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Top 100 Men’s Rugby Players 2024

December 4, 2024

https://www.rugbypass.com/top-100-mens-rugby-players/

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The last year has shown us there is a dizzying array of talent in men’s rugby, with a new generation of superstars showing off their athletic gifts to millions of fans. This begs the questions ‘who are the world’s greatest players?’ and of course, ‘who is the best rugby player in the world?’

Naturally, with so many stellar individuals at the peak of their powers, there’s white-hot debate around this topic and it’s not simply a matter of ranking players purely by their achievements. There are many other intangibles to consider, from ready-made reputations and leadership, to consistency and raw ability, plus their influence off the field. So we’ve turned to our experts from around the world, who have engaged in heated debate to whittle down a long-list and come up with the current top 100 men’s rugby players.

80 – 61 will be revealed on 5 December 2024

More players will be revealed soon, come back over the next few days to see who else has made our Top 100 men’s rugby players list.

Killer Stat

What they say

The Best Rugby Players in the World According to Our Panel of Experts

To ensure these listings are a balanced reflection of the best rugby players in the men’s game right now, the list has been carefully curated by a global panel of RugbyPass experts. Consequently, there is representation from both hemispheres, as a wealth of collective rugby knowledge, experience and expertise is behind the placings.

Those involved are: Frankie Deges (Argentina), Finn Morton (Australia), Neil Squires (England), Gavin Mortimer (France), Pat McCarry (Ireland), Gregor Paul and Ben Smith (New Zealand), Jamie Lyall (Scotland), Daniel Gallan and Jon Cardinelli (South Africa) and Owain Jones and Bryn Palmer (Wales).

Let us Know Your Thoughts on Our Men’s Top 100 Rugby Players

We’d love to know what you think about our player listings. Perhaps you think our experts have nailed it, or maybe you’d like to take their placings to task. Whatever it might be, we want to hear it!

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, or head over to our social channels (Facebook, Instagram or X). To get more top rugby content, you can also sign up to RugbyPass and RugbyPass TV today.

