The Best Rugby Players in the World Updated (Ranked 20-1)

Tuesday, 25 November 2025 at 11:44

byCharlie Elliott

The list has been updated following the autumn internationals: Rugby is full of stars, but there is always a group of players who stand above the rest — not just for their skill, but for how they shape the game around them.

These 20 are doing exactly that. Whether through raw speed, relentless work ethic, or quiet leadership, each has left a mark on 2025 and the years before that.

There were plenty of contenders, and a lot of top talent has had to miss out on this list.

It’s not just about stats — it’s about impact. Here's a look at the top 20 male players lighting up world rugby right now.

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20 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (New entry)

Has really come into his own this year and capped off a good few months with the Springboks with a strong autumn showing that showed why he is so highly thought of. Still a long way to go but Feinberg-Mngomezulu is such an exciting player and has so much potential.

19 Tommaso Menoncello (Stays on the list)

Italy’s rising star, Tommaso Menoncello, has quickly become the face of Italian rugby’s new generation. The Benetton centre made history as the youngest try-scorer in Six Nations history at 19, showing a mix of power and poise rarely seen at his age. Named 2024 Six Nations Player of the Championship, his maturity and creativity have lifted Italy’s attack to new levels. Stays on the list for now.

18 Sione Tuipulotu (Downgraded after underwhelming form)

Born in Australia with Tongan roots, Sione Tuipulotu has become one of Scotland’s most dependable midfielders. Qualifying through his grandmother, he’s blended flair with physicality to become a leader on and off the field. Appointed Scotland captain in 2024, Tuipulotu guided his side to memorable wins and earned selection for the 2025 British & Irish Lions. Has moved down a couple of spots after being decent, but unspectacular, this autumn.

17 Ben Earl (New inclusion after a strong autumn)

Is the best back row that England currently has and is now established as a world class player after carrying his side through some very tough games, in which he came up against some very good players in his position and outperformed them.

16 Caelan Doris (Still finding his feet after injury)

Dynamic and balanced, Caelan Doris is the heartbeat of Ireland’s pack. Though injuries disrupted his 2025 season, he’s earned a reputation as one of the world’s most intelligent number eights. His leadership has grown steadily—captaining Ireland and earning a World Rugby Player of the Year nomination in 2024.

15 Maro Itoje (England's captain remains up there)

A mainstay of England and the British & Irish Lions, Maro Itoje has long set the standard for intensity and intelligence in the second row. His athleticism, lineout mastery, and relentless energy make him a nightmare for opponents. With over 100 Test appearances and multiple domestic and European titles with Saracens, Itoje’s influence extends far beyond his physical presence.

14 Tadhg Beirne (Faltering a bit)

Ireland’s Tadhg Beirne is the definition of versatility. Whether at lock or in the back row, he brings relentless work rate, breakdown dominance, and game-changing impact. A standout at the 2023 World Cup and the 2025 Lions Player of the Series, Beirne’s adaptability has made him one of rugby’s most complete forwards. Age looks to be catching up to him though.

13 Eben Etzebeth (Still a quality player)

One of rugby’s most intimidating figures, Eben Etzebeth has anchored the Springbok pack for over a decade. With more than 130 caps, the towering lock has led with physical dominance and unrelenting competitiveness. A World Cup winner and record-holder for South Africa appearances, Etzebeth’s presence lifts those around him.

12 Will Jordan (Try-scoring machine)

With a strike rate that would make any winger jealous — 45 tries in just 54 Tests — it’s no surprise Will Jordan is being spoken of as one of the world’s best fullbacks. Since his All Blacks debut in 2020, he’s been a constant try-scoring threat and recently celebrated his 50th cap against Australia.

Jordan’s positional sense, timing and speed make him a nightmare for opposition defences. At 27, he’s now entering his prime and still has time to add to his already incredible record.

11 Dan Sheehan (Another hooker moves ahead of him)

Hookers aren’t supposed to score hat-tricks or lead teams from the front like Dan Sheehan does. After six months out injured, he returned in early 2025, scored in the Six Nations opener, and ended up captaining Ireland to a Triple Crown. His dynamism around the park is unmatched for a front-rower — whether it’s linking play or dotting down crucial tries. On the British & Irish Lions tour to Australia, he crossed the line in both Tests to help clinch the series. Sheehan has become a cornerstone of Irish rugby, redefining the role of the modern hooker with power and poise.

10 Ox Nché (World Player of the Year nominee)

Springbok prop Ox Nché has built his reputation on raw strength and impeccable scrummaging technique. Compact and explosive, his lower centre of gravity gives him a unique advantage against taller opponents. Beyond set-piece dominance, Nché contributes with tireless defence and surprising mobility in open play. Could consider himself unlucky to only be at number 10 after being nominated for the World Player of the Year, becoming the first prop to ever be nominated.

