1 Ox Nche (South Africa)
Ox Nche has built his reputation on immense power and elite scrummaging.
His compact frame and low centre of gravity give him a clear advantage at the set piece, while his mobility and work rate allow him to make a significant impact around the field.
He also became the first prop to be nominated for the World Rugby Player of the Year award in 2025.
2 Malcolm Marx (South Africa)
Malcolm Marx has set the standard for the modern hooker.
Dominant in contact, relentless around the field, and exceptional at the breakdown, he continues to redefine the demands of the position.
After being named World Rugby Player of the Year, he became only the second hooker after Keith Wood to win the men’s 15s award and the first since 2001.
3 Thomas du Toit (South Africa)
Thomas du Toit was the standout prop in the Premiership last season and offers the rare ability to perform at the highest level on both sides of the scrum.
His physicality, leadership, and impressive try-scoring record for a front-row forward make him the leading tighthead prop in world rugby.
4 Eben Etzebeth (South Africa)
Eben Etzebeth has been the cornerstone of South Africa’s pack for more than a decade.
With more than 130 Test caps, he has earned his reputation through relentless physicality, leadership, and an uncompromising competitive edge.
A Rugby World Cup winner and South Africa’s most-capped player, Etzebeth continues to raise the standard of those around him.
5 Tadhg Beirne (Ireland)
There is very little Tadhg Beirne cannot do.
Whether at lock or blindside flanker, he remains one of Andy Farrell’s most influential players.
He led the Six Nations for lineout steals, topped the competition for both jackals and turnovers won, and ranked among the tournament’s leading tacklers. His relentless work rate provided the platform for many of Ireland’s strongest performances.
6 Pieter-Steph du Toit (South Africa)
Few players embody consistency and commitment like Pieter-Steph du Toit.
His remarkable 28-tackle performance in the 2023 Rugby World Cup final remains one of the finest individual displays the sport has seen.
Now a two-time World Rugby Player of the Year at 33, he continues to set the benchmark in defence through his work rate, physicality, and tactical awareness. Despite limited recent club appearances, his place among the world’s elite is unquestioned.
7 Jack Willis (England) – Replaces Siya Kolisi
Although Jack Willis has missed the Nations Championship because he is ineligible while playing in France, his absence has only reinforced how valuable he is to England.
One of the world’s best back-row forwards, Willis is renowned for his outstanding breakdown work, defensive intensity, and versatility.
Winning the Top 14 Player of the Season award last season confirmed his status among the game’s elite, and he has continued to prove his quality at club level.
England are undoubtedly missing one of their best players.
8 Ardie Savea (New Zealand)
Ardie Savea’s move to Moana Pasifika was one of the biggest stories in Super Rugby, and he more than lived up to the expectations.
His influence transformed the side, inspired historic victories, and earned him the Super Rugby Pacific Player of the Year award.
Explosive, tireless, and inspirational, Savea remains one of the defining figures in world rugby.
Although his move to Japan may count against him in some debates, his quality is beyond dispute, especially after being appointed All Blacks captain for the Nations Championship.
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