Few positions in rugby demand as much as the back row. They are expected to carry hard, dominate the breakdown, make countless tackles and still find the energy to produce match-winning moments.
After another fascinating round of Nations Championship action, the debate has only become more interesting. Taking recent form, consistency and overall impact into account, here are the 20 best back-row forwards in world rugby right now.
20 Rory Darge
Rory Darge has grown into one of the finest openside flankers in the game. The Glasgow Warriors and Scotland star brings relentless energy to every contest, combining explosive carrying with exceptional work over the ball.
He always seems to save some of his best performances for Calcutta Cup clashes against England, but his consistency throughout the season is just as impressive. Rarely quiet, Darge is the type of player every side wants alongside them.
19 Lorenzo Cannone
Still only 25, Lorenzo Cannone has become a cornerstone of both Benetton and Italy. His performances helped the Azzurri enjoy one of their strongest Six Nations campaigns in recent years, including a memorable victory over England.
Cannone offers the complete modern package. He is a powerful ball carrier, comfortable with the ball in hand, and one of Italy's most dependable defensive forwards.
18 Grégory Alldritt
Whenever France need someone to steady the ship, Grégory Alldritt usually answers the call. The La Rochelle captain blends raw physicality with impressive skill, making hard carries before producing the kind of pass more often associated with a fly-half.
His leadership during the 2024 Six Nations only strengthened his reputation, while his footwork, balance and ability to keep attacks alive have made him one of the first names on the French teamsheet.
17 Wallace Sititi
Wallace Sititi looks destined to become one of New Zealand's great back-row forwards. Despite being just 23, he already plays with the confidence and composure of someone far more experienced.
His outstanding 2024 campaign brought both World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year and All Blacks Player of the Year honours. Comfortable across the back row, Sititi combines size, pace and athleticism to devastating effect in open space.
16 Henry Pollock
Henry Pollock has wasted no time announcing himself on the biggest stage. At just 21, the Northampton Saints flanker is producing displays that many seasoned internationals would be proud of, highlighted by his hat trick against Fiji last weekend.
His performances in the Champions Cup showcased his instinct for the try line, fearless defence and ability to deliver in big moments. Pollock plays with confidence but remains grounded, handling rapid success and growing expectations with impressive maturity.
15 Kwagga Smith
Kwagga Smith has carved out one of rugby's most remarkable careers. After making his name in sevens, he reinvented himself as a world-class flanker and played a key role in South Africa's back-to-back World Cup triumphs.
He may lack the size of many of his rivals, but few players match his intensity. Whether chasing kicks, competing at the breakdown or popping up in support, Smith's influence is felt all over the field.
14 Ben Earl
Ben Earl has become England's most explosive back-row threat. Few forwards accelerate through gaps as quickly, and his ability to beat defenders in open play adds another dimension to England's attack.
Whether starring for Saracens or wearing the white jersey, Earl plays with relentless intensity. He attacks every carry and every tackle with the same enthusiasm, making him one of the most entertaining forwards to watch.
13 Josh van der Flier
Josh van der Flier has built his reputation on consistency. The iconic red scrum cap, relentless engine and flawless discipline have become trademarks of one of the game's most reliable performers.
A former World Rugby Player of the Year, the Leinster flanker lets his rugby do the talking. His work rate rarely drops, while his reading of the game allows him to make crucial interventions time and again.
12 Rob Valetini
Australia look a different side when Rob Valetini is available. The two-time John Eales Medallist brings power, balance and composure to the Wallabies pack, making an impact on both sides of the ball.
Injuries disrupted parts of his past year, including the Lions series, but at his best there are few more complete back-row players in world rugby. His carries generate momentum, while his defence regularly stops opponents in their tracks.
11 Siya Kolisi
Siya Kolisi's influence stretches far beyond rugby, but his ability as a player should never be overlooked. The Springbok captain has led South Africa to two World Cup titles while remaining one of the most effective flankers in the game.
His work at the breakdown, tireless defence and willingness to do the hard work for his teammates continue to make him invaluable. Leadership comes naturally to Kolisi, but so does consistently delivering on the field.
