RUCK's Team of 2025 - Part 2: Forwards

Wednesday, 10 December 2025 at 09:44

byTom Sansom

With just a few weeks left of 2025, it's time to review the past 12 months of rugby action and pick out the best players of the year. Following on from our earlier article that ran down the best backs that have lit up the pitch throughout 2025, it's now time to bring the forwards into the fray with a plethora of stand out performers from number one to eight.

What a calendar year it has been across the club and country landscape. France and England triumphed in their respective Men's and Women's Six Nations efforts before Bath then won an unprecedented treble across their Premiership, Prem Cup and Challenge Cup campaigns. The pinnacle Champions Cup title was awarded to Bordeaux-Begles for the first time in history, whilst Leinster ended their arduous wait to win their first league title in the URC era and the Crusaders were once again crowned kings of Super Rugby.

Gloucester-Hartpury completed an incredible 'three-peat' of PWR titles, before a sensational Summer then saw England crowned Women's Rugby World Cup winners upon home soil. Down in the Southern Hemisphere, the British & Irish Lions successfully toured across Australia for a 2-1 series win, before the Springboks claimed their first consecutive Rugby Championship crown in the closest iteration of the tournament in recent memory. The draw has been confirmed for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, with Samoa the final team to qualify after winning the dramatic repecharge final over Belguim in Dubai.

Quite a lot to get into then, with plenty more thrilling club action not able to get a shout out amongst the packed rugby calendar year. In this article, we are giving the front row, locks and back row their dues as we celebrate the best from one to eight for 2025. As the old saying goes, it's the forwards that win the match, the backs only decide by how much. Here's RUCK's picks for the best forwards of 2025.

LOOSE-HEAD PROPS

Honourable Mentions: Andrew Porter (Ireland, Lions and Leinster), James Slipper (Australia and Brumbies)

We commence our picks for the world's best forwards with the one and only Ox Nche. The man who coined every prop's favourite phrase 'salads don't win scrums', proved once again why he truly is the number one of number ones. Nche was immovable for the Springboks, as Rassie Erasmus' men won the Rugby Championship, following a Summer of success against the Barbarians and Italy.

Nche was a pillar for the Sharks, as the Durban side reached the semi-finals of the URC campaign before an defeat to South African rivals the Bulls. Nche suffered a troublesome knee and ankle injury back in October, yet his proceeding 10 months did more than enough to secure a spot in World Rugby's Dream Team for the whole of 2025. Joining Nche upon our shortlist are two stars from Bristol Bears, as Ashton Gate proudly boasts two of the world's greatest loose-heads.

Ellis Genge had a brilliant campaign with both club and country, as Bristol Bears reached the play-offs of the Premiership following a resurgent season. Genge excelled in England's impressive Six Nations efforts, as Steve Borthwick's side finished second in the rankings having pushed champions France all the way to Super Saturday to decide the title. Genge then enjoyed a Summer on tour with the British & Irish Lions, as the Baby Rhino donned the famous red and traded Test match starts with Ireland's Andrew Porter - an honourable mention to our picks of the year.

Sticking with Bristol, we've handed the third loose-head spot of the year to Red Roses' icon Hannah Botterman. The 26-year-old remains to be one of the most inspirational players in world rugby, with a generation of young players looking up to 'Botts' both on and off their pitch. Botterman kept no secret about her intentions to become the best loose-head in the world, after going up against arguably the world's best in Hope Rogers, as England dismantled the USA in the opening round of the Women's Rugby World Cup. Botterman was breathless for the Red Roses in an unforgettable World Cup triumph, with her performances now transcending the pitch for both Bristol and England.

1. Ellis Genge (England, Lions and Bristol Bears)

2. Ox Nche (South Africa and Hollywoodbets Sharks)

3. Hannah Botterman (England and Bristol Bears Women)

HOOKERS

Honourable Mentions: Lark Atkin-Davies (England and Bristol Bears), Peato Mauvaka (France and Toulouse)

What more can be said about the world’s best hooker? In 2025, Malcolm Marx became the first hooker since Keith Wood in 2001 to be crowned World Rugby Men’s Player of the Year, cementing his legacy as the most complete number two of the modern era.

Returning from injury with a vengeance, Marx was immovable in the Springboks’ retained Rugby Championship triumph, setting the tone in every collision and dictating the tempo of South Africa’s brutal set-piece dominance. For Kubota Spears, he was equally monstrous, the beating heart of a pack that bullied its way through the Japanese Rugby League One season. In a year stacked with elite hooker displays, Marx stood alone. If Marx is the present, Dan Sheehan is the irresistible future. The Leinster powerhouse delivered a career-defining campaign, anchoring the province’s URC title run with dynamic carrying and surgical accuracy at the line-out.

