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RugbyPass Top 100: Picking the 30th to 21st best players in the world
Who is the best player in the world? It’s a question every rugby fan has an answer for, but rarely are any two answers the same.
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That’s why RugbyPass has undertaken a comprehensive deep dive into the last 12 months of test rugby to formulate an answer of our own.
In doing so, five members from our editorial team – split between the northern and southern hemispheres – compiled their own lists of the top 100 players on the planet.
From there, the cumulative lists were averaged out to create the RugbyPass Top 100, an overall list of the 100 best players on the planet based primarily on test rugby performances in 2021.
Other factors that, to a lesser extent, contributed to how players were ranked included test rugby performances from previous years, the influence of a player within their team, and how players fared at club and domestic level.
However, in essence, the RugbyPass Top 100 is a celebration of the stars who shone the brightest on rugby’s biggest stage last year.
That celebration continues today by announcing the players ranked 30-21, with the remainder of the list to be released over the course of this week.
30. Damian de Allende
Age: 30
Test caps: 58
Nation: South Africa
Club: Munster
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A bona fide Springboks veteran, Damian de Allende’s value to the South African national team cannot be denied. A 2019 World Cup champion, the Munster man has been an invaluable asset to South Africa since his test debut in 2014, with his powerful frame and elusive footwork becoming a common sight in the Springboks backline. In 2021, De Allende started in all but two tests for the Springboks and looks set to resume his world-class midfield partnership with Lukhanyo Am this year.
29. Rieko Ioane
Age: 24
Test caps: 47
Nation: New Zealand
Club: Blues
One of the standouts for New Zealand in an underwhelming All Blacks season, Rieko Ioane will bring up half a century of test caps by the age of 25 this year. That’s no mean feat, and it’s a reflection of how he has realised the potential almost everyone saw in him as a 17-year-old when he burst onto the professional scene back in 2015. After two below-par seasons in 2019 and 2020, Ioane was back to his best last year in his new home at centre, which is where he will likely stay in 2022.
28. Makazole Mapimpi
Age: 31
Test caps: 25
Nation: South Africa
Club: Sharks
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Among the stars of South Africa’s World Cup success in 2019, Makazole Mapimpi remains at the top of his game at international level. That’s impressive for a 31-year-old winger, but Mapimpi’s nose for the tryline and finishing prowess makes him a first-choice selection for the Springboks, as was the case in all but two of their test matches in 2021.
27. Freddie Steward
Age: 21
Test caps: 5
Nation: England
Club: Leicester Tigers
After making his test debut against the USA Eagles in July, England fullback Freddie Steward has emerged as one of the game’s most promising young talents. An imposing physical specimen whose size and kicking game are his points of strength, the 21-year-old featured in all three of England’s Autumn Nations Series matches against the Springboks, Wallabies and Tonga. Steward starred in all three fixtures, especially against South Africa and Australia, cementing his place as one of the hottest properties in world rugby.
26. Jack Conan
Age: 29
Test caps: 25
Nation: Ireland
Club: Leinster
Ireland loose forward Jack Conan has been part of his national squad for quite some time now, but he is now beginning to forge a reputation for himself as one of rugby’s top back rowers. His selection in the British and Irish Lions squad to tour South Africa, as well as his three test starts against the Springboks, is evidence of that, as was his involvement in Ireland’s demolition of the Brave Blossoms and All Blacks in November.
25. Faf de Klerk
Age: 30
Test caps: 36
Nation: South Africa
Club: Sale Sharks
Blessed with his iconic blonde locks, Springboks halfback Faf de Klerk is the beating heart of South Africa’s kick-heavy game plan. While that style of play has drawn widespread criticism, its effectiveness has benefitted the Springboks and De Klerk’s kicking game and directorship has been crucial in his side’s success. Although it’s rarely seen in the test arena, De Klerk is also equipped with an impressive running game, and his standing in South Africa’s squad makes him a key figure leading into their World Cup defence next year.
24. Hamish Watson
Age: 30
Test caps: 46
Nation: Scotland
Club: Edinburgh
He has been part of the Scotland side since 2015, but Hamish Watson enjoyed a breakout year at test level in 2021. After claiming Six Nations Player of the Tournament following a string of compelling displays, Watson’s defensive work ethic and tenacity at the breakdown earned him selection in the British and Irish Lions squad. Constantly punching above his weight, Watson is among a core group of players who are primed to help push Scotland to greater honours in 2022.
23. Malcolm Marx
Age: 27
Test caps: 46
Nation: South Africa
Club: Kubota Spears
Despite his involvement primarily as a bench player for the Springboks as part of the infamous ‘Bomb Squad’, Malcolm Marx remains arguably the best hooker on the planet. His barnstorming running game and exceptional breakdown work makes him an extremely player for any team to have, and it’s hard to believe he is still only 27-years-old given how long he has been a key member of the Springboks squad.
22. Marcus Smith
Age: 22
Test caps: 5
Nation: England
Club: Harlequins
Alongside Steward, mercurial playmaker Marcus Smith looms as one of England’s brightest young talents. The 22-year-old’s potential has long been heralded since his Premiership debut as a teenager, but that talent wasn’t realised until a dream run of result last year. That included a title-winning domestic campaign with Harlequins, a test debut against the USA and a call-up to the British and Irish Lions and a nomination for World Rugby Player of the Year, all of which culminated in Smith becoming England’s first-choice No 10 by the end of the year.
