Rugby has some of the most iconic players in the world. Over its history, the world rugby stage has seen the likes of Jonah Lomu, Dan Carter, David Pocock, Gareth Edwards, Richie McCaw, and many more. The question is who are the best rugby players in the world? To find out, we researched, and here are the rugby starts we settled on.
What qualities make a great rugby player?
Great rugby players typically have a combination of physical attributes such as strength, speed, and endurance, as well as mental qualities such as tactical awareness, decision-making ability, and leadership skills.
What positions are typically associated with the best rugby players?
While great rugby players can come from any position, certain positions are often associated with excellence. For example, fly-half is a position where skill and tactical ability are highly valued, while flanker is a position where physicality and work rate are important.
How are the best rugby players recognized and awarded?
The best rugby players are often recognized through individual awards and accolades such as the World Rugby Player of the Year award, the Rugby Players’ Association Players’ Player of the Year award, and the Six Nations Player of the Championship award. They may also be inducted into national or international halls of fame for their contributions to the sport.
What impact do the best rugby players have on the sport?
The best rugby players often inspire younger players and fans, raise the profile and popularity of the sport, and contribute to the success of their teams and nations. They may also act as ambassadors for the sport, promoting its values and ideals both on and off the field.
What is the future of the best rugby players?
As the sport continues to evolve and develop, it is likely that new stars will emerge and push the boundaries of what is possible in rugby. However, the legacy of the best rugby players will continue to influence and shape the sport for years to come.
The Best Rugby Players in the World
Here is our round-up of the best rugby players in the world.
Most Capped Rugby Players
To be capped in rugby, players need a certain level of specialism and skill. However, to be continuously capped even more than 100 times, rugby players need to demonstrate true greatness.
Several rugby players have entered the world rugby stage and grown to be iconic players for their teams and countries. Here is our list of the top 5 most capped rugby players.
5. Brian O’Driscoll – 141 caps
Brian O’Driscoll is the greatest Irish player to grace the World Rugby international stage. The legend made his debut in 1999 in Ireland against Australia where he captained the Irish side. The team went on to win a Grand Slam and three Triple Crowns.
4. Sergio Parisse – 142 caps
Sergio Parisse is the greatest Italian rugby player and holds a glittering career that spans more than 20 years and five Rugby World Cups. As the most capped player in Guinness Six Nations, he has made sporting history for his nation since his debut in 2002.
3. Sam Whitelock – 143
The towering New Zealand rugby player is one of the best locks having racked up several accolades. This includes the most capped All Blacks lock of all time. He made his debut in 2010 after scoring two tries. Since then, he has helped his team win the Rugby World Cup twice – 2011 and 2015.
2. Richie McCaw – 148 caps
Richie McCaw is a legendary New Zealand flanker and the most decorated All-Blacks captain. He led his team to two successive World Cup wins and is also a three-time World Rugby Player of the Year.
1. Alun Wyn Jones – 168 caps
Alun Jones is the most capped player in the history of rugby. The Lions and Wales player has been a figurehead of Welsh rugby for more than a decade. Since winning his first senior cap, Alun has gone on to win the Six Nations Championships five times including three Grand Slams.
Most Paid Rugby Player
Rugby is one of the world’s most popular sports. It’s also the toughest sport due to its immensely physical nature. The highest-paid rugby players are some of the best players in the world. Not only are they dedicated and hard-working, but they are good at what they do. Here is a list of the top 5 most paid rugby players.
5. Chelsin Kolbe – $1 million
Chelsin Kolbe is a 2019 Springbok World Cup winner and one of the most promising talents in rugby. Kolbe has a promising career including several top-level seasons which may start a bidding war for his services.
4. Owen Farrell – $1.056 million per year
Currently contracted with Saracens until 2023, Owen Farrell is one of the most influential players in English Rugby history since 2012. He currently sits on 106 test caps and still has plenty left should he decide to take up a big-money contract in Japan or France.
Owen is the son of Irish head coach Andy whose name is synonymous with greatness in the Rugby League and Rugby Union.
3. Charles Piutau – $1.250 million per year
Born in Auckland, New Zealand, Charles Piutau is the third highest-paid rugby player in the world. The former All Blacks turned Tonga international signed with the English Premiership in Bristol. His defection was one of the biggest news stories in the game.
Leaving All Blacks at just 23 years old, the fullback was one of the brightest prospects in international rugby.
2. Finn Russell – $1.250 million per year
Finn Russell is the second highest-paid rugby player and one of the most skillful professional rugby players in the world. The Scottish fly-half currently plies his trade with French Top 14 giants – Racing 92. He has also signed a contract to play for English Premiership side – Bath.
1. Handre Pollard – $1.8 million per year
Handre Pollard is one of the top fly halves in the World of Rugby. This time the Springbok fly-half is currently the highest paid rugby player in the world. He has participated in more than 60 games for his country – South Africa and, he scored 22 points in the 2019 World Cup final.
Most Famous Rugby Players
Several iconic players have graced the rugby world stage since the late 19th century. They have competed locally and in global tournaments against other iconic players.
Without a doubt one of the most famous rugby players in the world is the late Jonah Lomu. Born in Auckland, New Zealand, he is rugby’s first global icon.
He was the youngest person to play for the All Blacks debuting on the wing at age 19. This was in 1994 when the All Blacks played against France. The following year, Jonah became the Player of the Tournament in the Rugby World Cup.
He was also the first All-Blacks since 1905 to score four tries against England. At 6 feet and 5 inches, Jonah Lomu was large for a wing player, but thanks to his power and speed, it was difficult to stop him. In fact, he ran over most of his opponents.
Before he died in 2015, Lomu held numerous World Cup records, including the most tries in a single World Cup. He was also the youngest player to score 12 Test match tries and 10 Test match tries in a year.
Sadly, a kidney ailment forced him out of rugby in 1997, but this did not prevent him from helping New Zealand win the Rugby World Cup Sevens in 2001.
Other famous rugby players include:
Richie McCaw (New Zealand)
Dan Carter (New Zealand)
Paul Sculthorpe (England)
Michael Jones (New Zealand)
Brian O’Dirscoll (Ireland)
Most Feared Rugby Players
At the top of the most feared rugby players list is Sebastien Chabal. During his rugby career, Chabal was not a man to mess with. The French international was one of the toughest players earning the nickname “The Caveman.”
He played professional rugby union for 16 years as No. 8. Though he did not just play for French clubs Racing Metro 92 and Bourgoin. But he also played in England with Sale Sharks.
With his full beard and long hair, it’s unsurprising that they nicknamed him “The Caveman.” However, he is no Fred Flintstone. While he had a frightening look, rugby players appreciated him for his hard-hitting tackling.
Other feared rugby players include:
Tendai Mtawarira
Paul O’Connell
Mathieu Bastareaud
Martin Castrogiovanni
Gareth Thomas
Most Hated Rugby Players
In 2022, Owen Farrell, England’s playmaker was voted as the most hated rugby player in the world. This is after a survey with more than 1,000 fans was conducted. Also known as “Shoulder boy,” fans and other players do not like his poor tackling technique.
Next, we have Nic White from Australia. As one of the most unpopular players in World Rugby, White gained the most hated rugby player reputation because bringing a game into disrepute.
Lastly, we have Eben Etzebeth from South Africa who fans say he is one of the dirtiest players in the sport.
Conclusion
There you have it, a comprehensive list of the best rugby players all time in the world including the highest-paid players. We also included the most hated and most feared rugby players in the world.
Finally do you agree with our list?
