Top 10 rugby players in the world 2025 updated (Ranked 10-1)

Tuesday, 11 November 2025 at 19:36

byCharlie Elliott

A weekend of rugby drama delivered shocks, statements, and standout performances. Italy stunned Australia with a famous win, Argentina ran riot in Cardiff, and South Africa powered past France. Ireland looked ruthless, England clinical, and New Zealand composed — a thrilling round that showcased both rising stars and ruthless heavyweights.

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This Top 10 is based solely on performances from this weekend’s matches — not reputation, not past form, just pure impact on the pitch.

Results – Week 2

Ireland 41–10 Japan
Scotland 17–25 New Zealand
England 38–18 Fiji
Italy 26–19 Australia
France 17–32 South Africa
Wales 28–52 Argentina

10 Louis Lynagh (Italy)

A debut that dreams are made of. Facing his father’s old team, Lynagh marked the occasion with a powerful try, brushing off Andrew Kellaway in the process. Safe under the high ball and full of energy, he helped ignite Italy’s comeback in Udine — a fairytale start to his international career.

9 Ruan Nortje (South Africa)

Thrust into action early after Lood de Jager’s exit, Nortje looked completely at home. He bossed the line-out, linked play intelligently, and provided the Boks with his usual mix of graft and grit. Another understated yet exceptional performance.

8 Henry Arundell (England)

England’s backline spark plug once again. Dangerous every time he touched the ball, Arundell’s footwork and finishing added a sharp edge to England’s attack, continuing his upward trajectory this autumn.

7 Fabian Holland (New Zealand)

The Highlanders’ young lock keeps making waves. Towering in the air, aggressive in contact, and tireless around the park, Holland produced a performance well beyond his years. Test rugby already seems his natural stage.

6 Sione Tuipulotu (Scotland)

A true leader in defeat. Tuipulotu carried hard, broke the gainline repeatedly, and delivered a huge defensive shift — including a turnover that kept Scotland in the contest. His physicality and intent set the tone for those around him.

5 Malcolm Marx (South Africa)

Peak Marx mode. The Bok hooker was unrelenting against France — brutal in the collisions, flawless at the set piece, and relentless over 80 minutes. It was a reminder that when he’s fit, South Africa’s No.2 shirt is his and his alone.

4 Stephen Varney (Italy)

The catalyst behind Italy’s stunning win over Australia. Varney’s sniping run set up Lynagh’s try and completely flipped the momentum of the match. Composed, sharp, and fearless — easily his best outing in an Azzurri jersey.

3 Ben Earl (England)

Shifted to openside and didn’t miss a beat. Earl was everywhere — leading England’s tackle count with 15 and providing relentless go-forward in attack. Back-to-back Player of the Match awards say it all: he’s fast becoming the engine of Steve Borthwick’s side.

2 Damian Penaud (France)

Even in defeat, Penaud dazzles. The French winger ran riot with 144 metres gained and a try that only he could conjure. Electric on every touch, France’s attack still orbits around his brilliance.

1 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (South Africa)

What a talent. Switched to fullback mid-game, the young Bok oozed class — from a sublime offload nearly creating a Kolbe score to his fearless attacking play under pressure. Not perfect yet, but the potential is breathtaking. A superstar in the making.