21. Beauden Barrett
Age: 30
Test caps: 101
Nation: New Zealand
Club: Blues
Heading into the 2021 international season, debate swirled over who would start at No 10 for the All Blacks between Beauden Barrett and Richie Mo’unga. By the end of the season, there was no question that Barrett was the leading contender for that role. The two-time World Rugby Player of the Year benefitted from Mo’unga’s prolonged absence from the Rugby Championship and made first-five position his own as he brought up a century of tests in stunning fashion against Wales in October.
Click here to view players ranked 31-40
Click here to view players ranked 41-50
Click here to view players ranked 51-60
Click here to view players ranked 61-70
Click here to view players ranked 71-80
Comments on RugbyPass
The article alludes to the fact that this isn’t about picking a captain. But picking a great captain. So who would make for a great All Black captain - not just an obvious or safe shoo-in? I’m not sure Ardie’s the guy and Barret doesn’t stand out either.
20 Go to commentsI guess we may all agree on the fact, that the ABs and Boks are the two in contest for No 1 in rugby history (the triple-A sort of) …. the Wallabies, England and France are the next tier, with Ireland being the new kid in town (AA) …. in my view it makes little sense creating imaginary competitions (unless you have too much time to waste)
44 Go to commentsWhat a joke. Total joke and the pundits commentating, all of whom know a bit about the game, could barely disguise their contempt. Reaching for the card then pulling back when he realised a red card would carry further match suspensions is simply not his decision to make. A clear and obvious influence on the outcome of this match and indeed, the championship path.
4 Go to commentsI like the idea, in NZ the Ranfurly Shield and NPC coexist, both having their own bragging rights. The World Cup would be the pinnacle, but the competition and travels of these trophies would be interesting.
44 Go to commentsDon’t worry Sonny bill Williams leave that awkward situation about the curfew in the pass whoever it was it doesn’t matter its no big deal we back our All Blacks through the storm and the thunder until we see the Sun light again.
42 Go to commentsWho listens to this retard? He was a massive liability as a player but obviously a media sensation
42 Go to commentsI’m not surprised by such ‘virtue signalling’ by Sonny Boy. Butter wouldn’t melt in his mouth. He’s such a pious Islamic muppet, imo.
42 Go to commentsI’ve actually never heard of the guy (then I don’t watch League as it is boring). But if he is good enough.. then good luck to him. If not, well, he can always return to league.
2 Go to commentsIt is pretty clear that by almost any measure that NZ are a more successful rugby nation than South Africa. Quite aside from the distasteful events during the last RWC final. NZ lead SA in all significant measurements.
44 Go to commentsDickson went to his pocket for a card, saw who it was, changed his mind and spoke at length to TMO. One angle clearly shows Care diving over a Saints player to kill the ball. 1st yellow, reason given for not Red was player was falling backwards. He was only falling backwards after contact with Lawes. Graham try should have stood. Mitchell did not have both hands on the ball, ball went forward from a Saints boot dragging over it. 2 intentional knock-on's. One of which had an overlap on the outside. If Quins are happy to win by intentional foul play, then it does not say much for them. Would appear to be a bad day for Karl Dickson, also for the RFU in appointing a Ref who spent 8 years as a player at one of the clubs.
4 Go to commentsLet’s not forget about Ardie Savea just yet.
7 Go to commentsThe URC and the Euro Championscup can’t run at the same time, basically dilutes both competitions.
2 Go to comments“While Sotutu should start at No.8 for the All Blacks against England, but it’s only in that arena that he can prove just how good he really is.” And that my friends is where simply hasnt shone despite multiple opportunities. Even in this performance you can see what did him in in the test arena..he almost always still runs at the opposition almost ramrod upright making him easier to stop than it should be.
7 Go to commentsShould have been 0-0 and a message from SR CEO to both teams - “don’t worry about turning up next year”.
4 Go to commentsGreat work Owen Franks. A great of this team, scoring his first try for the Crusaders since 2010.He was beaming, justifiably. A fine win, he and the rest did the job up front.
1 Go to commentsDanny Care. Lang in die tand.
1 Go to commentsBig empty stadium does nothing for atmosphere but munster are playing well with solid performance
1 Go to commentsYes, Fiji can win the World Cup! With that belief plus their christian faith🙏 and hard work it is achievable. Great article. Ian Duncan Fiji resident 1981-84
2 Go to commentsInteresting comments about Touch. England’s hosting the Touch World Cup this year and the numbers have exploded since their last World Cup in 2019, something like 70% more teams and 40 nations taking part. And England Touch have made a big thing about how many universities are in their BUCS University Touch Championship as well as Sport England membership. Can only see this growing even more domestically as more people become aware of it
10 Go to comments“Cortez Ratima is light years ahead of anyone on current form, while TJ Perenara has also skyrocketed into contention following the unfortunate injury to the talented Cam Roigard.” At last some sanity. Hitherto so many pundits have been wittering on about Finlay Christie to the point one wondered if they were observing a FC in a parallel universe where the FC they saw wasnt just the mediocre Shayne Philpott project of Fosters hapless AB reign in the real world. Ratima, Perenara and Fakatava are the ONLY logical 9s for Razor now Roigard is crocked.
4 Go to comments