[{“id”:”262″,”name”:”Sam Cane”,”show”:”false”,”link”:”https://www.rugbypass.com/players/sam-cane/”,”copy1″:”The former All Blacks captain enjoyed a swansong in 2024 after his career looked to have finished on a sour note in 2023. In the end, Caneu2019s leadership and experience proved invaluable as Scott Robertson showed his faith in the veteran openside. He returned during The Rugby Championship and held the No.7 jersey throughout the rest of the year, bringing his trademark work-rate and hard-hitting defensive resolve to the All Blacksu2019 pack. After reaching 100 Test caps, Cane went out a winner with victory against Italy in Turin, leading to a standing ovation from the crowd and assembled All Blacks when he departed in the 66th minute. BS”,”copy2″:”Cane joined New Zealandu2019s most exclusive club, the All Blacks centurions, becoming just the 13th to reach 100 Test caps. He finished with 105 appearances for New Zealand, with a win rate of 80 per cent. “,”copy3”:”u201cYou cannot replace Test experience. That is one thing I have learned. Hence, Sam [Cane] has been so valuable.u201d All Blacks coach Scott Robertson “,”country”:”New Zealand”,”team”:”181″,”image”:”https://eu-cdn.rugbypass.com/webp-images/images/players/head/262.png.webp?maxw=444″,”number”:81,”hasCopy1″:true,”hasCopy2″:true,”hasCopy3″:true,”icons”:[“https://eu-cdn.rugbypass.com/webp-images/images/flags/New-Zealand.png.webp”,”https://eu-cdn.rugbypass.com/webp-images/images/team-images/logos/png/5209.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725489855″]},{“id”:”545″,”name”:”Julian Montoya”,”show”:”false”,”link”:”https://www.rugbypass.com/players/julian-montoya/”,”copy1″:”The Argentine bruiser might not smile a lot on the rugby field, but he doesnu2019t need to, least of all in the front row where, as a no-nonsense hooker, he is one of the best in the trade. In his 10 Tests in 2024, he did not replicate the try-scoring heroics he managed for Leicester Tigers because Los Pumas did not focus so much on the lineout mauls, but his all-round skillset is noticeable in the loose, in defence and chiefly as a u2018follow me into battleu2019 type of leader. Coming off a long-term contract with the Tigers, he is attracting covetous glances on both sides of the English Channel, with Pau said to be keenest on the signature of this Pumas legend. FD”,”copy2″:”Having recently won his 100th cap for Los Pumas, at 31 and with a lot of rugby left in him, he is expected to surpass record cap-holder Agustu00edn Creevy (110) next year. “,”copy3″:”u201cFor him and for the family, today is a very special and happy day. We are filled with pride, knowing the passion and love for the shirt he has.u201d Julian Montoya Sr, after his sonu2019s team beat the Wallabies 67-27 in his 100th Test”,”country”:”Argentina”,”team”:”57″,”image”:”https://eu-cdn.rugbypass.com/webp-images/images/players/head/545.png.webp?maxw=444″,”number”:82,”hasCopy1″:true,”hasCopy2″:true,”hasCopy3″:true,”icons”:[“https://eu-cdn.rugbypass.com/webp-images/images/flags/Argentina.png.webp”,”https://eu-cdn.rugbypass.com/webp-images/images/team-images/logos/png/106.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725488599″]},{“id”:”2888″,”name”:”Dewi Lake”,”show”:”false”,”link”:”https://www.rugbypass.com/players/dewi-lake/”,”copy1″:”Those who knew his father Dai, a teak-tough back-row with Treorchy, will be unsurprised at the confrontational nature of his 6ft 1in, 17st 6lbs (111kg) son who specialises in bone-shuddering carries into contact and thunderclap tackles. A former elite-level gymnast, the hooker from Ogmore Vale is a natural leader and captained Wales into the challenging Autumn Nations Series where he led them with aplomb. Criticised for the accuracy of his lineout throwing in his formative years, Lake has steadily improved his set-piece, is a threat over the ball and boasts nimble footwork for a big man. Expected to be in the conversation for a Lions tour spot this summer. OJ”,”copy2″:”Lake made 45 tackles in his 158 minutes of Test action this autumn, or one every 3.5 minutes.”,”copy3″:”u201cHe brings a physical presence. Heu2019s 112 kilos and heu2019s the biggest hooker running around in Wales. Heu2019s going to be a very destructive player as time goes on.u201d Former Wales coach Wayne Pivac.”,”country”:”Wales”,”team”:”81″,”image”:”https://eu-cdn.rugbypass.com/webp-images/images/players/head/2888.png.webp?maxw=444″,”number”:83,”hasCopy1″:true,”hasCopy2″:true,”hasCopy3″:true,”icons”:[“https://eu-cdn.rugbypass.com/webp-images/images/flags/Wales.png.webp”,”https://eu-cdn.rugbypass.com/webp-images/images/team-images/logos/png/311.