Sheehan’s leadership reached unprecedented heights, as he was entrusted with the captaincy for both Ireland and even a British & Irish Lions mid-week side, a rare honour and a testament to his standing within northern hemisphere rugby. His influence in the Lions’ victorious tour of Australia cannot be overstated, as Sheehan produced commanding performances that showcased both maturity and menace. He enters 2026 as arguably the only hooker capable of dethroning Marx.

Argentina’s undisputed king of the middle row, Julián Montoya remains one of the most inspirational captains in world rugby. His leadership defined Los Pumas’ historic 2025 season, beginning with their stunning victory over the Lions in Dublin, a seismic upset that shook the foundations of northern hemisphere rugby.

Montoya then steered Argentina to wins over both Australia and New Zealand, contributing to one of the tightest Rugby Championships in memory. At club level, he signed off his Leicester Tigers stint by guiding the side to a Premiership final before embarking on a new challenge with Pau, where he has rediscovered his relentless best. A statesman, a warrior, and still one of the world's elite hookers.

1. Malcolm Marx (South Africa and Kubota Spears)

2. Dan Sheehan (Ireland, Lions and Leinster)

3. Julian Montoya (Argentina and Section Paloise)

TIGHT-HEAD PROP

Honourable Mentions: Will Stuart (England, Lions and Bath), Finlay Bealham (Ireland, Lions and Connacht), Tevita Tatafu (France and Bayonne)

There was no tighter head than Thomas du Toit in 2025, a man drenched in silverware after a season for the ages. The Bath titan completed an astonishing treble, lifting the Premiership, Premiership Rugby Cup and Challenge Cup before slotting seamlessly back into Springbok green.

South Africa’s summer sweep of Italy, Georgia and the Barbarians showcased du Toit at his belligerent best, setting a platform that later powered the Boks to yet another Rugby Championship crown. It was a year of relentless dominance from a prop playing the best rugby of his career, Bath fans will miss their resident tank engine as he returns to South Africa at the end of the PREM Rugby season.

Moving on to benchmark of the modern tight-head, Tadhg Furlong once again showcased why he is one of Ireland’s all-time greats. His scrummaging steel and unrivaled mobility were central to Leinster’s URC title, while his veteran influence anchored the British & Irish Lions’ triumphant tour of Australia. Andy Farrell placed unwavering trust in Furlong as his first-choice number three, and the Wexford powerhouse repaid that faith with a series of evergreen performances against the Wallabies. In a year of rising stars, Furlong remained the immovable constant.

Now, the breakout tight-head of world rugby, Fletcher Newell stormed into the global elite in 2025. New Zealand’s summer trilogy of victories over France announced the Crusaders prop as the All Blacks’ next great cornerstone, with his scrummaging sharpness and destructive carrying impossible to ignore. Newell then helped drive the Crusaders to yet another Super Rugby title, before backing up Canterbury’s charge to the NPC championship in their win over Otago. A powerhouse with world-class potential fully realised, Newell’s rise mirrors the emergence of a new-look All Blacks pack.

1. Thomas du Toit (South Africa and Bath)

2. Tadhg Furlong (Ireland, Lions and Leinster)

3. Fletcher Newell (New Zealand and Crusaders)

LOCK 4

Honourable Mentions: Maia Roos (New Zealand and Blues Women), Morwenna Talling (England and Sale Sharks Women), RG Snyman (South Africa and Leinster)

The engine room is stacked with world-class talent, but the left-side lock position produced three performers who towered above the rest in 2025. From resurgent veterans to breakout sensations, these athletes defined their nations’ set-piece success and delivered season-long excellence at club level.

Maro Itoje’s return to his imperious best was one of the defining narratives of 2025. The Saracens talisman delivered breathtaking form across all three jerseys he wore, culminating in captaining the British & Irish Lions to a 2–1 Test Series win over Australia, in a feat that reaffirmed his status as one of the most influential forwards of his generation.

Itoje was monumental in England’s Six Nations push, then inspirational throughout an unbeaten Autumn Series that included a heroic victory over New Zealand at Twickenham. In steering England to only their ninth ever home win against the All Blacks, Itoje reminded the rugby world that few players bend big moments to their will quite like him. A lock in full command of his powers.

