The 10 best props in world rugby right now – ranked

Sunday, 07 June 2026 at 20:19

bySteven Smith

Props are the unsung heroes of any rugby side, doing the hardest work in the most demanding areas of the game. Their impact often goes unnoticed, yet it can decide matches.

While modern props are expected to carry, tackle and handle like extra back-rowers, the scrum remains the ultimate test of a front-rower's quality. The best in the world combine set-piece dominance with mobility, work rate and the ability to influence games around the park.

This ranking focuses primarily on current form while also recognising the achievements and consistency that separate the elite from the rest. Here are the 10 best props in world rugby right now.

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10. Rhys Carre (Wales)

Rhys Carre has enjoyed a remarkable resurgence over the past year, re-establishing himself as one of the most destructive looseheads in the northern hemisphere.

Blessed with rare power and footwork for a front-row forward, he is capable of making significant metres after contact and regularly bends defensive lines. Questions around fitness and consistency once followed him, but recent performances have answered many of those doubts.

When fully fit and motivated, few props possess his combination of size, mobility and ball-carrying threat.

9. Angus Bell (Australia)

Energy and intent define Angus Bell's game. Still only 25, he has become central to Australia's physical identity, with explosive carrying and aggressive defence making him a constant threat.

A former back-rower, Bell's mobility and handling skills set him apart from many of his peers. As his scrummaging continues to develop, he looks destined to establish himself among the very best props in world rugby.

8. Joe Heyes (England)

Joe Heyes has emerged as one of the most improved tightheads in international rugby. Since breaking through with England, he has transformed his reputation at scrum time and become a cornerstone of their forward pack.

His impact has helped turn England's scrum into a genuine weapon, while his work rate and contributions around the field continue to improve.

7. Simone Ferrari (Italy)

Simone Ferrari has quietly developed into one of the most dependable tightheads in the international game. The Italian front-rower combines technical excellence at the scrum with impressive durability and consistency.

Before injury disrupted his recent Six Nations campaign, Ferrari was among Italy's standout performers and regularly held his own against some of the strongest scrummagers in world rugby.

6. Zander Fagerson (Scotland)

Zander Fagerson remains one of the most reliable and complete tightheads in the game. A cornerstone of Scotland's pack for several years, he combines excellent scrummaging technique with a relentless work rate.

Whether carrying, tackling or anchoring the set piece, Fagerson delivers week after week and remains one of the first names on the Scotland team sheet.

5. Ellis Genge (England)

Ellis Genge's game is now defined by controlled aggression. At 30, he has channelled his emotion into consistent, destructive performances, combining ferocious carrying with confrontational defence and natural leadership.

His ability to shift momentum through sheer physicality makes him one of the most influential looseheads in world rugby.

4. Tadhg Furlong (Ireland)

Tadhg Furlong may no longer be at the absolute peak that made him arguably the world's best prop, but he remains one of the most complete front-row players in the sport.

His handling, footwork and rugby intelligence are unmatched among props, while his scrummaging and experience continue to make him a major asset for Ireland and Leinster in the biggest matches.

3. Wilco Louw (South Africa)

Wilco Louw is a set-piece specialist whose scrummaging can dictate matches. His low body position, exceptional strength and technical precision make him one of the most difficult tightheads to face.

Improved conditioning has also increased his influence around the field, turning him into a more rounded performer than at any point earlier in his career.

2. Thomas du Toit (South Africa)

Thomas du Toit's game is built on immense strength and refined technique. Equally capable on either side of the scrum, he offers invaluable versatility without compromising quality.

His consistency in high-pressure situations and ability to maintain his level deep into matches make him one of the most dependable props in world rugby.

1. Ox Nche (South Africa)

Ox Nche earns top spot through his dominance in the game's most demanding area: the scrum. His technique, leverage and explosive power have made him the benchmark for loosehead play.

While his set-piece excellence grabs the headlines, Nche's work rate around the park is equally impressive. A World Player of the Year nominee, he has established himself as the premier prop in world rugby today.