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725488476″]},{“id”:”5561″,”name”:”Davit Niniashvili”,”show”:”false”,”link”:”https://www.rugbypass.com/players/davit-niniashvili/”,”copy1″:”Georgian rugby was once renowned only for its hairy-chested front-row piano shifters, not the quicksilver backs it is now rolling off the production line. Davit Niniashvili is just 22, but already a shooting star of the global game, and one of the poster boys of the Top 14, where he routinely sparkles for Lyon. The full-back was called into the national set-up aged 17 and made his debut against Ireland at the Aviva a few months after his 18th birthday and has only taken his game to greater heights since, with his lung-busting runs from the back-field and accurate handling. Now in his third year in the French top flight, La Rochelle and Toulon are said to be battling for his signature. He was in the top 10 players for running metres, offloads and tackle breaks in the league last season – consistently among Europeu2019s most beguiling attacking talents u2013 and marked his return from Autumn Nations Series duty with two tries against Pau on Saturday. A future Lelos icon. JL”,”copy2″:”Beat 10 defenders in the 2022 Challenge Cup final as Lyon defeated Toulon, a record since OPTA started collecting data a dozen years earlier.”,”copy3″:”u201cI think he has the potential to be the first Georgian global superstar. When it comes to someone like Dan Carter for New Zealand or Finn Russell with Scotland, Davit could easily be that type of player for Georgia. He has all the ability and the right mentality to achieve at the very highest level.u201d Richie Gray, former Lyon, Scotland and South Africa breakdown specialist.”,”country”:”Georgia”,”team”:”13″,”image”:”https://eu-cdn.rugbypass.com/webp-images/images/players/head/5561.png.webp?maxw=444″,”number”:84,”hasCopy1″:true,”hasCopy2″:true,”hasCopy3″:true,”icons”:[“https://eu-cdn.rugbypass.com/webp-images/images/flags/Georgia.png.webp”,”https://eu-cdn.rugbypass.com/webp-images/images/team-images/logos/png/207.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725484572″]},{“id”:”2785″,”name”:”Caleb Clarke”,”show”:”false”,”link”:”https://www.rugbypass.com/players/caleb-clarke/”,”copy1″:”Caleb Clarke started the year training with NRL side the Sydney Rabbitohs to get himself fitter, and he came into Super Rugby five kilos lighter than heu2019d been in 2023. Not only was he leaner, he was also hungrier, too, having been challenged by new Blues coach Vern Cotter to work harder off the ball and be more involved.nClarke became an integral part of the Blues pick-and-drive strategy through the middle of opposition forward packs, and he took that mindset and skillset to the All Blacks. He also produced some outstanding aerial work, retrieving kick-offs and contestable bombs with New Zealand and showed that he is one of the most powerful runners and finishers in the game, enjoying a seasonu2019s haul of seven Test tries. GP”,”copy2″:”Clarke finished the Rugby Championship as the tournamentu2019s top-try scorer with six. Enough said.”,”copy3″:”u201cHeu2019s come a hell of a long way. Heu2019s arguably the best wing in the world u2013 if not, the top three u2013 at taking the ball in the air.u201d u2013 Former All Black and commentator Justin Marshall.”,”country”:”New Zealand”,”team”:”27″,”image”:”https://eu-cdn.rugbypass.com/webp-images/images/players/head/2785.png.webp?maxw=444″,”number”:85,”hasCopy1″:true,”hasCopy2″:true,”hasCopy3″:true,”icons”:[“https://eu-cdn.rugbypass.com/webp-images/images/flags/New-Zealand.png.webp”,”https://eu-cdn.rugbypass.com/webp-images/images/team-images/logos/png/401.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725411896″]},{“id”:”3469″,”name”:”Michele Lamaro”,”show”:”false”,”link”:”https://www.rugbypass.com/players/michele-lamaro/”,”copy1″:”One of Kieran Crowleyu2019s first acts as Italy coach was to appoint the snarling young Roman as his captain. Lamaro was 23 and had won just seven caps back in the autumn of 2021, yet when Crowleyu2019s decision was made public, almost nobody in Italian rugby circles was surprised. His leadership credentials were already writ large. With the departure of gnarled totem Sergio Parisse, Italy needed a new talisman around which to unite. Lamaro, as behind-the-scenes footage has revealed, is a powerful orator but you couldnu2019t fail to be inspired by the hunger with which he goes to work on the field. He was the Six Nationsu2019 top tackler this year with over 100, a nuisance at the breakdown and a willing carrier, while only conceding three penalties. He led Italy to their best-ever championship. When a shoulder injury ruled him out of last monthu2019s All Blacks Test, it was just the second match heu2019d missed in Italyu2019s past 45. JL”,”copy2″:”Lamaro made 103 tackles in the 2024 Six Nations with the next best, Walesu2019 Dafydd Jenkins, on 79.”,”copy3″:””We have a group of nutters here, of whom the captain is the furthest gone… what they have is a desire and effort and they do everything at 100% every day.u201d Gonzalo Quesada, Italy head coach.”,”country”:”Italy”,”team”:”67″,”image”:”https://eu-cdn.rugbypass.com/webp-images/images/players/head/3469.png.webp?maxw=444″,”number”:86,”hasCopy1″:true,”hasCopy2″:true,”hasCopy3″:true,”icons”:[“https://eu-cdn.rugbypass.com/webp-images/images/flags/Italy.png.webp”,”https://eu-cdn.rugbypass.com/webp-images/images/team-images/logos/png/301.