A revelation in black this year, Fabian Holland emerged as the breakout star of the All Blacks pack. The towering Highlander was deservedly named World Rugby Breakout Player of the Year, edging highly rated English flanker Henry Pollock for the honour. Holland became the heartbeat of the Highlanders’ revival, and his performances on the Test stage — particularly throughout New Zealand’s victories over France — showcased maturity far beyond his years. Athletic, intelligent, and relentless, Holland cemented himself as the next great All Blacks lock, with a ceiling that seems to rise every month.

Even with the unfortunate shadow of his late-year 12-match suspension for eye-gouging, Eben Etzebeth’s 2025 output was simply too extraordinary to ignore. The Springbok titan produced one of the finest seasons of his storied career, dominating collisions and dictating tempo with trademark ferocity.

During the Rugby Championship, Etzebeth past the 150 cap mark to further his legacy as the most capped Springbok of all time, surpassing a historic milestone that underlines his career-long endurance. For the Sharks, he remained the emotional and physical pillar of their URC campaign, consistently producing game-shaping moments. Controversy aside, 2025 was a reminder that Etzebeth is still one of the most fearsome and effective locks in world rugby.

1. Maro Itoje (England, Lions and Saracens)

2. Fabian Holland (New Zealand and Highlanders)

3. Eben Etzebeth (South Africa and Hollywoodbets Sharks)

LOCK 5

Honourable Mentions: Manae Feleu (France and Grenoble Amazones), Ollie Chessum (England and Leicester Tigers), Abbie Ward (England and Bristol Bears Women)

Sophie de Goede was the heartbeat of the Women’s Rugby World Cup, rightly earning Player of the Tournament and World Rugby Women’s Player of the Year honours. Leading a massively underfunded Canadian side to the final, de Goede’s leadership and performance were nothing short of spectacular, though silver rather than gold awaited her team.

Across the campaign, she was peerless in attack, defense, and set-piece work, consistently inspiring teammates in every match. Her excellence extended to Saracens in the Premier 15s, where she looked to end Gloucester-Hartpury’s championship reign. De Goede’s 2025 season confirmed her as a world-class lock, respected by opponents and admired by fans globally.

The Iron Man of 2025, Tadhg Beirne’s performances across three fronts — Ireland, Munster, and the Lions — cemented his reputation as arguably the best lock in men’s rugby. Lions Player of the Series honours barely capture his influence, with Beirne pivotal in Munster’s URC playoff run and Ireland’s dominant campaigns.

Intelligent, physical, and tactically astute, he repeatedly turned tight moments into advantage, with lineout brilliance and breakdown dominance marking him as a cornerstone of every side he represents. The decision between Beirne and de Goede for the top spot was as close as it gets, highlighting the quality at this position in 2025.

The unsung hero of the Springboks, Ruan Nortje combined ferocious work rate with technical mastery throughout 2025. Anchoring the Bulls’ forward pack, Nortje’s presence was felt in every ruck, maul, and defensive set-piece. Known for his tireless engine, the lock consistently provided the foundation for South Africa’s success in the Rugby Championship and domestic competitions. Though quieter in the headlines compared to peers, Nortje’s influence on both the scoreboard and momentum was undeniable, making him one of the most reliable and effective locks of the year.

1. Sophie de Goede (Canada and Saracens)

2. Tadhg Beirne (Ireland, Lions and Munster)

3. Ruan Nortje (South Africa and Vodacom Bulls)

BLINDSIDE FLANKER

Honourable Mentions: Pablo Matera (Argentina and Mie Honda Heat), Chandler Cunningham-South (England and Harlequins), Piper Duck (Australia and Waratahs Women)

Formerly Zoe Aldcroft, Stratford completed an unforgettable 2025 by captaining England to Women’s Rugby World Cup glory. Her influence at Gloucester-Hartpury was equally impressive, securing a stunning treble of successive PWR league titles. Already a former World Player of the Year, Stratford remains firmly in the conversation as one of the world’s best, blending uncompromising defense with intelligent leadership and an ability to turn matches in her side’s favour

The former World Player of the Year continued to impress across multiple fronts in 2025. Shortlisted for this year’s pinnacle individual award — eventually claimed by Springboks teammate Malcolm Marx — du Toit was phenomenal for South Africa in the Rugby Championship, Summer internationals, and Autumn series. His power, skill, and versatility extend to club rugby in Japan’s Top League, where he led Toyota Verblitz to a finals appearance. A generational talent, du Toit continues to redefine what it means to be a world-class blindside flanker.

From break-out star to established world-class performer in record time, Wallace Sititi has taken the Chiefs and All Blacks by storm. Known for his relentless work at the breakdown and ability to dominate collisions, Sititi combines raw power with intelligent positional play. 2025 has firmly marked him as one of the premier flankers in global rugby, a player capable of turning tight contests with his influence on both attack and defense.

