The year 2025 is almost upon us, so here at RugbyDump, we’ve decided to celebrate some of those who have transcended the sport in 2024. Compiling a list of the top five men’s players in each major position, our two editors, Jack Tunney and Phillip Bendon, have provided their pick of the best talents worldwide.
With today’s players often able to play in multiple positions, we have combined the selections into nine separate lists. We have selected based on form, 2024 accolades, and historical pedigree.
These lists are as follows: Props, Hookers, Second Row, Back Rows, Scrum Halves, Fly Halves, Centres, Wingers and Fullbacks.
Today we look at the giants in the middle of the lineout, the second rows:
5 – Scott Barrett
It’s taken the 31-year-old many years to finally be appreciated as a world-class second-row after being stuck behind the formidable duo of Brodie Retallick and Sam Whitelock. Now captaining the All Blacks, Barrett was a big part of their unbeaten Autumn Nations campaign thanks to his incredible work rate in the tackle area and his leadership on and off the field. Now having firmly secured his place as the prime second row, rather than a versatile six, Barrett has an opportunity to grow as a leader and drive the All Blacks back to their previous heights.
4 – RG Snyman
After a frustrating four years at Munster, Snyman’s move over to rivals Leinster has unleashed his true potential and has truly become one of the most feared second rows in the world. Often spotted making barnstorming runs that make even the hardiest defender’s legs shake, Snyman appears to be truly enjoying rugby once again – a terrifying prospect for any (un)willing opponent. His formidable lock partnership with Etzebeth is arguably the greatest in world rugby.
3 – Maro Itoje
Itoje has been on somewhat of a career resurgence over the past few years, recouping some of that form that made him such a highly rated youngster when he initially broke into the Saracens and England starting teams many years ago. His form appeared to dip for a certain period, but now the giant second row is back with a vengeance. His penalty count has lowered, but his sheer insistence on disrupting any viable opposition ball has remained, making him one of the most frustrating defenders to play against. On the attack, his lineout abilities make him invaluable to any side that wishes for clean ball, and his try-scoring exploits add the bow on top.
2 – Tadhg Beirne
Ireland have an embarrassment of riches in the second row, and Tadhg Beirne is no exception. The giant second row is expected to be one of the first names on the plane to Australia for the British and Irish Lions tour next year with good reason. His 2024 Six Nations exploits included a 98% tackle rate, the joint most lineout steals and the second-most line breaks by any second row – proving just how important he is to both Ireland and Munster.
DUBLIN, IRELAND – NOVEMBER 08: Tadhg Beirne of Ireland is challenged by Sam Cane of New Zealand during the Autumn Nations Series 2024 match between Ireland and New Zealand All Blacks at Aviva Stadium on November 08, 2024 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
1 – Eben Etzebeth
A hero in South Africa and a global inspiration, Etzebeth surpassed his former teammate Victor Matfield this year to become the most-capped player in his country’s history. His commanding presence on the field, combined with exceptional skill and raw strength, set him apart as the leading lock in the world.
Tune in over the festive period where we will be listing the Top 5 Players of 2024 in each position – right here on RugbyDump and our YouTube channel!
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