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725488394″]},{“id”:”2515″,”name”:”Manie Libbok”,”show”:”false”,”link”:”https://www.rugbypass.com/players/manie-libbok/”,”copy1″:”While Manie Libbok may divide opinion amongst the wider rugby community, he is celebrated within the Springboks squad as one of the best attacking players and most astute tactical kickers. Libbok was one of South Africau2019s star performers in the record 35-7 victory over the All Blacks in 2023 and put Franceu2019s defence to the sword in what was a dramatic Rugby World Cup quarter-final. While he didnu2019t enjoy as many opportunities in 2024, he certainly amplified the Boksu2019 kick-chase approach in the matches against Argentina and England, and that no-look kick-pass to the winger has become a big feature of his game. Libbok was at his attacking best in the Boksu2019 48-7 win over the Pumas in Mbombela, where he had a hand in several of the Boksu2019 seven tries. JC”,”copy2″:”Libbok only played three Rugby Championship matches this year, but averaged the most line-break assists per game. He also contributed the most try assists and line-break assists in the 2022-23 URC, finishing as top points scorer. In 2023, only Dan Biggar saw more of his kicks from hand retained in international rugby. “,”copy3″:”u201cPeople donu2019t realise the impact that he has on our general play. A lot of people focus on his goal-kicking but the impact that he brings with the ball in handu2026 he is a very special kid.u201d Springboks assistant coach Mzwandile Stick.”,”country”:”South Africa”,”team”:”33″,”image”:”https://eu-cdn.rugbypass.com/webp-images/images/players/head/2515.png.webp?maxw=444″,”number”:87,”hasCopy1″:true,”hasCopy2″:true,”hasCopy3″:true,”icons”:[“https://eu-cdn.rugbypass.com/webp-images/images/flags/South-Africa.png.webp”,”https://eu-cdn.rugbypass.com/webp-images/images/team-images/logos/png/413.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725488512″]},{“id”:”553″,”name”:”Marcos Kremer”,”show”:”false”,”link”:”https://www.rugbypass.com/players/marcos-kremer/”,”copy1″:”Any opposition fly-half scouring the team-sheet and seeing Marcos Kremeru2019s could be forgiven for emitting a wince at the prospect of the 6ft 7in, 19st (121kg) rip-snorting nightmare coming his way on the opening whistle. Not only for his adamantine disposition, with the long multi-coloured beard, but also in the knowledge that any of his multiple tackles will hurt. His aura benefits Los Pumas by filling up defensive spaces as teams choose not to attack a channel he is scouring. A knee injury in their memorable 29-28 win against the Springboks in Santiago del Estero saw him miss Argentinau2019s final Rugby Championship game, but their first two Tests in November saw him back in his element, dismantling attackers. In 24 minutes on the field against France in Paris, he made nine tackles. FD”,”copy2″:”Kremer made 101 tackles in 536 minutes of Test rugby in 2024, or one every five minutes.”,”copy3″:”u201cUp until his injury he had been a key player for Los Pumas and what is most important in his game is what goes unseen. He is the motor of the team and has had a spectacular year.u201d Former Argentina coach Daniel Hourcade, who first selected him for Los Pumas.”,”country”:”Argentina”,”team”:”72″,”image”:”https://eu-cdn.rugbypass.com/webp-images/images/players/head/553.png.webp?maxw=444″,”number”:88,”hasCopy1″:true,”hasCopy2″:true,”hasCopy3″:true,”icons”:[“https://eu-cdn.rugbypass.com/webp-images/images/flags/Argentina.png.webp”,”https://eu-cdn.rugbypass.com/webp-images/images/team-images/logos/png/205.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725484543″]},{“id”:”4846″,”name”:”Angus Bell”,”show”:”false”,”link”:”https://www.rugbypass.com/players/angus-bell/”,”copy1″:”Last yearu2019s Rugby World Cup in France seemed to be an especially career-defining event for Angus Bell, who continues to move towards world-class status as one of the best loosehead props in the game. Bell played at least 75 minutes in two Tests during that campaign, with his importance not going unnoticed by fans Down Under. The 24-year-old missed most of Super Rugby Pacific with a toe injury but made a popular return to Test level during The Rugby Championship. Bell had a tough day against Wales, but is improving at the set-piece and packs a punch as a ball-carrier in the loose, as Tom Curry can attest. Bell will continue to be a key player for the Wallabies approaching the 2025 British and Irish Lions series and beyond. FM”,”copy2″:”Bell holds the record for the most defenders beaten by any tier-one prop in a Test, with nine in the Wallabiesu2019 win over England in the Autumn Nations Series, according to Opta, who have been recording this statistic since 2010.”,”copy3″:”u201cHe is a future Wallabies captain, there is no doubt about that. Weu2019ve seen that in the last couple of years.u201d Two-time Rugby World Cup-winning Wallaby Tim Horan, in 2023.”,”country”:”Australia”,”team”:”36″,”image”:”https://eu-cdn.rugbypass.com/webp-images/images/players/head/4846.png.webp?maxw=444″,”number”:89,”hasCopy1″:true,”hasCopy2″:true,”hasCopy3″:true,”icons”:[“https://eu-cdn.rugbypass.com/webp-images/images/flags/Australia.png.webp”,”https://eu-cdn.rugbypass.com/webp-images/images/team-images/logos/png/415.