Five best props in world rugby right now – ranked

Dominance at scrum time, relentless work around the field and the ability to win crucial collisions separate the best from the rest.

With international rugby producing a new generation of powerhouse forwards, we rank the five best props in the world right now based on recent performances.

One of the most improved tightheads in international rugby, Joe Heyes has completely transformed his reputation since breaking through with England.

His work at scrum time has developed significantly, establishing him as an increasingly important part of their forward pack.

England’s scrum has become a genuine weapon with Heyes playing a key role, while his work rate and influence around the field continue to develop.

Did you know: Joe Heyes only started playing rugby at 15 after leaving the Nottingham Forest academy, where he had been a goalkeeper.

Controlled aggression has become a defining feature of Ellis Genge’s game.

Now 31, the England and Bristol Bears prop has learned to channel his natural intensity into consistently destructive performances.

Ferocious carrying, confrontational defence and strong leadership combine to make Genge a hugely influential figure.

Few looseheads can change the momentum of a match through sheer physicality quite like him.

Did you know: Genge grew up on a council estate in Knowle, Bristol, and was not part of the traditional private-school route often associated with England internationals.

Equally comfortable on either side of the scrum, Thomas du Toit offers a level of versatility that few props can match.

His immense strength is complemented by increasingly refined technique, allowing him to maintain a high standard regardless of where he lines up.

His consistency under pressure and ability to maintain his intensity deep into matches have made him one of the most dependable props in world rugby.

A standout campaign with Bath last season saw du Toit establish himself as the best prop in the PREM.

His threat extends well beyond the set piece too, with his power, mobility and unusual try-scoring ability making him a constant danger around the field.

Did you know: Thomas du Toit has scored 21 tries in just 52 appearances for Bath, an extraordinary return for a prop.

Few tightheads have made the set piece such a speciality as Wilco Louw.

His low body position, immense strength and technical precision allow him to exert huge pressure at scrum time and make life extremely difficult for opposing forwards.

Greater conditioning has also added another dimension to his game, with the Springbok now contributing more consistently around the field than earlier in his career.

His performance against the All Blacks on the most recent Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour further underlined his importance to South Africa.

Louw was formidable throughout, reinforcing his reputation as one of the world’s outstanding props.

Did you know: Louw won 36 scrum penalties during the 2018 Super Rugby season, leading the competition in that statistic.

When it comes to the scrum, few players in world rugby can match Ox Nche.

His combination of technique, leverage and explosive power has made him the benchmark for modern loosehead play.

There is much more to the Springbok than his dominance at the set piece, however.

His work rate around the park is equally impressive, while his ability to make an impact in the tight exchanges has made him one of South Africa’s most valuable forwards.

Nche was also hugely influential against the All Blacks, producing another dominant showing on the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour.

His World Rugby Player of the Year nomination was historic too, with Nche becoming the first prop to be shortlisted for the award.

Did you know: Nche became the first prop ever nominated for the World Rugby Men’s Player of the Year award in 2025.