"Criminally underrated" - 5 most underrated players in world rugby right now

Tuesday, 03 May 2022 at 12:52

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byRugby Rucker

The fundamental element of being classified as an underrated rugby player is not receiving enough credit.

While the likes of Marcus Smith, Stuart Hogg and Antoine Dupont will always grab the headlines, here are five of the most underrated players in world rugby today.

#1. Joe Marchant (England)

Age: 25
Position: Centre
Club: Harlequins

Providing a perfect balance of defence and attack, the centre is a very classy player who is yet to establish himself in the England XV despite his incredible ability. A superstar in the making.

DID YOU KNOW? He is currently dating the daughter of England football legend Alan Shearer

Joe Cokanasiga of England talks with Joe Marchant of England after the Summer International match between England and Ireland at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on the 24th August 2019. Photo: Phil Mingo/PPAUK.

#2. Gael Fickou. (France)

Age: 28
Position: Centre
Club: Racing 92

Considering his importance to the French renaissance in recent times years, the 28-year-old is a strong as an ox and looks immense every time he pulls on the famous blue jersey. Burst onto the scene as a teen sensation, Fickou has quirtly developed his game to become arguably the best all around centre around while the likes of Antoine Dupont and Romain Ntamack take the plaudits. He's been immense.

DID YOU KNOW? He made his French international debut at the age of 18 against Scotland on 16 March 2013 in the RBS 6 Nations

Chris Ashton of England evades the tackle of Gael Fickou of France during the Guinness Six Nations Round Two match between England and France at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on the 10th February 2019. [Photo: James Fearn/PPAUK].

#3. Paul Willemse (France)

Age: 29
Position: Lock
Club: Montpellier

He’s got the heart of a racehorse. From the first minute to the end he is relentless whether playing for club or country. Willemse should certainly be in the conversation alongside Maro Itoje as Eben Etzebeth as the best second-row playing in the world today.

DID YOU KNOW? The South Africa qualified to play senior international rugby for France on residency grounds

#4. Owen Farrell (England)

Age: 30
Position: Fly-half
Club: Saracens

People seem to have forgotten that he led England to the 2019 Rugby World Cup final and has won everything there is to possibly win with Saracens. A scholar of the game, which will likely see him head into coaching when he retires, Farrell will still have a key part to play for Eddie Jones men heading into the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

DID YOU KNOW? Farrell celebrates every point he scores by linking his index fingers together to make a 'JJ' sign, the Joining Jack salute, Joining Jackbeing a charity dedicated to the needs of sufferers of Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Adam Radwan (Newcastle Falcons, 1 cap) and Owen Farrell (Saracens, 93 caps) during England Rugby training session at The Lensbury Hotel, Teddington, London on 28 Sept 2021. Photo: Phil Mingo/PPAUK

#5. Josh van der Flier (Ireland)

Age: 28
Position: Back-rower
Club: Leinster

Criminally underrated, the back-rower has become a key cog in Andy Farrell's side in the last two years. Tough as nails, the 28-year-old, who has now accumulated 40 caps since making his debut in 2016, will be key if Ireland are to finally reach a Rugby World Cup semi-final in 2023.

DID YOU KNOW? He is commonly referred to amongst Leinster Rugby circles as ‘The Dutch Disciple’

Josh van der Flier of Ireland during the Summer International match between England and Ireland at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on the 24th August 2019. Photo: Phil Mingo/PPAUK.