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725412116″]},{“id”:”7496″,”name”:”Jiuta Wainiqolo”,”show”:”false”,”link”:”https://www.rugbypass.com/players/jiuta-wainiqolo/”,”copy1″:”Compiling Wainiqolou2019s best clips wouldnu2019t make a highlight reel so much as a feature-length film. He has set jaws gaping and heads spinning that many times. Remember the Toulon wingu2019s slashing run to sink Saracens in the Challenge Cup semi-finals two years ago? Or his pin-wheeling howitzer against Clermont which went viral online. How about just a few weeks ago, before Fiji played Wales, when he bamboozled half of Lyon to score from his own 22. Wainiqolo is box-office. He won an Olympics gold in 2021, earning him a lucrative move to the Cote du2019Azur. The speed is immense, but itu2019s not Wainiqolou2019s only weapon. He can hot-step and swivel, bounce off either foot or simply throw out his hips and sway past flailing arms without breaking stride. Watch him fly. JL”,”copy2″:”This season, Wainiqolo has beaten eight defenders on average and carried for almost 100m per Top14 match.”,”copy3″:”u201cJiuta goes at 3000km/h, so itu2019s better to give him the ball in space.u201d Toulon fly-half Paolo Garbisi, whose kick-pass teed up Wainiqolou2019s try against Lyon.”,”country”:”Fiji”,”team”:”10″,”image”:”https://eu-cdn.rugbypass.com/webp-images/images/players/head/7496.png.webp?maxw=444″,”number”:90,”hasCopy1″:true,”hasCopy2″:true,”hasCopy3″:true,”icons”:[“https://eu-cdn.rugbypass.com/webp-images/images/flags/Fiji.png.webp”,”https://eu-cdn.rugbypass.com/webp-images/images/team-images/logos/png/213.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725484680″]},{“id”:”3274″,”name”:”Jasper Wiese”,”show”:”false”,”link”:”https://www.rugbypass.com/players/jasper-wiese/”,”copy1″:”Jasper Wiese was handed a six-match ban in Leicesteru2019s final match of the Premiership and as a result missed the Springboksu2019 first six Tests of 2024. When he returned for the Freedom Cup series against New Zealand, the 120kg (18st 12lb) juggernaut appeared desperate to make up for lost time. The Boks attack took on another dimension at the back end of the Rugby Championship, with Wiese providing the impetus after fielding the restarts and other deep kicks. While the Boks have sought to harness the speed and agility of their backline to a greater degree this season, their success on both sides of the ball still hinges on their gain-line success. Wiese remains one of their most influential warriors in this facet. JC”,”copy2″:”Topped the regular-season Premiership charts for carries last term for Leicester Tigers, contributing 254, and only Bristol hot-stepper Gabriel Ibitoye beat more defenders. The South African also averaged the most carries per match in this yearu2019s Rugby Championship.”,”copy3″:”What they say: u201cJasper knows very well that if he plays cautious rugby or holds back on the field, he will not be selected. I am very happy to have him back in the team [after the ban]. He is very physical and a big factor on the advantage line.u201d Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus.”,”country”:”South Africa”,”team”:”57″,”image”:”https://eu-cdn.rugbypass.com/webp-images/images/players/head/3274.png.webp?maxw=444″,”number”:91,”hasCopy1″:true,”hasCopy2″:true,”hasCopy3″:true,”icons”:[“https://eu-cdn.rugbypass.com/webp-images/images/flags/South-Africa.png.webp”,”https://eu-cdn.rugbypass.com/webp-images/images/team-images/logos/png/106.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725488599″]},{“id”:”2993″,”name”:”Courtney Lawes”,”show”:”false”,”link”:”https://www.rugbypass.com/players/courtney-lawes/”,”copy1″:”The former England back-row is playing as well as ever at high-flying French ProD2 side Brive. The fairytale finish at Northampton after 17 seasons as a Saint, lifting the Premiership trophy as captain, has not diminished his desire to win, as an early match-winning tackle on Enzo Morand-Bruyant against Soyaux-Angouleme recently proved. At 35, he is still very much a physical force to be reckoned with. Not many players plying their trade in Franceu2019s second tier are picked for Lions tours but Lawes could prove to be an exception and heu2019s gone on record as saying he wants a fourth tour. Few would bet against him. NS”,”copy2″:”He won more lineouts than any other player on the 2017 Lions tour to New Zealand – 18 – including four steals.”,”country”:”England”,”copy3″:”What they say:u00a0u201cPlayers look up to Courts and that is something that is intangible.u201d Phil Dowson, Lawesu2019snformer director of rugby at Northampton.”,”team”:”85″,”image”:”https://eu-cdn.rugbypass.com/webp-images/images/players/head/2993.png.webp?maxw=444″,”number”:92,”hasCopy1″:true,”hasCopy2″:true,”hasCopy3″:true,”icons”:[“https://eu-cdn.rugbypass.com/webp-images/images/flags/England.png.webp”,”https://eu-cdn.rugbypass.com/webp-images/images/team-images/logos/png/203.