1. Zoe Stratford (England and Gloucester-Hartpury)

2. Pieter-Steph du Toit (South Africa and Toyota Verblitz)

3. Wallace Sititi (New Zealand and Chiefs)

OPENSIDE FLANKER

Honourable Mentions: Henry Pollock (England, Lions and Northampton Saints), Sadia Kabeya (England and Harlequins Women), Josh van der Flier (Ireland and Leinster)

Tom Curry reaffirmed his status as one of the greatest flankers of his generation, earning a place in the World Rugby Team of the Year following a phenomenal 2025. Despite long-standing injury concerns and predictions that his career could be curtailed, Curry produced some of his finest performances yet in an England jersey.

His influence was immense throughout the Six Nations and his Summer stint with the British & Irish Lions, where his physicality, work-rate, and jackaling mastery set the tone for the tourists. A warrior in every sense, Curry continues to defy expectations and redefine the limits of durability and excellence on the flank.

Arguably the Wallabies’ standout performer during the British & Irish Lions tour, Fraser McReight was impervious to the pressure of rugby’s rarest spectacle. Whether representing the Queensland Reds or donning the gold of Australia, McReight was relentless — a turnover maestro and tackle machine who refused to wilt in the firestorm of Test-level intensity. His 2025 season reminded the world that Australia’s openside tradition remains alive and well, with McReight carrying shades of George Smith and David Pocock in his all-action style.

One of the most compelling rugby stories of 2025 was the seamless transition of Jorja Miller from sevens superstar to XVs sensation. Fresh off winning Olympic gold at Paris 2024, Miller slotted straight into the Black Ferns setup and delivered a tremendous Rugby World Cup campaign, even as New Zealand fell short of the final.

Routinely featuring in RUCK’s Team of the Week selections, Miller’s explosiveness, breakdown precision, and unmatched engine made her a fan favourite and a cornerstone of the Women’s Team of the Year. With PWR and Super Rugby Aupiki clubs already preparing to battle for her signature, Miller’s future superstardom feels all but inevitable.

1. Tom Curry (England, Lions and Sale Sharks)

2. Fraser McReight (Australia and Queensland Reds)

3. Jorja Miller (New Zealand)

NUMBER EIGHT

Honourable Mentions: Ben Earl (England, Lions and Saracens), Tom Willis (England and Saracens)

Harry Wilson has reached a new level in 2025 — a level that has seen him widely described as the best number eight in the world right now. Brilliant throughout the British & Irish Lions tour, Wilson carried that form into a breathtaking Rugby Championship campaign, where his physicality, handling skill and relentless work-rate were central to Australia’s resurgence.

The Reds powerhouse has developed into one of the most complete back-rowers in the modern game: a destructive carrier, dominant defender and lineout option who thrives in high-pressure moments. Still just 24, Wilson has emerged as the Wallabies’ cornerstone and a generational figure in Australian rugby’s revival.

Ardie Savea spent 2025 reminding the rugby world why he is one of the most influential players of his generation. The All Blacks superstar has taken a planned sabbatical back to Japan, rejoining Kobelco Kobe Steelers for the 2025/26 Rugby League One season — one of the biggest signings in the league’s history.

After his stint in Japan, Savea will return to Moana Pasifika for the majority of the 2026 Super Rugby campaign. On the international stage, he was as electrifying as ever, leading from the front during New Zealand’s summer trilogy of wins over France and spearheading their Rugby Championship efforts. A world-class leader of men and a once-in-a-generation talent, Savea continues to set the standard for the modern number eight.

The heartbeat of the Springboks rounds off this year’s selections. Siya Kolisi may have featured frequently on the blindside flank in Rassie Erasmus’ recent Test plans, but he remains a mainstay at number eight for the Sharks and continues to deliver world-class performances in both roles.

Kolisi was immense throughout South Africa’s near-perfect 2025, a calendar year that saw the Boks suffer only two defeats — to Australia and New Zealand in the Rugby Championship — and ultimately secure back-to-back Rugby Championship titles for the first time under his captaincy.

As Erasmus penned a new six-year contract extension, Kolisi’s status as the man to lead South Africa into the 2027 Rugby World Cup has only strengthened. A phenomenal, enigmatic figure that is beloved by the South African people, Kolisi backs up his leadership with match-winning physicality and a relentless competitive edge. Rumours circulate that he could head to Japan to join Kobe Steelers — potentially replacing Ardie Savea once the All Black returns to Moana Pasifika — but wherever he plays, Kolisi remains one of the sport’s true icons.