Best Rugby Players of the 21st Century: Ranked 21–1

Thursday, 07 May 2026 at 17:12

byTom Sansom

From unforgettable Rugby World Cup triumphs to dominance across the European club stage, the men's game is awash with countless icons that have defined the past two and a half decades.

So, we have taken on the tall order of picking out the world's greatest men's players, that have taken the sport of rugby union to new heights, since the 21st Century began on January 1st 2001.

They say you can't please all of the people, all of the time, and that is certainly going to be the case with this list. Throughout the past 25 years of professional rugby, there has been an abundance of players that rightfully deserve the recognition of being 'all-time greats' of the game.

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It was an arduous process of elimination, and we can assure you that some of your favourites have not made the list (because some of ours didn't, either). We'll dive straight in with a short-list of honourable mentions that just failed to make the grade, before counting down the 21 best men's players from the 21st Century so far...

HONOURABLE MENTIONS:

FINN RUSSELL / STUART HOGG / DAVID POCOCK / MICHAEL HOOPER / MA'A NONU / SAM WHITELOCK / BRODIE RETALLICK / AARON SMITH / KEITH WOOD / CIAN HEALY / RONAN O'GARA / LAWRENCE DALLAGLIO / LEWIS MOODY/ SHANE WILLIAMS / JUSTIN TIPURIC / SERGIO PARRISE / JOHN SMIT / FOURIE DU PREEZ / MALCOLM MARX / VICTOR MATFIELD

THE 21 GREATEST PLAYERS OF THE 21ST CENTURY (SO FAR...)

21. THIERRY DUSATOIR (FRANCE)

ACCOLADES

CLUB: 5x Top 14 (2005, 2006, 2008, 2011, 2012) / 1x Champions Cup (2011)

COUNTRY: 80 Caps - 2010 Six Nations Grand Slam / 2011 Rugby World Cup Runner-Up

INDIVIDUAL: 2011 World Rugby Player of the Year

Considered by many to be the greatest French player this side of the new millennium before a certain magical scrum half stole the spotlight. Thierry Dusatoir was the heart-beat of Les Bleus for more than a decade, and boasts a decorated club resume across Biarritz and Toulon, bolstering his collection of winners medals. Dusatoir was at his peak for the 2011 Rugby World Cup, as he captained France to the final, in a gut-wrenching defeat to the All Blacks. Dusatoir's efforts earned him the World Player of the Year award, and cememnted his legacy as one of the all-time French greats.

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20. SAM WARBURTON (WALES)

ACCOLADES

CLUB: 2010 Challenge Cup

COUNTRY: 74 Caps - 2x Six Nations Winner (2012, 2013) / 2012 Six Nations Grand Slam / 2013 & 2017 Lions Tours

INDIVIDUAL: MBE (2018)

One of the longest serving stalwarts to the fabled red of Wales, Sam Warburton was a hall-mark name in the land across the river Severn soon after making his Test debut in 2009. A baby-faced back row, the Cardiff centurion was fast-tracked from the Wales development path-way and into the national team at just 19-years-old, as he steadily nailed his name to the first choice back row.

Warburton captained Wales throughout the 2011 Rugby World Cup, before lifting back-to-back Six Nations titles as skipper. The flanker holds the Wales record for the most caps as captain with 49, and his Lions record is equally as celebrated. A two-time captain upon the triumphant tour of Australia and the drawn series against the All Blacks, Warburton hung up the boots in 2017 once back from New Zealand.

19. GEORGE GREGAN (AUSTRALIA)

ACCOLADES:

CLUB: 2x Super Rugby (2001, 2004), France Pro D2 (2008), Japan Top League (2011)

COUNTRY: 1999 Rugby World Cup, 2x Tri Nations (2000 & 2001), 6x Bledisloe Cup (1994, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002)

INDIVIDUAL: Order of Australia 2004, Sport Australia Hall of Fame 2009, World Rugby Hall of Fame 2013

Next up is the man considered by many across the land down under as the finest Wallaby of the 21st Century. George Gregan entered the new Millennium firmly established as the first choice scrum half, having lifted the 1999 Rugby World Cup. Super Rugby glory quickly followed with the Brumbies, either side of leading Australia to the 2003 Rugby World Cup Final and the extra-time defeat to England. Gregan embodied a golden era of Australian success across the Southern Hemisphere, whilst also plying his trade with club success with Toulon and Suntory Sungoliath.