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725493185″]},{“id”:”6656″,”name”:”Ange Capuozzo”,”show”:”false”,”link”:”https://www.rugbypass.com/players/ange-capuozzo/”,”copy1″:”Toulouse, serial Top 14 and European champions, have recently pledged a new four-year deal for their Italian sprite; a sign of the growth the 25-year-old can still harness. Indeed, if youu2019ve got the biggest rugby club in the world scrambling for their chequebook, youu2019re either very, very big, or seriously good. Capuozzo hardly fulfils the former criteria. Lithe and wiry, with elfin features and a slight but muscular frame – the Springboks gym is equipped with dumb-bells almost the same weight as the Italian full-back. Yet Capuozzo thrives in this land of giants. His thrilling surges from deep, propelled by raw speed and transfixing footwork, spring-loaded sidesteps and effortless body swerves, remind us rugby still has room for the small guys. And he is no shrinking violet in the aerial skirmishes, increasingly important as World Rugby banishes escorting team-mates from the lawbook. Heu2019ll be a kingpin in this developing Italy group for many years. JL”,”copy2″:”At the time of writing, no Top 14 player has made more line breaks this season. Capuzzo has flummoxed almost 30 tacklers, run for close to 700m and was named the leagueu2019s player of the month for October. “,”copy3″:”u201cIu2019ll be honest, the conversations we had about him were that he was too small. Obviously, players can make idiots of you and he certainly has. Ange was gifted but we were worried he wouldnu2019t be big enough and heu2019s proven us all wrong.u201d Bernard Jackman, Capuozzou2019s former Grenoble coach.”,”country”:”Italy”,”team”:”74″,”image”:”https://eu-cdn.rugbypass.com/webp-images/images/players/head/6656.png.webp?maxw=444″,”number”:93,”hasCopy1″:true,”hasCopy2″:true,”hasCopy3″:true,”icons”:[“https://eu-cdn.rugbypass.com/webp-images/images/flags/Italy.png.webp”,”https://eu-cdn.rugbypass.com/webp-images/images/team-images/logos/png/214.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725484700″]},{“id”:”541″,”name”:”Pablo Matera”,”show”:”false”,”link”:”https://www.rugbypass.com/players/pablo-matera/”,”copy1″:” It is no secret in rugby circles that Pablo Matera could be looking for a new club, when his Mie Honda Heat finishes in Japan. This after another season in which he shone in playing 11 of Los Pumasu2019 12 Tests and was selected in World Rugbyu2019s Menu2019s 15s Dream Team of the Year alongside Pieter-Steph du Toit and Caelan Doris. Clearly, he should have no problem finding suitors at the highest level. At 6ft 4ins and over 17st (108 kg), Matera relishes physical confrontation and the recent Autumn Nations Series showed that there is sufficient rugby left in the legs of this battle-worn 31-year-old to thrive in any professional league in the world. FD”,”copy2″:”In his 108-Test career, Pablo Matera received his first ever red card in Argentinau2019s final game of The Rugby Championship against the Springboks in Mbombela in September, after coming on as a second-half replacement. He was suspended for one game, missing the recent Test against Ireland.”,”copy3″:”u201cPablo was massive [against the All Blacks), wasnu2019t he? Youu2019ve got to give him a little golf clap on that. He was superb. He was fantastic. Heu2019s just so passionate.u201d New Zealand coach Scott Robertson on Materau2019s performance in the Pumasu2019 38-30 victory in Wellington in August.”,”country”:”Argentina”,”team”:”304″,”image”:”https://eu-cdn.rugbypass.com/webp-images/images/players/head/541.png.webp?maxw=444″,”number”:94,”hasCopy1″:true,”hasCopy2″:true,”hasCopy3″:true,”icons”:[“https://eu-cdn.rugbypass.com/webp-images/images/flags/Argentina.png.webp”,”https://eu-cdn.rugbypass.com/webp-images/images/team-images/logos/png/10005202.