Top 30 players in Britain includes 16 England Internationals

Thursday, 30 December 2021 at 13:12

before and after interior design make over comparison tutorial youtube thumbnail 2021 12 30t131050876 1

byRugby Rucker

The criteria set out by the Guardian is rather simple: the players chosen have to play the vast majority of their rugby in the United Kingdom - but who comes out on top?

You can check out their top 30 players here.

Below, we run down their top five rugby players in Britain and Ireland.

#5. Courtney Lawes (England)

They wrote: "Arguably playing the best rugby of his career after a prominent role with the British and Irish Lions against South Africa and still incredibly physical."

Courtney Lawes, Captain of England celebrates after winning during the Autumn Nations Match between England and Tonga at Twickenham Stoop on 6 November 2021. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK

#4. Faf de Klerk (South Africa)

They wrote: "Stronger than his 5ft 7in frame would suggest and a diamond of a player."

#3. Marcus Smith (England)

They wrote: "All-round talent whose leadership qualities continue to grow. The best is yet to come."

Marcus Smith of England celebrates after winning during the Autumn Nations Match between England and South Africa at Twickenham Stadium on 20 November 2021. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK

#2. Tom Curry (England)

They wrote: "So important for both Sale Sharks and England not only with his ability to win turnovers at the breakdown but through his improving carrying game and lineout work."

Tom Curry of England Rugby during the Six Nations Championship match between England and Italy at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on January 13 2021. - PHOTO: Micah Crook/PPAUK

#1. Maro Itoje (England)

They wrote: "Rarely produces a performance which is anything less than a nine out of 10, hence his standing as one of the best players in the world."