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18. CHESLIN KOLBE (SOUTH AFRICA)

ACCOLADES

CLUB: 1x Currie Cup (2014), 1x Champions Cup (2021), 2x Top 14 (2019 & 2021) 1x Challenge Cup (2023)

COUNTRY: 2x Rugby World Cup (2019 & 2023), 3x Rugby Championship (2019, 2024 & 2025), SA Sevens Olympic Bronze Medal (2016)

INDIVIDUAL: 2019 World Rugby Player of the Year Nominee, South Africa Men's Player of the Year (2024)

Our next entrant is the first of many South Africans on this list, as the explosive Springboks wing Cheslin Kolbe comes in at number 18. We hand an honourable mention to Wales and Lions great Shane Williams, yet Kolbe's back-to-back Rugby World Cup titles and recent Rugby Championship dominance gets the green and gold light. The wing has been a destructive force upon the touchlines since his Currie Cup debut with Western Province in 2009, and has gone on to collect a string of winners medals across Europe as part of an incredible Toulouse side.

17. ARDIE SAVEA (NEW ZEALAND)

ACCOLADES

CLUB: 2016 Super Rugby Winner

COUNTRY: 2023 Rugby World Cup Runner-Up, 7x Rugby Championship (2016, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023)

INDIVIDUAL: 2023 World Rugby Player of the Year, 2019 Nominee, World Rugby Dream Team (2021, 2023), Super Rugby Player of the Year (2025), Japan Rugby League One Player of the Year (2024)

Another first entrant in what will by no means be the final All Black on this list, Ardie Savea takes the spot at number 17 having marshalled New Zealand through a challenging, transitional period. Stepping up to star alongside the likes of Beauden Barrett, following the plethora of retirees following the 2015 Rugby World Cup, Savea has collected seven Rugby Championship winners medals and led New Zealand to the 2023 Rugby World Cup Final.

He was short-listed for the World Rugby Player of the Year award in 2019, before taking the coveted prize in 2023. Savea has coupled his storied All Blacks career with club campaigns across the Hurricanes, sabbaticals in Japan and captained the ultimate underdogs Moana Pasifika.

16. PAUL O'CONNELL (IRELAND)

ACCOLADES

CLUB: Heineken Cup (2006, 2008), Celtic League (2003, 2008, 2009), Celtic Cup (2005)

COUNTRY: 115 Caps (IRE & LIONS) Six Nations (2009, 2014, 2015), 2009 Grand Slam, 3x Lions Tours (2005, 2009, 2013) 3x Lions Series Wins

INDIVIDUAL: Captain of Back-to-Back Lions Series wins and Ireland Six Nations titles

Capeable of lifting up the most down-trodden of teammates and striking fear into the most confident opponents, Paul O'Connell defined the soul of the Ireland team throughout of recent years. Now plying his trade to the next generation as forwards coach, O'Connell is amongst the most revered names to ever wear the green of Ireland, or the red of the Lions for the matter.

O'Connell hung up the boots as Ireland's third most capped player, having claimed three Six Nations titles and toured the Lions trilogy of hosts. Also accomplished at club level, O'Connell captained his beloved Munster throughout the heralded golden years, bagging two European Cups, three league titles and the Celtic Cup with his long-served province.

15. BRYAN HABANA (SOUTH AFRICA)

ACCOLADES

CLUB: 2x Vodacom Cup (2003, 2004), 2009 Currie Cup, 2x Super Rugby (2007, 2009), 2x Champions Cup (2014, 2015), Top 14 2014

COUNTRY: 124 Caps - 2007 Rugby World Cup Winner, 2009 Tri Nations, 2009 British & Irish Lions Series Winner

INDIVIDUAL: 2007 World Rugby Player of the Year, 2023 World Rugby Hall of Fame, 3x South Africa Player of the Year (2005, 2007, 2012),

Now onto the man that re-defined what it meant to be a flying wing, as Bryan Habana is remembered as one of - if not the quickest player of a generation. The Springboks sensation went from running the length of the pitch to racing against cheetahs for promotional campaigns, such was his superstardom at his very peak. Apart of the 2007 Rugby World Cup winning squad and played a paramount role to glory, Habana backed this up by caging the British & Irish Lions for the 2009 Series win.