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725489794″]},{“id”:”4368″,”name”:”Len Ikitau”,”show”:”false”,”link”:”https://www.rugbypass.com/players/len-ikitau/”,”copy1″:”After suffering a fractured scapula and missing out on selection for the 2023 Rugby World Cup, Len Ikitau made sure to remind everyone in 2024 why heu2019s considered one of the best midfielders in the southern hemisphere. Ikitau impressed during 12 starts for the ACT Brumbies this year and carried that irresistible form into the Test arena with Joe Schmidtu2019s Wallabies, having cemented his place as one of the nationu2019s first-choice centres. The 26-year-old brings stability, leadership and direction to Australiau2019s backline as a world-class defender, and fans have also been treated to the very best of Ikitauu2019s attacking prowess during the Autumn Nations Series, with his sublime late offload to Max Jorgensen against England, and mesmerising footwork to outfox Cameron Winnett in Cardiff. FM”,”copy2″:”Ikitau has played 779 minutes out of a possible 800 since starting at outside centre against Georgia during the July internationals, missing only 21 minutes in a 10-Test stretch.”,”copy3″:”u201cThe form he had in that game (against England) and in Super Rugby, I think he is a world-class centre and he should be in the Wallabies line-up every week.u201d ACT Brumbies head coach Stephen Larkham.”,”country”:”Australia”,”team”:”35″,”image”:”https://eu-cdn.rugbypass.com/webp-images/images/players/head/4368.png.webp?maxw=444″,”number”:95,”hasCopy1″:true,”hasCopy2″:true,”hasCopy3″:true,”icons”:[“https://eu-cdn.rugbypass.com/webp-images/images/flags/Australia.png.webp”,”https://eu-cdn.rugbypass.com/webp-images/images/team-images/logos/png/402.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725411929″]},{“id”:”4551″,”name”:”Sebastian Negri da Ollegio”,”show”:”false”,”link”:”https://www.rugbypass.com/players/sebastian-negri-da-ollegio/”,”copy1″:”The bulldozer of Benetton is Italyu2019s go-to carrier, a back-row hewn from iron and a willing runner into the thickest of defensive walls. So much of his most important work occurs in those dark corridors around the fringes, off slow ball, when a defence is set and the attacker the underdog. Negri rattles cages and does the pugilism which allows his fleeter-footed team-mates to flourish. This autumn, he racked up a fracture-inducing 29 carries against Georgia, then six days later went for 80 minutes and made 14 more when the All Blacks came to Turin. Negri is, however, much more than work rate u2013 he boasts soft hands, a shrewd tactical mind and is a deep thinker. Much of that may stem from the trauma of his past. Negri was a boy when his family fled their farm during Robert Mugabeu2019s Zimbabwean land seizures. A hugely impressive speaker with a warm personality, Negri has emerged as a key figurehead for an Italian outfit which remains laced with youth. JL”,”copy2″:”Negri averaged 14 carries and 18 tackles per match during this yearu2019s Six Nations – an exceptional number of involvements with and without possession.”,”copy3″:”u201cThe people who love me know who I am, and I have that competitive side to me, which doesnu2019t have much respect for my body. Theyu2019re probably going to have to take care of me when Iu2019m a little bit older.u201d Sebastian Negri.”,”country”:”Italy”,”team”:”67″,”image”:”https://eu-cdn.rugbypass.com/webp-images/images/players/head/4551.png.webp?maxw=444″,”number”:96,”hasCopy1″:true,”hasCopy2″:true,”hasCopy3″:true,”icons”:[“https://eu-cdn.rugbypass.com/webp-images/images/flags/Italy.png.webp”,”https://eu-cdn.rugbypass.com/webp-images/images/team-images/logos/png/301.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725488394″]},{“id”:”3772″,”name”:”Mack Hansen”,”show”:”false”,”link”:”https://www.rugbypass.com/players/mackenzie-hansen/”,”copy1″:”The Australian, who qualifies for Ireland through his mother Diana, arrived at Connacht in late 2021 and did not take long to catch everyoneu2019s attention. He scored six tries in his first seven games, including collectoru2019s items against Leinster and the Bulls, and was called into Irelandu2019s 2022 Six Nations squad. Hansen was player of the match on his Test debut and scored a high-flying try against France a week later. It was all part of a whirlwind 26 months that saw the winger help Ireland to a Grand Slam, beat the All Blacks in New Zealand, reach a league semi-final with Connacht, score 20 tries and form an unlikely bromance with Johnny Sexton. To top it off he inked an Andy Farrell tattoo on his leg. After a serious shoulder injury saw him miss the 2024 Six Nations, he returned to action at the start of this season, reclaiming his starting spot with Ireland and dotted down in victories over Argentina and Fiji. PM “,”copy2″:”Though injury ruled him out of the 2024 Six Nations, Hansen made more gain-line carries than any other playing during the 2023 edition. The wing also averaged over 100m gained and four defenders beaten per match in three Connacht games last season.u202f”,”copy3″:”u201cHeu2019s been a breath of fresh air. An incredible character, good personu2026 above it all heu2019s an incredible athlete and one of the worldu2019s best wingers.u201d Peter Ou2019Mahony, Ireland flanker.”,”country”:”Ireland”,”team”:”83″,”image”:”https://eu-cdn.rugbypass.com/webp-images/images/players/head/3772.png.webp?maxw=444″,”number”:97,”hasCopy1″:true,”hasCopy2″:true,”hasCopy3″:true,”icons”:[“https://eu-cdn.rugbypass.com/webp-images/images/flags/Ireland.png.webp”,”https://eu-cdn.rugbypass.com/webp-images/images/team-images/logos/png/304.