The ten best locks in the world (Ranked 10-1)

From relentless enforcers to dynamic ball players, today’s elite locks shape matches in different ways.

This list looks at the very best in the world right now, ranking those who consistently influence games at the highest level.

There is a smoothness to Flament that sets him apart from most second rows. He moves with ease, almost like a back, and brings an attacking instinct that is rare in his position. His ability to offload in contact and step through space makes him a constant threat rather than just a support carrier.

His Test debut came in November 2021 against Argentina, where he immediately made an impression with a try.

From there, he became a key part of France’s 2022 Grand Slam campaign, offering a different dimension to their pack. Others may bring more raw size, but Flament offers variety and intelligence in how he plays.

McCarthy’s game is built around confrontation. He does not look to avoid contact, he seeks it out and often dominates it. Whether carrying into heavy traffic or lining up defensively, he brings a level of physicality that shifts momentum.

Since debuting for Ireland in 2022, he has grown into a central figure in their forward pack. His performance against France in the 2024 Six Nations opener, where he claimed Player of the Match, underlined just how influential he has become at Test level.

Few players change the feel of a match simply by being on the field, but Skelton does exactly that. His size alone forces teams to adjust, yet it is his ability to keep the ball alive and move effectively that makes him so difficult to handle.

He first appeared for Australia in 2014, scoring against France, and later returned to the international stage after dealing with injuries.

By 2023, he was leading the Wallabies at the World Cup, offering both authority and a clear physical edge. His impact against the British and Irish Lions in the summer showed how dramatically he can influence a contest.

Holland brings calm to chaos. Even early in his international career, he has shown an ability to organise those around him and make smart decisions under pressure. His work at the lineout and in defence reflects a player who understands his role in detail.

Debuting in the 2025 Rugby Championship against Argentina, he quickly built momentum with each appearance.

A standout showing against Australia later in the tournament highlighted his defensive output and awareness. With experience in New Zealand since 2019 and recognition as a breakthrough player, his trajectory looks extremely promising once he returns from injury.

Chessum offers flexibility that few forwards can match. He is just as comfortable operating in the second row as he is on the flank, and that adaptability adds real value to any side he plays in. His engine stands out, allowing him to stay involved across all phases of play.

His leadership credentials have also developed quickly. Captaining Leicester Tigers, earning an Elite Player contract, and featuring heavily for England all point to his growing influence.

On the 2025 Lions tour to Australia, he played every Test and started the decisive second match, reinforcing his importance at the highest level.

His performance against France at the recent Six Nations also serves as a reminder of what he can do across the park, as he scored a try after making an interception near the halfway line in that match.

Guillard has emerged quickly, and the recent Six Nations felt like his arrival on the bigger stage. He carries with intent and rarely wastes an opportunity to gain ground, while still handling the core responsibilities expected of a lock.

What makes him particularly valuable is his mobility. He can shift between the second row and the back row without disrupting the balance of the team. That versatility, combined with a strong work rate, suggests he will be a long-term fixture in the French pack.

Even with a dip in form, Itoje remains central to England’s identity up front. His best performances are built on sharp reading of the game, whether that is disrupting lineouts or making key interventions at breakdowns.

His career already places him among the elite. Success with Saracens, multiple Lions tours, and a Grand Slam with England highlight his pedigree. Reaching 100 caps in 2025 only reinforces how consistently he has performed over time, and there is little doubt he can return to his highest level.

Nortje is not always the most visible player, but his value becomes clear over the course of a match. He handles the demanding, often unnoticed work that allows others to shine. That reliability has made him a trusted figure in the South African pack.

Across the Rugby Championship, he delivered steady, physical performances against top opposition. His ability to maintain intensity, contribute at the set piece, and stay disciplined under pressure has secured his place in major Tests.

There is a presence about Etzebeth that few can match. Opponents are always aware of him, whether he is carrying, tackling, or competing in the air. He sets the tone physically and often dictates the edge of a contest.

His career milestones underline his impact. Reaching 100 caps and then becoming South Africa’s most-capped player while continuing to win titles shows remarkable longevity. He remains the standard others are judged against, combining power with an uncompromising approach.

Beirne stands out because of how he reads the game. He consistently finds ways to influence key moments, whether through turnovers, clever handling, or positioning himself where he is most needed.

His performances on Lions tours, particularly in 2025 where he started every Test and earned Player of the Series, highlight his ability to deliver on the biggest stage. With Ireland, he continues to be central to their success, contributing to a Triple Crown and pushing them close to another championship title.