Habana claimed the World Rugby Player of the Year award in 2007, and went on to conquer Europe in the latter stages of his decorated career. A star signing among the many 'Galacticos' that descended upon Toulon throughout the early 2010s, Habana claimed back-to-back European titles, including the 2014 league and Champions Cup double in an unstoppable season in the South of France.

14. KIERAN READ (NEW ZEALAND)

ACCOLADES

CLUB: 4x Super Rugby (2008, 2017, 2018, 2019)

COUNTRY: 127 Caps - 2x Rugby World Cups (2011 & 2015), 2019 Rugby World Cup Bronze, 7x Tri Nations/ Rugby Championship, 11x Bledisloe Cup, 2017 British & Irish Lions Drawn Series

INDIVIDUAL: 2x New Zealand Rugby Player of the Year Winner (2010, 2013), 2013 World Rugby Player of the Year, 100 Test Starts

Grit personified. The thumping pulse of the All Blacks back row who never gave an inch, Kieran Read often ran in the shadows whilst his captain Richie McCaw took the spot-light. However, once the golden generation all hung up their boots following the 2015 Rugby World Cup, Read rose to the forefront for a flourishing finish to a phenomenal career in the black jersey and with his beloved Crusaders.

A double world cup winner, and held the 2017 Lions to a drawn series, Read ended his career as the fifth most capped All Black of all time. Bronze medals from the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan ended his career with 127 Test appearences, in a tenure dedicated to his homeland, with countless Super Rugby titles with the all-star Crusaders team that ruled the Tasman.

13. JONNY SEXTON (IRELAND)

ACCOLADES

CLUB: 4x Champions Cup (2009, 2011, 2012, 2018), 2013 Challenge Cup, 6x Pro14 (2008, 2013, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021), 2x Irish Shield (2022, 2023)

COUNTRY: 124 Caps (IRE 188, LIONS 6) - 5x Six Nations (2009, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2023) 2x British & Irish Lions Tourist

INDIVIDUAL: 2018 World Rugby Player of the Year, 2x Nominee (2014, 2022)

Without question a generational talent for the Irish team, whether you beloved his Leinster loyalty or fly the flag of one of the three other provinces. After paying his dues as the under-study and later successor to the great Ronan O'Gara, Sexton held down the Ireland 10 jersey for over a decade, following his debut in 2009, until his international retirement in 2024.

Sexton guided Ireland to the Six Nations summit on five incredible occasions, three of which were Grand Slam events and also enjoyed two tours in the iconic red of the British & Irish Lions. A true mastermind of the sport, Sexton could see space before it even emerged. He coupled his stunning international career with one of the finest European Cup winners medal collections ever accrued, along with six league titles in the deep blue of Leinster.

12. PIETER-STEPH DU TOIT (SOUTH AFRICA)

ACCOLADES

CLUB: 2013 Currie Cup

COUNTRY: 95 Caps - 2x Rugby World Cup (2019, 2023) 3x Rugby Championship (2019, 2024, 2025), 2021 British & Irish Lions Tour Series Winner, 2015 Rugby World Cup Bronze Medalist

INDIVIDUAL: 2x World Rugby Player of the Year (2019, 2024), World Rugby Dream Team of the Year 2024, 3x South Africa Player of the Year (2016, 2018, 2019)

Next up is a modern day icon who brings the 'old school' attitude. Pieter-Steph du Toit boasts a decorated resume of individual accolades and international accomplishments, as a two-time winner of both the Rugby World Cup and the World Rugby Player of the Year Award. He is certainly a generational talent, with rugby fans across all nationalities frustrated to see him spend club career on the hard-to-find Japan Rugby League One with Toyota Verblitz.

A complete all-rounder across both sides of the ball, du Toit combines one of the most bone-crunching tackles in the game with a powerful front foot drive and explosive line break. It is not an uncommon sight to see du Toit careening down the wing like a flying outside back, such is the multi-tool skill-set of the twice crowned best player in the world. A thorn in the side of the world's best teams, from the All Blacks and Wallabies to the 2021 British & Irish Lions, du Toit deserves his spot on the best of the 21st century.

