Eddie Jones named the greatest number 10 of all-time, snubs Jonny Wilkinson

In a lineup of rugby legends, he initially stood by his former England captain, Owen Farrell, favouring him over Michael Lynagh, Johnny Sexton, Finn Russell, Richie Mo’unga, Jonathan ‘Jiffy’ Davies, Beauden Barrett, and Jonny Wilkinson.

Farrell, known for his tactical kicking, leadership, and unflappable defense, was Jones’ pick against an array of brilliance: Lynagh’s vision and precision, Sexton’s game management, Russell’s flair, Mo’unga’s composure, Barrett’s explosive pace, Davies’ creativity, and Wilkinson’s legendary drop goals and World Cup heroics.

But even Farrell, despite his resilience and leadership, eventually gave way. Dan Carter, the New Zealand legend whose all-around skills, accuracy, and calm under pressure have defined a generation, ultimately claimed the top spot in Jones’ eyes.

In the end, Jones conceded what many fans have long suspected: Carter is, without question, the greatest number 10 to ever play the game

In 2025, the competition for the best fly-half in world rugby has never been fiercer. These playmakers combine vision, precision, and leadership, shaping how modern rugby is played.

Here’s our ranking of the 10 best fly-halves in the world right now, based on current form, impact, and all-around class.

He’s still only 23, but Fin Smith already plays with the maturity of a seasoned veteran. Calm under pressure, sharp with the boot, and rarely flustered on big occasions, Smith has quickly become one of the brightest prospects in world rugby.

While he found himself behind the pecking order on the British & Irish Lions tour to Australia, it was more about timing than talent. Others had their moment in the sun over the summer, notably George Ford in Argentina. There’s still more consistency to find, but if his development continues on this path, it won’t be long before he’s climbing this list—and starting regularly for England.

It’s hard to ignore what Romain Ntamack has already achieved at just 26. A Top 14 winner, a European champion, and a Six Nations Grand Slam, he’s been at the heart of a French rugby revival.

A devastating ACL injury ruled him out of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, but Ntamack's class hasn’t faded. The son of French rugby royalty, he combines composure and creativity in equal measure. His longstanding partnership with Antoine Dupont is one of the most formidable in world rugby, and his ability to manage pressure, make smart decisions, and bring others into the game keeps him among the elite.

No player splits opinion quite like Marcus Smith. His flair, vision, and explosive acceleration can be breathtaking—but consistency remains the missing piece. When he’s on form, he plays like a street footballer in boots, creating chaos and carving defences to bits.

Yet, there’s a lingering feeling that England still don’t know how best to use him. His versatility has kept him in squads, but he’s not always trusted to steer the ship. Still, the mere fact that his selection sparks national debate says everything about his potential. If Smith ever marries that magic with steady control, he could become not just one of the best 10s in the world—but the best.

If you’re picking a fly-half to win a knockout Test tomorrow, George Ford might be your man. Few players boast his game management, poise, and tactical brain. Teammates speak of his intelligence with awe, and while he might not dazzle like Marcus Smith, Ford rarely lets a game slip away.

Injuries have stalled parts of his career, and a Lions omission this summer might have dented his status—but his performances for England in Argentina reminded everyone what he brings. At 32, Ford is in the latter stages of his prime, but his calm head and control are invaluable for any side with big ambitions.

Two-time Rugby World Cup winner, leading points scorer in 2019, and South Africa’s go-to man in the clutch—Handré Pollard is a player built for big moments. Calm, clinical, and composed, he’s arguably the most reliable goal-kicker in the world under pressure.

His rugby résumé is staggering: Montpellier, Leicester, Japan’s Top League, and now back home with the Bulls. Pollard’s 77th-minute penalty against England in the 2023 semi-final summed him up perfectly—ice in the veins. And when he scored all of South Africa’s points in their narrow World Cup final win over New Zealand, his legacy was sealed. He’s not the flashiest 10 on this list, but he’s one of the most decisive.

Tomás Albornoz has quietly become one of the most exciting fly-halves in the world. The 28-year-old Argentine playmaker played a starring role last summer, helping Los Pumas to stunning wins over the All Blacks, Wallabies, and Springboks—a trifecta few can boast.

With sharp instincts, an assured boot, and an eye for space, Albornoz has slotted seamlessly into the Test arena.

What’s more, he’s doing it with an air of calm that belies his relative inexperience at this level. With his move to Europe solidifying his all-round game, the future looks incredibly bright. A name to remember—and one that could soon be topping this list.

Damian McKenzie is the kind of player fans pay to watch. Electric pace, dazzling footwork, and an uncanny ability to create something from nothing have made him one of the most thrilling fly-halves in modern rugby.

It has been a bit of an up and down past year or so. He started 2024 strong at 10 for the All Blacks but later lost that role to Beauden Barrett.

Still, his Super Rugby Pacific campaign with the Chiefs was sizzling, showing that form is rarely far away. Yes, he can be high-risk—but that’s the price of genius. At 30, McKenzie is now in his prime, and when he’s locked in, there are few better attackers in the world game.

A generational talent emerged during The Rugby Championship. Feinberg-Mngomezulu displayed remarkable composure and tactical mastery well beyond his years.

While his boot contributed more than 50 points over the tournament, it was his game management, control of tempo, and positional intelligence that truly stood out.

The Springboks’ 70-point rout of Argentina was his defining performance — a true masterpiece.

Some players fade with age. Beauden Barrett doesn’t. The two-time World Rugby Player of the Year continues to play at an elite level, showing the same speed, intelligence, and game-breaking ability that’s defined his career.

Barrett’s versatility has seen him shift between full-back and fly-half, but his recent run of form reminded everyone why 10 is his best position. Whether it’s his sidestep, offloading game, or cool temperament in the clutch, he remains a nightmare for defences. At 34, he's a centurion in All Black colours and still influencing games at the highest level. Truly one of the modern greats—and still not done.

Right now, Finn Russell is playing like a man at the peak of his powers. Known for years as a maverick talent, he’s now married flair with control, evolving into the complete fly-half under Johann van Graan’s guidance at Bath.

Russell can still pull off the audacious—a no-look pass, a pinpoint chip—but now he does it with far more purpose. His game management has sharpened, his defence improved, and his leadership shines through for Scotland and his club. He was the clear choice to start for the Lions and delivered a masterclass in the Tests. Russell doesn’t just entertain—he wins.