The Best 30 Players in World Rugby Right Now

Strategic Insights -

France's Antoine Dupont has been dubbed the greatest player to ever play the sport, and many would agree that he's the best player in the world right now, closely followed by South Africa's Pieter-Steph du Toit and Eben Etzebeth, and New Zealand's Ardie Savea. However, the ranking of the top 30 players in the world is subjective and can be influenced by various factors, including team performance, individual achievements, and personal opinions.

Key Takeaways:

  • Antoine Dupont is considered the best player in the world right now, with his unmatched all-round talent and ability to bend the shape of a game to his liking.
  • Pieter-Steph du Toit and Eben Etzebeth from South Africa are among the top three players in the world, with du Toit being a two-time World Cup-winning captain and Etzebeth being on the path to becoming the greatest Springbok of all time.
  • Ardie Savea from New Zealand is the latest talismanic figure in the All Blacks' pack, and was the World Rugby player of the year in 2022.
  • Damian Penaud from France is a clinical player who knows how to get over the whitewash at an alarming rate, making him one of the top wingers in the world.
  • Caelan Doris from Ireland is a standout performer who assumed the Irish captaincy and is likely to lead the Lions next year.
  • Dan Sheehan from Ireland is considered the best hooker in world rugby, but has been ruled out for a while due to a serious knee injury.
  • Cheslin Kolbe from South Africa is a big-game player who has played his part in the Springboks' two recent World Cup wins.
  • Tadhg Beirne from Ireland is a second-row player who has been shining ever since he was in the Scarlets' pack.
  • Maro Itoje from England is an important player for the team, and the tour of New Zealand was a reminder of just how important he is to the team.
  • Richie Mo'unga from New Zealand was the world's best fly-half last year and is still deserving of a high spot.
  • Will Jordan from New Zealand is a top try-scorer at the World Cup last year, and has intelligence in his game that serves his elusive running.
  • Scott Barrett from New Zealand is the new All Blacks captain, and is a huge asset to the team.

Statistics:

  • Antoine Dupont has been compared to the greatest player to ever play the sport, and has an unmatched all-round talent.
  • Pieter-Steph du Toit has 124 caps for the Springboks, and is on the path to becoming the greatest Springbok of all time.
  • Eben Etzebeth has 124 caps for the Springboks, and his levels have scarcely dropped across his career.
  • Ardie Savea was the World Rugby player of the year in 2022, and is the latest talismanic figure in the All Blacks' pack.
  • Damian Penaud has scored an alarming number of tries for Bordeaux Begles.
  • Caelan Doris has assumed the Irish captaincy and is likely to lead the Lions next year.
  • Dan Sheehan has been ruled out for a while due to a serious knee injury.
  • Cheslin Kolbe has played his part in the Springboks' two recent World Cup wins.
  • Tadhg Beirne has been shining ever since he was in the Scarlets' pack.
  • Maro Itoje has been important for the English team, and the tour of New Zealand was a reminder of just how important he is to the team.
  • Richie Mo'unga was the world's best fly-half last year, and is still deserving of a high spot.
  • Will Jordan has scored 33 tries in 33 matches, and is a top try-scorer at the World Cup last year.

Sources:

  • "The Best 30 Players in World Rugby Right Now" by BEN JAMES ( Rugby writer, BEN.JAMESW@WALESONLINE.CO.UK, rugby writer for Wales Online)
  • Rugby Union statistics and news from around the world.