11. MARO ITOJE (ENGLAND)

ACCOLADES

CLUB: 5x Premiership (2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2023), 2021 RFU Championship, 3x Champions Cup (2016, 2017, 2019) 1x Anglo Welsh Cup (2015),

COUNTRY: 111 Caps (ENG 102*, LIONS 9) - 2023 Rugby World Cup Bronze, 2019 Rugby World Cup Runner-Up, 2020 Autumn Nations Cup, 3x Six Nations (2016, 2017, 2020), Grand Slam 2016, 3x British & Irish Lions Tourist, 1x Lions Series Win

INDIVIDUAL: 3x World Rugby Player of the Year nominee (2016, 2017, 2021), 1x World Rugby Dream Team of the Year 2021, 2x Six Nations Player of the Championship nominee: (2017, 2020), 1x Six Nations Team of the Championship 2022, 1x European Rugby Player of the Year: 2016

Next up is the 'Pearl' of the England team, as Maro Itoje has made a career of shining in the darkest moments. The current England captain is a born leader of men, and in the past couple of seasons has stepped up to skipper Saracens, England and the 2025 Lions to their series win over Australia. Widley regarded as one of the greatest locks of any generation, Itoje brings an unrivaled on-field intelligence to the otherwise attritional fray.

From his debut in the mid-2010s, Itoje soon enforced a law change upon kicking the ball at the break-down, such was his knowledge of the game. The lock was soon picking up the winners medals with his London club, as Saracens dominated the Premiership and Champions Cup stage throughout a well remembered time in North London. Itoje has battled to multiple Six Nations titles and Rugby World Cup podium finishes, and is rightfully within the conversation up against Martin Johnson as England's greatest second row star.

10. BEAUDEN BARRETT (NEW ZEALAND)

ACCOLADES

CLUB: Super Rugby 2016

COUNTRY: 144 Caps - 2015 Rugby World Cup Winner, 2019 Rugby World Cup Bronze, 2023 Rugby World Cup Runner-Up, 10x Tri Nations/Rugby Championship, 13x Bledisloe Cup (2013-2025),

INDIVIDUAL: 2x World Rugby Player of the Year (2016, 2017), Nominee (2018), Most Capped All Blacks Back Player

With 144 All Blacks caps and counting since his debut in 2012, Beauden Barrett's legacy stands the test of time as the most capped New Zealand men's back-line player. Equipped with one of the sharpest boots in the game, Barrett has long been carving out his face upon New Zealand rugby's Mount Rushmore of 21st Century stars, and takes the 10th place on our short-list.

From racing away to score in the 2015 Rugby World Cup Final, to collecting 2019 silver and 2023 bronze medals, Beauden, along with his brothers Jordie and Scott Barrett, have defined the latest All Blacks era. A two time World Rugby Player of the Year, Barrett was bestowed with the coveted prize in 2016 and 2017, before being shortlisted in 2018. In the club game, Barrett is the Hurricanes all time top points scorer, with 1240 points, and is back in Super Rugby with the Blues after multiple sabbaticals out in Japan.

9. OWEN FARRELL (ENGLAND)

ACCOLADES

CLUB: 6x Premiership (2011, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2023) 2021 RFU Championship, 3x Champions Cup (2016, 2017, 2019), 1x Anglo Welsh Cup (2015),

COUNTRY: 120 Caps (ENG 112, LIONS 8) - 2023 Rugby World Cup Bronze, 2019 Rugby World Cup Runner-Up, 2020 Autumn Nations Cup, 3x Six Nations (2016, 2017, 2020), Grand Slam 2016, 4x British & Irish Lions Tourist, 2x Lions Series Win

INDIVIDUAL: 1x European Player of the Year 2017, 3x World Rugby Player of the Year Nominations (2012, 2016, 2017)

It has been argued that once Owen Farrell decides to hang up his boots, only then will England fans truly appreciate the generational talent donned the pitch. It looks for now that Farrell is finished at Test level, yet the former England captain has carved a legacy at the helm of the back-line. A Saracens legend in every sense of the word, Farrell was apart of the Londoners' time at the European mountain-top, and ruled the roost of the Premiership with an iron grip.