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725425213″]},{“id”:”305″,”name”:”Bongi Mbonambi”,”show”:”false”,”link”:”https://www.rugbypass.com/players/mbongeni-mbonami/”,”copy1″:”Rassie Erasmus raised a few eyebrows after he picked Bongi Mbonambi to start at hooker during the latter stages of the 2019 World Cup. The coach went on to explain that the pocket battleship was built for the set-piece grind, which so often characterises the first half, and that Malcolm Marx was better suited to a finishing role in the second stanza. The Springboks coaches have stuck with this winning formula for the better part of five seasons, and Mbonambi, as the teamu2019s u2018scrum captainu2019, has been at the centre of many powder-keg set-piece performances. South Africa certainly took things further in 2024 and with the abrasive Mbonambi leading the charge, were habitually winning several scrum penalties per match. JC”,”copy2″:”Mbonambi’s accurate lineout throwing underpinned South Africau2019s Rugby Championship campaign. He had a 100% record heading into his final two matches and finished with 31 of his 33 throws finding their target.u202f”,”copy3″:”u201cIf you need a leader to lead a bunch of dogs, then he is the guy.u202fHe is the main dog.u201d Former Springboks coach Jacques Nienaber.”,”country”:”South Africa”,”team”:”17″,”image”:”https://eu-cdn.rugbypass.com/webp-images/images/players/head/305.png.webp?maxw=444″,”number”:98,”hasCopy1″:true,”hasCopy2″:true,”hasCopy3″:true,”icons”:[“https://eu-cdn.rugbypass.com/webp-images/images/flags/South-Africa.png.webp”,”https://eu-cdn.rugbypass.com/webp-images/images/team-images/logos/png/412.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725488495″]},{“id”:”391″,”name”:”Tomos Williams”,”show”:”false”,”link”:”https://www.rugbypass.com/players/tomos-williams/”,”country”:”Wales”,”team”:”55″,”copy1″:”A former basketball player at international age-grade level, Tomos Williams has added maturity and game management to his repertoire over the last 12 months. His move to Gloucester in the summer saw him emerge as one of the form players in the Premiership, where the variety and breadth of his kicking and offloading game has come to the fore. A running threat in broken-field, with snarl and nous in equal measure honed on the playing fields around Treorchy, he should spearhead Walesu2019 creative output in the Six Nations once he recovers from a shoulder injury sustained last month against Fiji. Williams is also in with a decent shout of taking one of the three scrum-half slots for the 2025 Lions. OJ”,”copy2″:”In an eye-catching start to his Premiership career, Williams has had a try involvement every 55 minutes for the Cherry & Whites.”,”copy3″:”u201cTomos Williams has shown he’s one of, if not the, best scrum-half in the Premiership.u201d Fellow Gloucester scrum-half Caolan Englefield”,”image”:”https://eu-cdn.rugbypass.com/webp-images/images/players/head/391.png.webp?maxw=444″,”number”:99,”hasCopy1″:true,”hasCopy2″:true,”hasCopy3″:true,”icons”:[“https://eu-cdn.rugbypass.com/webp-images/images/flags/Wales.png.webp”,”https://eu-cdn.rugbypass.com/webp-images/images/team-images/logos/png/104.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725425279″]},{“id”:”209″,”name”:”Robbie Henshaw”,”show”:”false”,”link”:”https://www.rugbypass.com/players/robbie-henshaw/”,”country”:”Ireland”,”team”:”73″,”copy1″:”Of all the Irish centres earmarked as u2018the next Brian Ou2019Driscollu2019, Robbie Henshaw has the best record and most complete CV. Most of his early starts were at full-back but it did not take his coaches long to recognise that, at a strapping 6ft 3ins and over 16st (102kg), denting defences in midfield was his true calling. Henshaw made his Connacht debut at 19 and was playing for Ireland – first replacing Ou2019Driscoll then Rob Kearney, against Australia – one year later. Softly-spoken off the field, Henshaw is abrasive and hard-hitting on it. He helped Connacht to Pro12 glory in May 2016, knowing he had already sealed a deal to join the team they beat that day u2013 Leinster. Has won the Six Nations on four occasions, featured in three World Cups and two British & Irish Lions Tours, and is still only 31. PM “,”copy2″:”Only two of Henshawu2019s team-mates from his Ireland debut, in November 2013, are still in the current set-up u2013 Cian Healy and Conor Murray.”,”copy3″:”u201cHeu2019s great in the air. I have seen him develop, improve and mature. That’s been probably one of the biggest highlights for me, just in terms of how he has developed into an absolute world-class midfielder.u201d Warren Gatland, former Lions head coach”,”image”:”https://eu-cdn.rugbypass.com/webp-images/images/players/head/209.png.webp?maxw=444″,”number”:100,”hasCopy1″:true,”hasCopy2″:true,”hasCopy3″:true,”icons”:[“https://eu-cdn.rugbypass.com/webp-images/images/flags/Ireland.png.webp”,”https://eu-cdn.rugbypass.com/webp-images/images/team-images/logos/png/309.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725488433″]}]