Most Valuable Rugby Players in the world (Ranked 5-1)

Here, we rank the five most valuable players in rugby and reimagine what they might be worth if football’s economics applied to their talent, profile and commercial appeal.

With Eddie Hearn recognising Russell’s marketability, it is easy to see why he ranks among rugby’s most valuable players. His value comes as much from his off-field appeal as his performances on it.

At 33, he remains one of the best in the world. His game has never relied heavily on athleticism, instead built on skill and creativity, which suggests he still has a few strong years ahead.

A true maverick at fly-half, he is the kind of player any team would want. In football terms, his value is comparable to someone like Harry Kane.

Another player linked with Eddie Hearn, Pollock’s value is driven by his youth, talent and growing influence away from the pitch.

At just 21, he has already made a significant impact in rugby and is likely to benefit from major commercial opportunities throughout his career.

The youngest try-scorer of any English player in Six Nations history, and the youngest to feature on the 2025 British and Irish Lions tour, Pollock is already incredibly talented, with plenty of room to grow.

A comparison with Jude Bellingham feels reasonable, which helps explain his high valuation.

Another rising star, Feinberg-Mngomezulu is already among the best fly-halves in the world at just 24. As one of the most marketable positions in rugby, this adds significantly to his value.

Seen as the face of South Africa’s rugby future, he is expected to remain at the top level for years. His style of play is dynamic and fluid.

He already holds the record for the most points scored in a single Springboks game, notching 37 against Argentina in the Rugby Championship.

In football, his value and playing style can be compared to Pedri of Barcelona.

Widely regarded as the best player in the world today, Dupont remains a central figure in rugby despite returning from a serious injury. He is also the face of the sport in France.

At 29, his age slightly reduces his long-term value, but his quality keeps him near the top of the list.

Considered one of the top players of his era, he has earned 39 individual honours throughout his career, including the World Rugby Men’s 15s Player of the Year title in 2021 and the Men’s Sevens Player of the Year award in 2024.

He also made history as the first French player to receive the Men’s Sevens World Rugby Player of the Year award.

A football comparison would be fellow French star Kylian Mbappé.

At number one is a player already among the best in the world while still early in his career. Bielle-Biarrey combines elite performance with enormous potential.

At 22, the Bordeaux-Bègles winger has consistently broken records. In March, during the final match of the Six Nations, he scored four tries in a 48–46 win over England, helping France secure the title. He also set a new tournament record with nine tries and scored in every match across two consecutive editions.

He later won Player of the Tournament for the second year in a row. His ceiling is often compared to that of Lamine Yamal, with few players in any sport offering greater long-term potential.