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Louis Rees-Zammit only SECOND as world's 10 fastest rugby players ranked

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Louis Rees-Zammit has built a reputation as one of rugby's quickest players, but the Wales superstar is not quite the fastest in the world.
The 25-year-old has terrified defenders with his electric pace, regularly turning half-chances into spectacular tries.
But how does the Welsh speedster compare with the quickest players in the game?
With GPS technology now tracking players' top speeds, some remarkable figures have emerged.
From England's explosive young stars to established international wingers, the competition is fierce.
And while Rees-Zammit sits near the top, one player has recorded an even higher speed.
Here are the 10 fastest rugby players in the world, ranked from slowest to quickest.
Note: Rankings are based on reported top speeds rather than results from a single standardised test. GPS measurements can vary between teams and competitions.

Top 10 fastest rugby players in the world

10. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (England) – 36.72 km/h

England's rising star rounds out the top ten.
Feyi-Waboso has quickly established himself as one of the country's brightest attacking talents thanks to his power, acceleration and finishing instincts.
Top speed: 36.72 km/h (10.20 m/s)

9. Cheslin Kolbe (South Africa) – 36.90 km/h

Although best known for his footwork and agility, Cheslin Kolbe also possesses elite pace.
Combined with his incredible balance, his speed makes him one of the hardest players in rugby to tackle.
Top speed: 36.90 km/h (10.25 m/s)

8. Kurt-Lee Arendse (South Africa) – 37.50 km/h

The Springbok flyer has become renowned for his explosive counter-attacking ability.
Arendse regularly punishes defensive mistakes with his exceptional acceleration.
Top speed: 37.50 km/h (10.42 m/s)

7. Louis Bielle-Biarrey (France) – 37.80 km/h

France's young superstar continues to establish himself among the world's elite.
His combination of pace, agility and finishing ability makes him one of the most exciting players in Test rugby.
Top speed: 37.80 km/h (10.50 m/s)

6. Rieko Ioane (New Zealand) – 38.50 km/h

Whether playing on the wing or in midfield, Rieko Ioane remains one of the quickest players in international rugby.
His pace has been a key part of New Zealand's attack for several seasons.
Top speed: 38.50 km/h (10.69 m/s)

5. Will Jordan (New Zealand) – 38.52 km/h

The All Blacks star combines world-class finishing with exceptional top-end speed.
Jordan's ability to exploit even the smallest defensive gap has helped make him one of New Zealand's most dangerous attacking weapons.
Top speed: 38.52 km/h (10.70 m/s)

4. Adam Radwan (England) – 39.06 km/h

Known for his explosive acceleration, Adam Radwan has consistently been one of the Premiership's fastest players.
His ability to beat defenders in open space makes him a constant attacking threat.
Top speed: 39.06 km/h (10.85 m/s)

3. Christian Wade (England) – 39.96 km/h

Despite spending time in American football, Christian Wade remains one of rugby's quickest athletes.
His incredible pace has made him a prolific try-scorer throughout his career.
Top speed: 39.96 km/h (11.10 m/s)

2. Louis Rees-Zammit (Wales) – 40.32 km/h

The Wales speedster has climbed into second place after revealing his remarkable new top speed.
Rees-Zammit clocked 11.2 metres per second during Wales' summer clash with Fiji, equivalent to 40.32 km/h.
His pace has troubled club and international defences for years and even helped him earn an opportunity in American football.
Top speed: 40.32 km/h (11.20 m/s)

1. Henry Arundell (England) – 41.40 km/h

England sensation Henry Arundell tops the list.
His blistering acceleration and elite finishing ability have made him one of the most dangerous broken-field runners in world rugby.
Top speed: 41.40 km/h (11.50 m/s)

Who is the fastest rugby player in the world?

According to the reported speeds used in this ranking, Henry Arundell leads the way at 41.40 km/h.
Louis Rees-Zammit follows in second at 40.32 km/h, with Christian Wade completing the top three.
However, these are reported measurements from different occasions, rather than results from one standardised speed test.
Who would win a straight 100-metre race between Arundell and Rees-Zammit?

World's 10 Fastest Rugby Players Ranked

  • 10. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (England) 🌹 – 36.72 km/h
  • 9. Cheslin Kolbe (South Africa) 🇿🇦 – 36.90 km/h
  • 8. Kurt-Lee Arendse (South Africa) 🇿🇦 – 37.50 km/h
  • 7. Louis Bielle-Biarrey (France) 🇫🇷 – 37.80 km/h
  • 6. Rieko Ioane (New Zealand) 🇳🇿 – 38.50 km/h
  • 5. Will Jordan (New Zealand) 🇳🇿 – 38.52 km/h
  • 4. Adam Radwan (England) 🌹 – 39.06 km/h
  • 3. Christian Wade (England) 🌹 – 39.96 km/h
  • 2. Louis Rees-Zammit (Wales) 🐉 – 40.32 km/h
  • 1. Henry Arundell (England) 🌹 – 41.40 km/h
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