With over a century of England caps across both fly half and centre, Farrell has three Six Nations titles to his name coming at the height of the Eddie Jones era. He led England throughout their Rugby World Cup campaigns across Japan and France, to take home silver and bronze medals from 2019 and 2023. On the Lions stage, Farrell embarked upon his fourth tour this past Summer, despite being out of the Test match picture with Racing 92 - such is the status of the three-time World Rugby Player of the Year nominee.

8. SIYA KOLISI (SOUTH AFRICA)

ACCOLADES

CLUB: 2012 Currie Cup

COUNTRY: 100 Caps - 2x Rugby World Cup (2019, 2023) 3x Rugby Championship (2019, 2024, 2025), 2021 British & Irish Lions Tour Series Winner, 2015 Rugby World Cup Bronze Medalist

INDIVIDUAL: Only Springboks Captain to win Back-to-Back Rugby World Cups, Only Springboks Captain to win four consecutive Tests against All Blacks

Siya Kolisi is without a doubt one of the most important Springboks in history, given what his status the first black South African captain of a 126-year-old team meant to the people of his country. What also elevates the back row into the upper echelons of our list, is just how phenomenal he is on the pitch. One of the finest back row operators anywhere in the world today, Kolisi is a masterful leader of men and captained the Boks to their stunning back-to-back Rugby World Cup triumphs in 2019 and 2023.

Kolisi has enjoyed a storied career in green and gold, having battled back from various injuries to defy the odds and retain the coveted Web Ellis trophy. The skipper has a fine collection of Rugby Championship winners medals and has also relished a club career across South Africa and France. From the Stormers, to the Sharks, to Racing 92 and back again, Kolisi has led his teammates with a commandeering front foot approach, and with over a century of Springboks caps he will go down as an all-time green and gold icon.

7. ALUN WYN JONES (WALES)

ACCOLADES

CLUB: 3x Celtic League (2007, 2010, 2012), 2008 Anglo-Welsh Cup, 2x Welsh Shield (2021, 2022)

COUNTRY: 170 Caps (WAL 158, LIONS 12) - 5x Six Nations (2008, 2012, 2013, 2019, 2021), 3x Grand Slam, 4x British & Irish Lions Tourist, 1x Lions Series win

INDIVIDUAL: Most Capped Men's Test Rugby Player, MBE, 2x World Player of the Year Nominee (2015, 2019), Six Nations Player of the Championship 2019, BBC Cymru Wales Sports Personality of Year 2019

There is not a single man walking the face of planet earth that has more international rugby union caps than Alun Wyn Jones. That is a simply incredible legacy to leave behind, as the Wales and British & Irish Lions lock donned the various red jerseys a combined 170 times (158 Wales, 12 Lions). His story to Test rugby folklore began upon his 2006 Wales debut, before he went on to capture five Six Nations titles across the peak of the Warren Gatland era.

It was under 'Gats' where AWJ also thrived as a touring Lion. Considered to stand on par with the amateur era legend WIllie John McBride, Jones first toured with the Lions in 2009, before embarking back out with the world-famous invitational side in 2013, 2017 and 2021. A life-long Swansea stalwart, Alun Wyn ran-out for the Ospreys for 95% of his club days, before ending his tenure with a brief run at Biarritz. The lock claimed three league titles at the height of the Ospreys hay-day, and countless individual accolades that would be too long to list.

6. JONNY WILKINSON (ENGLAND)

ACCOLADES

CLUB: 1x Premiership (1998), 2x Powergen Cup (2002, 2004), 2x Heineken Cup (2013, 2014), 2014 Top 14

COUNTRY: 97 Caps (ENG 91, LIONS 6) - 2003 Rugby World Cup Winner, 4x Six Nations (2000, 2001, 2003, 2011), Grand Slam 2003, 2007 Rugby World Cup Runner-Up, 2x British & Irish Lions Tourist

INDIVIDUAL: 2003 BBC Sports Personality of the Year, 2003 World Rugby Player of the Year, 2013 European Player of the Year, MBE

It is an image that is instantly memorable to rugby fans across the world. Jonny Wilkinson gathers the ball for England, and sends then match-winning drop goal through the posts against the Wallabies, in their own back yard of Sydney. Wilkinson sealed England the 2003 Rugby World Cup with an immortalised kick of the ball, just two years into the 21st Century. Whilst the likes of Martin Johnson or Matt Dawson retired a few years after the 2003 coronation - and are not on this list - Wilkinson remained at the top level of the game all the way up to 2014.