9 Finn Russell (Mixed autumn)

Despite a demanding club season and the toll of minor injuries, Finn Russell shone during the 2025 British & Irish Lions tour, reaffirming his status among rugby’s finest playmakers.

Scotland’s talisman was at the heart of the Lions’ attacking spark — his vision, creativity, and game management setting the tone in the biggest moments. A World Rugby Player of the Year nominee in 2024, Russell has evolved from maverick to master craftsman, blending flair with control to devastating effect.

Whether dazzling for Bath or dictating for Scotland, few can match his ability to shape a game. At his best, he’s not just a fly-half — he’s an artist with a rugby ball.

8 Cheslin Kolbe (Quality over quantity)

Few players divide opinion like Cheslin Kolbe — but there’s no doubting his ability to turn a game on its head. Critics point to his modest domestic form in Japan, but Kolbe has delivered when it matters most.

A two-time Rugby World Cup winner, he’s scored in finals, dominated Lions tours, and created magic for the Springboks time and again. Whether it’s burning defenders or producing clutch moments under pressure, Kolbe thrives on the big stage. In full flight, he remains one of the most exhilarating sights in world rugby.

7 Damian Penaud (Not quite the No.1 French winger)

There are few players who exploded onto the European stage quite like Damian Penaud did this year. He tore through defences in the Champions Cup, breaking records with 14 tries — including six in a single game. His performances powered Bordeaux to their first European title, and he was rightly named Champions Cup Player of the Year.

But Penaud isn’t just a try machine. He blends power, agility and timing with an eye for the spectacular. At 29, he’s now a proven match-winner who delivers on the biggest occasions. Stays at six even if his autumn wasn't amazing.

6 Malcom Marx (WPOTY enters the list)

The World Player of the Year, Marx comes from nowhere to get up to number six on this list, after a great year at Test level. A great hooker that pops up all around the pitch, Marx is currently the best in his position globally.

5 Jordie Barrett (Remains top five)

It was in Ireland — not New Zealand — where Jordie Barrett proved he’s truly world-class across any environment.

During a six-month stint with Leinster, Barrett stood out even among their stacked squad, scoring tries, winning awards, and helping them to a URC title. His versatility is a coach’s dream, playing 10, 12, 15 and slotting in wherever needed.

Add that to his 50+ caps for the All Blacks, and it’s clear why he’s so highly rated. Intelligent, physical and composed, Barrett has grown from a utility player into a game-controlling leader.

Would be harsh to knock him down on this list after he was injured against Ireland.

4 Ardie Savea (Overtaken slightly)

A move to Moana Pasifika was never just symbolic — Ardie Savea came to compete, and he’s done exactly that. Last season, he led the team to landmark wins and was named Super Rugby Pacific Player of the Year with games to spare. Savea’s blend of explosiveness and calm leadership is unmatched, and he remains a talisman for the All Blacks as well.

Even though a couple have moved up above him, his quality is undisputable.

3 Louis Bielle-Biarrey (Huge rise this autumn)

Not many 22-year-olds can say they’ve redefined expectations — but Louis Bielle-Biarrey has. Whether it’s becoming Bordeaux’s all-time leading try scorer or breaking Six Nations records with eight tries in a single campaign, he’s doing things most wings only dream of.

His Champions Cup breakout came at 18, scoring a hat-trick on debut. Last season, he helped Bordeaux reach and win their first European final and was crowned Six Nations Player of the Tournament. Blistering pace and fearless play define him, but he also brings tactical awareness well beyond his years. France — and rugby — have a superstar on their hands.

He proved that again this autumn, showing up for France despite many of his teammates struggling, showing that he can lead a team, and he has been rewarded with a World Player of the Year nomination.

2 Pieter-Steph du Toit (Moves up slightly)

One of the hardest workers in rugby history, Pieter-Steph du Toit doesn’t need flair — he wins games with grit, intelligence and unrelenting effort. In the 2023 World Cup Final, he made 28 tackles against New Zealand to lead South Africa to glory.

That kind of performance defines his career. A two-time World Rugby Player of the Year, du Toit continues to dominate at 33 with his trademark work rate and leadership. His legacy is secure among the greats, and yet he still plays with the hunger of a newcomer. Few can match his heart — or his tackle count.

1 Antoine Dupont (Remains at the top)

Even sidelined with an ACL injury, Antoine Dupont’s grip on the rugby world remains tight. His list of achievements is staggering — World Rugby Player of the Year in both 15s (2021) and Sevens (2024), three-time Six Nations Player of the Tournament, and an Olympic gold medallist.

Dupont is the only player to ever win both major global rugby awards, underlining his unmatched versatility. With five Top 14 titles, two European Cups, and now a sevens legacy, he’s conquered every format.

Although he hasn’t played since the Six Nations, there’s no doubt he's still the world's best player.