Best XV of rugby players who retired this season

Wednesday, 28 May 2025 at 15:47

byRugby Rucker

A golden generation bows out. Here’s our pick of the top players from across the globe who called time on their careers in 2024/25.

Joe Marler (England) / Cian Healy (Ireland)

Two iconic looseheads. Both warriors at the scrum, both legends for their nations.

Agustin Creevy (Argentina)

A Pumas centurion, known for his passion and relentless work rate. A leader till the end.

Dan Cole (England)

Scrum anchor for over a decade. England’s Mr. Reliable says farewell.

Ollie Hoskins (Australia)

The versatile lock who gave his all in club and country colours.

Josh Beaumont (England)

The towering presence from Sale retires with respect earned across the Premiership.

Peter O'Mahony (Ireland)

Ireland's heart and soul. A natural leader, fearless flanker, and serial winner.

Dan Lydiate (Wales)

One of the best defensive blindside flankers of the modern era. Chopped down attackers for fun.

Harriet Millar-Mills (England)

A trailblazer in the women’s game. Class, consistency, and commitment in the back row.

Ben Youngs / Danny Care (England)

England's most-capped 9 and his sparring partner both bow out. What an era.

Dan Biggar (Wales)

The general. Big kicks, big voice, and even bigger heart.

Mike Brown (England)

Tenacious and fiery, Brown leaves the game as one of England’s grittiest competitors.

Matt Scott (Scotland)

Underrated but influential. A rock in the midfield with slick hands and strong defence.

Jonathan Davies (Wales)

A centre built for the big stage. Lions legend, Wales icon.

Anthony Watson (England)

Silky footwork and pace to burn. A genuine game-breaker on the wing.

Alex Goode (England)

Pure rugby intelligence. A master of positioning and playmaking from the back.

Antoine Dupont didn’t hesitate when naming his toughest opponent so far

In a recent Q&A, Dupont shared the players he respects most, and the list includes some seriously tough competition. When asked about his toughest opponents, he didn’t miss a beat: “There are lots of great players around these days. Beauden Barrett, Faf de Klerk, Owen Farrell to name a few.”

Let’s dive into why these three legends have earned Dupont’s respect and what makes them so hard to beat.

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Beauden Barrett – The All Blacks' Game-Changer

If anyone can make even Dupont sweat, it’s Beauden Barrett. New Zealand’s speedster isn’t just lightning fast—his rugby IQ is next level. Whether he’s running the show at fly-half or sweeping in at full-back, Barrett’s ability to read the game and create opportunities is unmatched.

With over 100 international caps and two World Rugby Player of the Year awards, Barrett’s legacy is already cemented. His breakneck pace, combined with silky offloads, make him a nightmare to defend. Dupont knows better than anyone how dangerous Barrett can be.

Game-changing ability? Through the roof. Usually found ghosting past defenders before anyone knows he’s there.

Faf de Klerk – South Africa’s Defensive Dynamo

South Africa’s Faf de Klerk may stand at 5’7”, but his impact on the game is absolutely towering. The Springbok scrum-half is a constant menace in defence, relentlessly disrupting the flow of opposing playmakers. His speed, fearlessness, and pinpoint kicking make him a major threat at every turn.

Dupont has faced off against De Klerk in some of rugby’s biggest clashes and knows how effective the Springbok can be. Whether it’s through his fierce tackles or clever box kicks, De Klerk embodies the high-energy, physical style that has made South Africa a force to be reckoned with.

Rugby’s most ferocious disruptor? You bet. You’ll find him at the heart of South Africa’s World Cup triumphs.

Owen Farrell – England’s Enforcer

Owen Farrell is the kind of player who can turn a match into a war of attrition. Known for his uncompromising leadership, fierce defence, and cool-headed game management, Farrell is the ultimate no-nonsense enforcer.

His physical presence on the pitch is impossible to ignore—whether he’s crashing into tackles, controlling the game with his kicking, or barking orders at his team. Farrell thrives in pressure moments, and Dupont has had to contend with his relentless intensity more than once.

QUIZ: Can You Name the England XV that Won the 2020 Six Nations?

England last won the Six Nations in 2020, in what was a crowning achievement during the Eddie Jones era. Coming off the back of the 2019 Rugby World Cup Final heartbreak, England bounced back to win their seventh Six Nations title since the competition's Italian expansion in 2000.

England secured the trophy with a win in Rome, as they handed Italy a one-sided 34-5 bonus point defeat. We are challenging you to remember who started for England that day, as the match was played in front of an empty stadium during the Covid-19 Pandemic.

You have five minutes to provide your answers, good luck!

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