Wilkinson would continue to lead England's back-line through a transitional period, as he steered the side all the way through to the 2007 Rugby World Cup Final. Having claimed a trilogy of Six Nations titles from 2000 to 2003, an older Wilkinson would lead a later England resurgence for the 2011 Championship. In the club game, Wilkinson took Newcastle Falcons to Powergen Cup glory in 2004, but is better regarded for his time with the Toulon Galacticos. Wilkinson spear-headed a star-studded back-line, and claimed back-to-back European titles with the French giants on his way to retirement.

5. BRIAN O'DRISCOLL (IRELAND)

ACCOLADES

CLUB: 4x Celtic League (2002, 2008, 2013, 2014), 3 Heineken Cup (2009, 2011, 2012), 2013 Challenge Cup

COUNTRY: 141 Caps (133 IRE, 8 LIONS) - 2x Six Nations (2009, 2014), Grand Slam 2009, 4x British & Irish Lions Tours, 1x Lions Series Win - 2013.

INDIVIDUAL: World Rugby Team of the Decade, Six Nations All-Time top try-scorer, 3x Six Nations Player of the Championship (2006, 2007, 2009), 3x World Rugby Player of the Year Nominee (2001, 2003, 2009)

Taking the fifth placed spot is the one and only Brian O'Driscoll, who holds a strong claim to being the all time greatest player in the history of the modern Guinness Men's Six Nations. A three time Player of the Championship, no one has taken the individual accolade more than BOD from the annual competition. He also twice took the Six Nations title back home to Ireland, including the fabled 2009 Grand Slam triumph.

Another decorated alumni of the Leinster team that ruled the European summit throughout the 2010s, O'Driscoll has three Champions Cup titles to his name along with four league titles with the Dubliners. Regarded as one of the most complete centres, and many ex-players 'number 13' for an all-time XV, O'Driscoll compelled the fans with a mesmeric first step, and a resounding success rate in Leinster blue, Irish green and the iconic red of the Lions, as a celebrated and rarely emulated four-time tourist.

4. ANTOINE DUPONT (FRANCE)

ACCOLADES

CLUB: 2x Champions Cup (2021, 2024), 5x Top 14 (2019, 2021, 2023, 2024, 2025)

COUNTRY: 64* Caps - 3x Six Nations (2022, 2025, 2026) Grand Slam 2022, 2024 Olympic Gold Rugby Sevens

INDIVIDUAL: World Rugby Player of the Year 2021, 2x Nominee (2022, 2023), 3x Six Nations Player of the Championship (2020, 2022, 2023), 4x Six Nations Team of the Championship (2021, 2022, 2023, 2025), 3x World Rugby Dream Team (2021, 2022, 2023), 2x European Player of the Year (2021, 2024), World Rugby Men's Sevens Player of the Year 2024

In at number four is the aforementioned French maestro who enters the fold as Les Bleus' greatest showman of the 21st Century. Whilst the French legends of the 1990s would have something to say before Dupont takes his nations' GOAT status, there is no denying Dupont's ability to spin a game on it's head, and the scrum half has won the silverware to prove it across both XVs and a gold-medal run with the Olympic Sevens squad.

Dupont has lead Stade Toulousain to the Champions Cup summit on three occasions, whilst also taking home five Top 14 league titles at the age of just 29. Dupont still has plenty of years left within him, as France gear up for a first ever Rugby World Cup title next year in Australia. The scrum half enjoyed a solid return to the Six Nations earlier this year, as France retained the title upon a stunning Super Saturday. The little magician of the French squad, Dupont is a former World Rugby Player of the Year winner and was also nominated for the award upon two more editions.

