The 10 best second rows in the world (Ranked)

Combining power with remarkable athleticism, these players are the heartbeat of every forward pack. Here are the 10 best locks in world rugby right now.

Few players have risen as quickly as Fabian Holland. Born in the Netherlands before moving to New Zealand as a teenager, he became the first Dutch-born All Black after progressing through Christchurch Boys' High School, Otago and the Highlanders.

His athleticism, lineout ability and relentless work rate made him an instant success at Test level, with 2025 proving to be his breakthrough season.

Regular appearances throughout the Rugby Championship and end-of-year internationals earned Holland World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year honours. Still early in his career, he already looks capable of becoming the next great lock in New Zealand's proud tradition.

Standing opposite Will Skelton changes the way teams play. His immense frame demands attention, but it is his surprisingly soft hands and ability to keep attacks alive that separate him from most locks of his size.

After debuting for Australia in 2014, Skelton battled injuries before returning as a dominant force and captaining the Wallabies at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

His performances against the British and Irish Lions showed exactly why he remains one of rugby's most influential forwards, capable of turning momentum through both power and skill.

There are few more recognisable figures in world rugby than RG Snyman. Nicknamed "The Viking", the towering Springbok combines imposing physicality with rare athleticism and exceptional handling ability. His rise through the Blue Bulls system was rapid, earning international recognition while still in his early twenties.

Although injuries have disrupted parts of his career, they have done little to diminish his impact. A two-time Rugby World Cup winner, Snyman continues to dominate lineouts, break tackles and produce game changing moments that few locks in the world can replicate.

Success has followed Maro Itoje throughout his career. From winning Premiership and Champions Cup titles with Saracens to leading England and the British and Irish Lions, the lock has consistently delivered on rugby's biggest stages.

His greatest strength is not simply his athleticism, but his rugby intelligence, particularly around the breakdown, where his influence was significant enough to inspire the introduction of the "Itoje Law".

With multiple Six Nations titles and Rugby World Cup medals to his name, Itoje has firmly established himself as one of the defining forwards of the professional era.

Joe McCarthy thrives on confrontation. Every carry, tackle and collision is approached with an aggression that has quickly made him one of Ireland's most valuable forwards.

Since breaking into the Test side in 2022, the Leinster lock has developed into a cornerstone of the Irish pack, with his Player of the Match display against France in the 2024 Six Nations highlighting his growing influence.

Blessed with rare size, athleticism and defensive intensity, "Big Joe" has become Ireland's enforcer and one of international rugby's brightest young locks.

Emmanuel Meafou is impossible to ignore. At 2.03 metres and 145 kilograms, the France lock possesses extraordinary size, yet moves with surprising agility and confidence.

Born in New Zealand and raised in Australia before qualifying for France, Meafou made his international debut in 2024 and immediately showcased the qualities that have made him one of Europe's most feared forwards.

Powerful in contact, dominant at the set piece and comfortable keeping the ball alive, he offers the complete modern package in the second row.

Ollie Chessum's route to the top was anything but straightforward. Overlooked early in his development, he earned his opportunity at Nottingham before forcing his way into Leicester Tigers' first team and helping them win the Premiership in 2022.

Since making his England debut, Chessum has continued to develop into one of the country's most dependable locks, combining leadership, lineout expertise and relentless work rate.

Selection for the 2025 British and Irish Lions tour confirmed his growing reputation, with the Leicester captain looking set to lead England's pack for years to come.

Leadership defines Scott Barrett as much as his rugby ability. Appointed All Blacks captain in 2024, he has become the calm, dependable figure at the heart of New Zealand's pack after years of consistent performances for both the Crusaders and his country.

Barrett leads through actions rather than words, setting standards with his physicality, lineout work and tireless effort around the field. Since his Test debut in 2016, he has developed into one of the game's most complete locks and remains central to the All Blacks' ambitions.

Very few forwards offer the versatility of Tadhg Beirne. Equally effective at lock or in the back row, he has built his reputation through relentless work at the breakdown, intelligent decision making and remarkable consistency.

Released by Leinster early in his career, Beirne rebuilt his career with the Scarlets before becoming a driving force for Munster and Ireland. Grand Slam success, URC glory and two British and Irish Lions tours reflect just how influential he has become.

Wherever he plays, Beirne finds ways to disrupt opponents and elevate those around him.

For more than a decade, Eben Etzebeth has been the benchmark for Test match locks. Feared by opponents and respected across the rugby world, the Springbok has built a career on relentless physicality, consistency and uncompromising leadership.

His two Rugby World Cup triumphs, multiple Rugby Championship titles and record as South Africa's most capped player only strengthen an already remarkable legacy.

Few forwards have dominated the international game for as long or as completely. Etzebeth remains the standard against which every modern lock is measured.