The 20 best players in the Prem right now (Ranked 20-1)

Based on current form, impact, and influence, here is our ranked list of the top 20 players in Premiership Rugby right now.

Stepping into the 2024–25 campaign, the Saints captaincy was handed to Furbank after he deputised 12 times the previous season during Lewis Ludlam’s injury layoff. His return from a fractured arm in April 2025 could hardly have been more emphatic—one try and two assists in a 51–16 demolition of Castres in the Champions Cup quarter-final.

Although injuries have slowed his momentum at times, he remains one of the most polished full-backs in England, and looks firmly established as a long-term starter for club and country when fully fit.

A bold switch to American football shaped Rees-Zammit’s 2024, as he joined the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program before signing with the Kansas City Chiefs as a running back and return specialist. Though he missed out on the final roster, he spent the season with the Jacksonville Jaguars’ practice squad as a wide receiver, becoming a free agent before re-signing in February 2025.

His return to rugby union came in July 2025 after he admitted he felt he was “wasting his talent,” with Bristol Bears confirming his signing on 14 August. His trademark pace, agility, power, and finishing ability continue to set him apart as a rare athletic force.

A move to Bath Rugby for the 2024–25 season set the stage for Pepper’s rise, and he made an immediate impact with a try-scoring Premiership debut away at Leicester. His standout moment came in the 2025 Premiership final, where he earned Man of the Match in a 23–21 win against Leicester, even after an earlier solo try was disallowed.

Known for ferocious breakdown work, tireless defence, and hard running, he is frequently compared to Richie McCaw for his disruptive style and influence at openside.

Bath’s push for top spot in 2024–25 was strengthened by Underhill, whose try in a 55–19 win over Newcastle secured their first regular-season league crown since 2004. He started the Challenge Cup final victory over Lyon, helping Bath claim their first European trophy in 17 years, though a suspension ruled him out of the Premiership final triumph over Leicester.

An excellent summer and autumn with England followed, where he played a major role across both tours and even kept Tom Curry out of the starting XV at times.

Recognition poured in for Slade after a standout 2023–24 season, highlighted by being named Premiership Player of the Season, the league’s top point scorer, and a Team of the Season selection. His class stems from exceptional passing, intelligent defence, versatility, and a cultured left boot that makes him one of the most complete backs in England.

Gloucester secured Carreras back in 2020 and renewed his deal in 2022, but his next chapter begins in 2025–26 with a move to Bath. A gifted, multi-position playmaker, he thrives on dynamic running, sharp footwork, accurate kicking, and fearless defence—qualities that have made him one of the Premiership’s most versatile threats.

Following a lengthy injury layoff, Lawrence has returned looking every bit the explosive midfielder who won the 2023 Premiership Player of the Season award. His blend of power, speed, direct running and defensive strength has once again become central to both Bath’s and England’s midfield plans.

Shoulder problems may have halted his progress temporarily, but Feyi-Waboso’s return set the Premiership alight with a brace against Northampton and a hat-trick versus Newcastle. Five tries in his first eight England caps underline his devastating blend of pace, strength, and finishing instinct. His potential remains enormous.

Since making his England debut in 2012, Farrell has amassed over 1,200 points and more than 100 caps, becoming one of the highest-scoring players in Test history and the record points scorer for both England and Saracens. After stepping away from international rugby post-2023 World Cup, he has returned to Sarries with trademark composure and leadership.

Northampton’s rise has been heavily influenced by Mitchell, whose sharp decision-making and tempo control were crucial in their run to the 2025 Champions Cup final. His Lions tour performances further showcased his threat around the fringes, quick service, and growing tactical kicking game—making him one of England’s most dynamic scrum-halves.

Bath’s success owes much to du Toit, who delivered a two-try Champions Cup performance against Clermont in January 2025 and earned a second consecutive Premiership Team of the Season selection. His try in the 2025 Premiership final capped a season in which Bath secured a treble: Challenge Cup, Premiership Cup, and Premiership title.

Consistency at the highest level has defined Itoje’s career, marked by his 100th international cap in July 2025 and a trophy cabinet including five Premiership titles, three European honours, and multiple Lions tours.

Leading the Lions to a series victory in Australia in 2025 highlighted not only his athleticism but his tactical intelligence and leadership. At 31, his standard remains elite.

Even though his autumn form saw him sit behind George Ford in the pecking order, Smith remains one of the most gifted young fly-halves in the game. His breakthrough 2023–24 season earned him a place in the Premiership Team of the Season as well as the prestigious RPA Players’ Player of the Year award, voted for by his fellow professionals.

His composure under pressure was on full display in January 2025, when he stepped up after the clock had gone red to land a match-winning penalty against league leaders Bath, sealing a 35–34 victory and taking home the man of the match award.

Few players generate as much debate as Marcus Smith, whose brilliance at his best places him among the most talented fly-halves in world rugby. Limited game time for England in the 2025 autumn didn’t stop him from producing a game-changing performance off the bench against the All Blacks.

His Lions tour included a first capped appearance in the opening Test—where he kicked a penalty—and further involvement across the series, which the Lions won 2–1. Consistency is the next step in maximising his world-class potential.

Leadership responsibilities arrived early for Chessum, named Leicester captain for 2025–26, and his performances for club and country continue to strengthen his reputation. A starter in the second Test of the Lions’ victorious 2025 tour, he showcased the physicality, athleticism, and composure that have made him indispensable.

Relentless energy and versatility define Ben Earl, whose form earned him a place in the 2023–24 Premiership Team of the Season and a starring role for England and the Lions in 2025. He topped carries in the 2024 Six Nations and remains a central figure for Saracens, combining ball-carrying power with exceptional defensive work rate.

Decades of experience shape Ford’s game, from debuting professionally at 16 to representing England at three World Cups. His trademark blend of tactical nous, precise kicking, and composed decision-making make him one of the Premiership’s most influential fly-halves. Even without a Lions cap, few players have shaped English rugby’s modern era as consistently as he has.

Try-scoring has become second nature to Freeman, whose explosive 2024–25 season featured multiple Champions Cup hat-tricks and a Six Nations campaign where he crossed the line in every match. With pace, power, and sharp finishing instincts, he has become one of England’s most reliable attacking threats.

A return to peak form has re-established Tom Curry as one of the top flankers in the game. His 2025 Six Nations included two tries for England, and his Lions tour saw him score in consecutive Tests. Even from the bench this autumn, his impact was undeniable, earning him a place in the World Rugby Dream Team.

Bath’s resurgence has been orchestrated by Russell, who guided the club to a Premiership title in June 2025 with 13 points and a try assist in the final.

His influence extended to the international stage, starting all three Lions Tests in their 2025 series win over Australia and earning Howden’s Player of the Series. Creativity, precision, and vision make him one of the most gifted fly-halves in world rugby.