3. EBEN ETZEBETH (SOUTH AFRICA)

ACCOLADES

CLUB: Currie Cup (2012), EPCR Challenge Cup (2024)

COUNTRY: 141* Caps - 2x Rugby World Cup Winner (2019, 2023), 3x Rugby Championship (2019, 2024, 2025), 2021 British & Irish Lions Tour Series Winner

INDIVIDUAL: Most Capped Springbok of all Time, 2x South Africa Men's Player of the Year (2022, 2023)

Taking the bronze medal from our short-list of 21st Century superstars, there are few men that are so widely feared across the global game than Eben Etzebth. The optimum enforcer within a formidable Spingboks pack, the 34-year-old would love to end his career with a third consecutive Rugby World Cup next year in the land down under. Etzebeth is beloved by the green and gold fans, but revered by those whom he faces, as he thunders through contact and humbles the most powerful ball carrier with ease.

Along with his two Rugby World Cup winners medals, Etzebeth is a two time South African Rugby Player of the Year Award recipient and was crucial to the collapse of the 2021 British & Irish Lions. Firmly in the conversation regarding the all-time greatest second rows, Etzebeth has towered high above the parapet for the modern day locks throughout his 14 year Test career. He's the most capped Springbok with 141 caps and counting, having surpassed the great Victor Matfield back in the 2024 Rugby Championship.

2. DAN CARTER (NEW ZEALAND)

ACCOLADES

CLUB: 5x National Provincial Championship, 3x Super Rugby, 2x Top 14, 1x Japan Top League

COUNTRY: 112 Caps - 2x Rugby World Cups (2011 & 2015), 9x Tri Nations, 13x Bledisloe Cup, 2005 British & Irish Lions Series Win

INDIVIDUAL: 3x World Rugby Player of the Year (2005, 2012, 2015), Nominee (2006, 2008) 2x New Zealand Player of the Year (2004, 2005), 2015 BBC Overseas Sports Personality of the Year, All Time International Leading Points Scorer, All Time Super Rugby Leading Points Scorer, World Rugby HoF

The silver medal goes to the penultimate All Black on our list, with no prizes for guessing who takes the top spot. The peerless Dan Carter takes second place, following a truly sensational career in the black jersey and across a glistening club career spanning multiple continents. An iconic alumni of Canterbury and the Crusaders, Carter was the unflappable linchpin for the Christchurch side, whilst he had the run of the All Blacks back-line from 2003 to 2015.

Debuting in black at 21-years-old, Carter marked the milestone with a 20-point performance against Wales. The prodigal son had risen to the summit, as back-to-back Rugby World Cup titles would follow in 2011 and 2015. Prior to the retention of the Web Ellis Cup, the Tri Nations and Bledisloe Cup collected dust in the All Blacks trophy cabinet, as New Zealand laid the standard across the Southern Hemisphere. Carter's club career took him to France with Perpignan and Racing 92, where he won the Top 14 with both clubs. Carter also triumphed as a league champion in Japan with the Kobe Steelers, before ending his career in the Far East in 2020.

1. RICHIE MCCAW (NEW ZEALAND)

ACCOLADES

CLUB: 4x Super Rugby Winner (2002, 2005, 2006, 2008)

COUNTRY: 148 Caps - 2x Rugby World Cups (2011 & 2015), 7x Tri Nations, 8x Bledisloe Cup

INDIVIDUAL: 3x World Rugby Player of the Year (2006, 2009 2010), New Zealand Sportsman of the Decade, First All Black to 100 Caps. First Rugby Union Men's Player to Win 100 Tests, World Rugby Hall of Fame inductee.

There can only be one at the top, and we believe that the back-to-back Rugby World Cup winning New Zealand captain Richie McCaw, is the greatest men's player of the 21st Century so far. Whilst there is still little over 72 years to go until we pass into the 22nd Century, McCaw's accomplishments look destined to stand the test of time - should Siya Kolisi not captain the Springboks to a never before witnessed third Rugby World Cup title in a row.

McCaw was the heart of the All Blacks, as their long respected captain of the ship. Of course the succesful World Cup retention stands as the crowning achievement in the black jersey, but McCaw's career also boasts being the forward with the most tries against tier one nations (24), leading New Zealand to their perfect year in 2013, of 14 wins from 14 Tests before his 2015 retirement as the (then) most capped men's test match player. Whilst this final record was since surpassed by All Blacks teammate Sam Whitelock and later the evergreen Alun Wyn Jones, McCaw's legacy is carved into rugby history as the greatest of an era.