The 2020's Team of the Decade so far is dominated by Springboks

This Team of the Decade so far celebrates those who’ve left the strongest mark on the sport’s modern landscape.

Few players have defined the attacking flavour of the decade like Will Jordan, whose 2020 debut for New Zealand began an extraordinary run of 45 tries in 53 Tests. His reputation as one of the world’s premier fullbacks only grew from 2024 onward, built on electric Super Rugby seasons with the Crusaders.

He played every minute of their 2021 title win and starred again in 2022, reinforcing a try-scoring consistency rarely seen at the international level.

Electric on the biggest stages, Kolbe delivered defining moments throughout the decade. His 2021 season with Toulouse brought both the European Cup and Top 14 titles, followed by a decisive try in the third Test of the Lions series that sealed South Africa’s victory.

He was again central to the Springboks’ 2023 World Cup triumph, enduring late drama in the final yet helping secure a one-point win that added another chapter to his big-game legacy.

Reliability and adaptability have made Kriel indispensable for South Africa, particularly during their 2023 World Cup triumph, where he featured in every match. His ability to slot across the backline has long been valued, but 2024 saw his form recognised globally with selection in the World Rugby Dream Team.

Whether at centre, wing, or fullback, he has been a constant presence in an era defined by Springbok defensive steel and tactical clarity.

After joining Munster in 2020, de Allende has combined his provincial impact—earning a place in the Pro14 Dream Team—with continued excellence for South Africa. His performances during the 2021 Lions series, including earning his 50th cap in the decisive Test, attracted widespread praise.

A core figure in the Springboks’ 2023 World Cup victory, he has been central to both club and country throughout the decade, offering power, experience, and calm in pressure moments. Now in Japan, his career is potentially winding down.

The Champions Cup stage became Penaud’s playground in 2024–25, where an avalanche of tries rewrote the competition record books. Hat-tricks, six-try hauls, and a historic 14-try season propelled Bordeaux to their first European title, capped by Penaud scoring twice in the final.

His performances earned him European Player of the Year, reinforcing his role at the forefront of France’s resurgence, which already included the 2022 Grand Slam and another Six Nations title in 2025.

Bath’s revival has mirrored Russell’s influence, from his arrival after the 2023 World Cup to steering the club to the 2024–25 Premiership title. Despite early injury setbacks, he delivered pivotal performances in the league playoffs and orchestrated a Challenge Cup triumph.

His Lions contributions—especially his flawless kicking and control in the 2025 series win—earned widespread acclaim, culminating in being named Player of the Series. By mid-2025, he had extended his Bath contract to 2028.

Dominance across two forms of the sport places Dupont in unprecedented territory. A 2021 World Rugby Men’s 15s Player of the Year and 2024 Sevens Player of the Year, he stands alone as the only player ever to win both awards.

His haul of major titles spans Top 14 crowns, European Cups, a Six Nations Grand Slam, the SVNS Series, and Olympic gold in 2024. Few players have shaped an era with such breadth and consistency.

A prop reshaping expectations, Nche’s 2025 Player of the Year nomination marked the first time a front-rower had reached those heights. His influence has grown steadily through South Africa’s 2023 World Cup victory and consecutive Rugby Championship titles in 2024 and 2025.

Combining power with mobility, he has become a cornerstone of the Springbok pack, emblematic of a side whose forward dominance continues to underpin their run of historic successes.

Ferocious at the breakdown and formidable at set-piece, Marx has remained one of the world’s standout hookers through repeated Dream Team selections in 2021, 2022, and 2024.

His ability to carry like a back-rower, disrupt rucks, and anchor scrums has kept him central to South Africa’s success, including their 2023 World Cup win. Durable, relentless, and technically sharp, Marx’s influence has extended well beyond traditional hooker duties.

The decade’s most reliable tighthead presence, Furlong has combined Lions consistency—starting all three Tests on the 2021 and 2025 tours—with sustained excellence for Ireland and Leinster.

Multiple Dream Team selections and Six Nations titles in 2023 and 2024 have underscored his standing. His role in Ireland’s Grand Slam and Leinster’s five URC titles highlights a player whose blend of power, agility, and scrummaging mastery continues to define elite front-row play.

Longevity and dominance have marked Etzebeth’s decade, highlighted by surpassing Victor Matfield in 2024 to become South Africa’s most-capped player.

Milestone after milestone has come alongside major silverware, including the 2023 World Cup and consecutive Rugby Championships in 2024 and 2025. Already a centurion by 2022, he has continued to anchor the Springbok engine room with the same intensity that has carried him past 130 caps.

The 2020s have showcased Itoje’s influence for both club and country, culminating in his appointment as Saracens captain in 2024–25 and England captain in early 2025. His turnover numbers in 2024 led all tier-one players, underlining his relentless work rate. Already a Lions Player of the Series in 2021, he captained the 2025 tour to Australia.

With Premiership and European titles behind him, his leadership and consistency remain central to every team he represents.

History has followed Kolisi throughout the decade, none more significant than leading South Africa to a second successive World Cup title in 2023—making him the first Springbok captain to lift the trophy twice. His composed leadership through narrow, high-pressure victories has defined the Springbok era.

By November 2025, he reached 100 caps, adding to a career stacked with Rugby Championship victories and series wins, all marked by his influence both on and off the field.

Relentless, towering performances earned du Toit his second World Rugby Player of the Year award in 2024, five years after his first. His man-of-the-match display in the 2023 World Cup final exemplified his reputation for tireless defence and unmatched stamina.

Central to South Africa’s greatest triumphs of the decade, he has carved out a legacy as one of the nation’s finest ever forwards—consistent, brutal in contact, and indispensable in high-stakes moments.

Savea’s 2023 World Rugby Player of the Year award capped seasons of extraordinary consistency for the All Blacks, complementing his long list of domestic and international honours. His influence spans Super Rugby, where he was named 2025 Player of the Year, through to repeated Dream Team selections.

Combining explosive carrying with relentless defensive work, he has been at the heart of New Zealand’s Rugby Championship successes and remains one of the defining figures of the decade, especially after joining Moana Pasifika.