross-kicks and slung passes, should not be underestimated either. A cornerstone for Leicester Tigers, Pollard remains a fly-half every team envies.
2. Thomas du Toit (Bath)
The All-Terrain Titan
Scrummaging on both sides and plundering powerful tries, Du Toit is shaping up to be one of the best Premiership signings in recent years. Despite Bath’s loss to Northampton in last season’s domestic final, the South African prop was immense. His country’s front-row depth limits his Springboks minutes, but at Bath, Du Toit is very much the main man.
1. Sione Tuipulotu (Glasgow Warriors)
The Complete Centre
Versatility is often referred to in a positional sense, and Tuipulotu certainly fits the bill, comfortably shifting between 12 and 13. More impressive, though, is the 27-year-old’s range of assets. He’s a punchy north-south carrier with footwork and acceleration to take on outside shoulders. Add deft passing to unlock defenses, and Tuipulotu is the full package. A Lions tour beckons, and he will press hard for a Test spot.
Verdict: Scotland’s Stars Shine Bright
This list captures the ever-changing nature of rugby, with new names emerging and veterans reaffirming their dominance. Scotland’s resurgence is undeniable, with Tuipulotu and Glasgow Warriors leading the way. Across the border, the Premiership remains as competitive as ever, with players like Pollard and Du Toit cementing their status as global stars.
As we look ahead to 2025, one thing is clear: this is a golden age for domestic rugby.
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