Often overlooked yet vital, the fullback is rugby’s ultimate all-rounder, blending vision, pace, skill and bravery into one demanding role.
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From launching attacks as a secondary playmaker to finishing moves like a winger and organising the last line of defence, the position requires exceptional versatility.
Here, we look at the best fullbacks in world rugby and celebrates the players redefining its importance today in today’s game.
10 Aphelele Fassi
Few fullbacks in world rugby accelerate like Fassi when space opens up. His game is built on instinct, often launching counter attacks from deep with a sharp step that makes him difficult to pin down.
That natural attacking flair was evident from the very start of his Test career. Debuting against Georgia in July 2021, he marked the occasion with a try, immediately underlining his threat.
His early rise continued through that season, adding another score in the Rugby Championship and earning South Africa’s Young Player of the Year award.
More recently, being part of the 2025 Rugby Championship winning squad reflects steady progression into a more complete player.
9 Davit Niniashvili
A chaotic game often suits Niniashvili better than a structured one. The Georgian thrives when play breaks down, using raw pace and power to exploit fractured defences.
His rise began in France with Lyon, where he debuted in the Top 14 in September 2021 and quickly became central to their Challenge Cup triumph, the club’s first European title.
That form translated to the international stage. At the 2023 Rugby World Cup he started every match for Georgia, including a standout performance against Wales where he crossed for a try.
A move to La Rochelle in 2025 signalled the next step in his development.
8 Hugo Keenan
Reliability defines Keenan’s game. Rarely out of position and consistently composed, he has become the backbone of Ireland’s backfield.
Since scoring twice on debut against Italy in 2020, he has evolved into a player trusted in every phase, whether fielding high balls or appearing on perfectly timed support lines.
His influence has only grown in recent seasons. At the 2023 Rugby World Cup he started every match, underlining his importance.
Then came the 2025 British and Irish Lions tour, where he delivered one of the defining moments. Starting the opening Tests against Australia, he scored the decisive late try in the second Test to seal the series.
7 Ange Capuozzo
Everything about Capuozzo’s game is built on unpredictability. Small in stature but electric in movement, he combines rapid acceleration with footwork that can dismantle defensive lines in seconds.
His breakthrough moment came in the 2022 Six Nations, when a late break against Wales set up Italy’s famous last minute victory, ending a long losing streak in the competition.
That was only the beginning. Later that year he scored twice as Italy beat Australia for the first time in their history, earning global recognition and the World Rugby Breakthrough Player award. At club level, his move to Toulouse in 2022 has sharpened his attacking instincts further.
6 Tom Wright
Few careers at fullback have swung as dramatically as Wright’s. He announced himself with a try from his first touch on debut in 2020, yet inconsistency and selection setbacks followed, including missing out on the 2023 Rugby World Cup squad entirely.
The response since has been emphatic. Recalled in 2024, he quickly re established himself as Australia’s first choice fullback, producing a hat trick against Wales and becoming a central figure in their attacking structure.
His performances during the 2025 series against the British and Irish Lions reinforced that growth, highlighted by a decisive try in the second Test.