10 Charles Ollivon
Charles Ollivon has been one of France's standout leaders since taking over the captaincy in 2020. He made an immediate impact by scoring twice against England in his first match as skipper, leading Les Bleus to victory.
Standing well over six feet tall, Ollivon combines outstanding athleticism with excellent game awareness. Equally comfortable at flanker or number eight, the Toulon forward remains a vital figure for both club and country.
9 Jac Morgan
Few players represent the spirit of Welsh rugby better than Jac Morgan. The Wales co-captain throws himself into every contest, producing fearless tackles, relentless work at the breakdown and huge efforts for his teammates.
His influence was clear during the 2025 Lions tour, where a decisive clear-out helped create the series-winning try. Morgan has a habit of producing his best rugby when the stakes are highest.
8 Jasper Wiese
Jasper Wiese plays the game with uncompromising physicality. Every carry is direct, every collision forceful, and few players enjoy contact quite as much as the South African number eight.
While his power remains his biggest weapon, Wiese has developed into a far more rounded player in recent seasons. His decision-making has improved, his discipline is stronger, and his work rate ensures he contributes long after the headlines from his biggest carries have faded.
7 François Cros
François Cros rarely attracts the headlines, but his importance to both Toulouse and France cannot be overstated. He thrives in the unseen moments that allow those around him to flourish.
His defensive work, breakdown presence and tactical intelligence provide the platform for stars like Antoine Dupont to dictate games. Every successful team needs players like Cros, and few do that role better.
6 Caelan Doris
Caelan Doris makes the game look simple. The Ireland number eight combines powerful carrying with outstanding decision-making, consistently choosing the right option under pressure.
Whether leading Leinster or producing big performances for Ireland, Doris brings calmness and control to every match. Injuries have slowed his momentum recently, but his place among the world's best back-rowers remains secure.
5 Jack Willis
Jack Willis has flourished since moving to Toulouse, establishing himself as one of the finest flankers in European rugby. He scored twice in this year's Top 14 final after being named the league's Player of the Season the previous year.
His ability over the ball is exceptional, while his tackling and instincts make him a constant threat. A return to England before the 2027 World Cup still feels unlikely, but it remains an ambition many supporters would love to see fulfilled.
4 Pablo Matera
Pablo Matera has been the heartbeat of Argentina's back row for more than a decade. Now playing his club rugby in Japan, he continues to bring the same intensity and leadership whenever he pulls on the Pumas jersey.
With well over 100 Test appearances, Matera's experience is invaluable. His career has taken him through France, England, South Africa and Super Rugby, but his commitment to Argentina has never wavered.
3 Fraser McReight
Fraser McReight has established himself as Australia's premier openside flanker through his consistency and relentless work at the breakdown. The Queensland Reds star is equally effective slowing opposition ball or making tackle after tackle in defence.
Against France last weekend, he crossed for two first-half tries, but arguably his best contribution came at the other end of the pitch with a superb try-saving tackle. Those moments underline why he remains so highly regarded.
2 Ardie Savea
There are few players who wear their heart on their sleeve quite like Ardie Savea. Every performance is fuelled by energy, passion and an infectious desire to compete.
His move to Japan may affect some rankings, but there is little doubt about his quality. Now leading the All Blacks as captain in the Nations Championship, Savea continues to set the standard with his carrying, breakdown work and relentless competitiveness.
1 Pieter-Steph du Toit
Pieter-Steph du Toit has been setting the standard for years. Few players can match his consistency, and even fewer combine such physical dominance with an incredible work rate.
His 28 tackles in the 2023 Rugby World Cup final remain one of the greatest individual defensive displays in the modern era. Now 33 and a two-time World Rugby Player of the Year, du Toit continues to prove why he is widely regarded as the benchmark for back-row forwards.
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- Jordie Barrett over Damian de Allende is far from being correct. The hype around Dupont is also overreaching, he's probably 4th in the world and has been since the 2023 WC. He also avoids certain matchups which is strange. The rest of the list is pretty good apart from minor subjective biases.JasonMarlow16-09-2026
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