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RugbyPass Top 100: Picking the 50th to 41st 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 50-41, with the remainder of the list to be released over the course of this week.
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50. James Lowe
Age: 29
Test caps: 9
Nation: Ireland
Club: Leinster
After years of All Blacks exclusion during his time in New Zealand, James Lowe made test rugby is own in 2021 as he continued his rise in Ireland. Qualifying for his adopted nation on residency grounds in 2020, not only did the ex-Chiefs wing become a regular for the Irish last year, but he was flourishing by the end of the season. A superb showing against his home country in a stunning victory two months ago capped a stunning year for Lowe, and expect him to carry that vein of form into 2022.
49. Tadhg Beirne
Age: 30
Test caps: 27
Nation: Ireland
Club: Munster
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An important member of Ireland’s squad in recent years, Tadhg Beirne’s influence was recognised in 2021 when he earned selection for the British and Irish Lions for their tour of South Africa. There, the utility forward made two test appearances off the bench against the Springboks in a series that was sandwiched by a Six Nations campaign and an Autumn Nations Series in which Beirne played in all eight of Ireland’s fixtures.
48. Owen Farrell
Age: 30
Test caps: 100
Nation: England
Club: Saracens
England’s best playmaker since Jonny Wilkinson, Owen Farrell has been nothing short of sublime at international level since his test debut a decade ago. His experience and class enabled the five-eighth to notch his 100th test match against the Wallabies at Twickenham in November, four months after he embarked on his third British and Irish Lions tour. Still only 30-years-old, Farrell appears well-equipped to help guide England towards another World Cup campaign next year.
47. Will Skelton
Age: 29
Test caps: 21
Nation: Australia
Club: La Rochelle
Will Skelton’s five-year hiatus from test rugby was brought to an end last year when was dragged back into the Wallabies after Rugby Australia altered its eligibility laws. Regarded as one of the finest locks in European club rugby, the Wallabies were desperate to have the giant second rower back in their ranks to bolster a positional group in which they have lacked quality in recent times. As such, Skelton played in all three of his country’s Autumn Nations Series matches in 2021, and Australian fans will be hoping he features regularly throughout this year.
46. Marika Koroibete
Age: 29
Test caps: 42
Nation: Australia
Club: Saitama Wild Knights
Among Australia’s standout players in recent times, Marika Koroibete has established himself as one of the world’s most exciting and powerful wings. The former NRL star’s ability to consistently churn out impressive performances for an often-underwhelming Wallabies outfit speaks volumes of his talent, of which the Saitama Wild Knights have paid good money for in Japan’s League One.
45. Handre Pollard
Age: 27
Test caps: 60
Nation: South Africa
Club: Montpellier
Reported to be one of rugby’s highest-paid players in 2021, Handre Pollard remains South Africa’s premier playmaker as he continues to dominate the No 10 jersey for the Springboks. That much is reflected by the fact that the 2019 World Cup champion started in all but two of his nation’s test matches last year. With 60 test caps to his name at the age of just 27, it would take a brave person to bet against Pollard from becoming a test centurion.
44. Alun Wyn Jones
Age: 36
Test caps: 161
Nation: Wales
Club: Ospreys
The most-capped player in the history of test rugby, Welsh captain Alun Wyn Jones continues to make his mark on the international scene at the age of 36. A decade-and-a-half after his test debut in 2006, the veteran lock embarked on his fourth British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa last year after having skippered Wales to a Six Nations title in March, which is a feat in itself given he dislocated his shoulder in a warm-up match against Japan just weeks beforehand. That injury flared up again against the All Blacks in November, leaving him unavailable for this year’s Six Nations, but don’t rule out the prospect of Jones suiting up for a record-equalling fifth World Cup in France next year.
43. Charles Ollivon
Age: 28
Test caps: 23
Nation: France
Club: Toulon
At the age of only 28, Charles Ollivon stands as a senior figure in France’s youthful yet exciting squad that has enjoyed a remarkable resurgence since the 2019 World Cup. The loose forward’s influence in the Les Bleus set-up was reflected by the fact he was named France captain at the beginning of 2020 and started in all but two tests between his appointment and the end of last year’s Six Nations. While a knee injury robbed Ollivon of playing for France beyond that tournament, his pedigree as a world-class prospect cannot be denied.
42. Dalton Papalii
Age: 24
Test caps: 12
Nation: New Zealand
Club: Blues
It took three seasons of limited involvement in the All Blacks squad since his test debut in 2018, but Dalton Papalii made every post a winner at international level in 2021. The long-term injury of New Zealand captain Sam Cane helped in handing Papalii extra game time, but the young flanker deserved every minute he got as he produced a string of compelling displays throughout the year. Even with Cane and Ardie Savea onboard, it will take a massive effort to edge Papalii out of New Zealand’s No 7 jersey.
41. Dan Biggar
Age: 32
Test caps: 98
Nation: Wales
Club: Northampton Saints
Long regarded as Wales’ best pivot, Dan Biggar’s reputation as one of the world’s top playmakers was cemented when he started in all three British and Irish Lions tests against the Springboks last year. Prior to that, the experienced flyhalf starred in his nation’s Six Nations title success, with his 20-point haul against France in Paris the pick of his performances. With his 100th test cap lingering on the horizon ahead of next month’s Six Nations, Biggar remains a vital component in Wayne Pivac’s Welsh squad.
RugbyPass Top 100
1. TBC (14/1/2022)
2. TBC (14/1/2022)
3. TBC (14/1/2022)
4. TBC (14/1/2022)
5. TBC (14/1/2022)
6. TBC (14/1/2022)
7. TBC (14/1/2022)
8. TBC (14/1/2022)
9. TBC (14/1/2022)
10. TBC (14/1/2022)
11. TBC (13/1/2022)
12. TBC (13/1/2022)
13. TBC (13/1/2022)
14. TBC (13/1/2022)
15. TBC (13/1/2022)
16. TBC (13/1/2022)
17. TBC (13/1/2022)
18. TBC (13/1/2022)
19. TBC (13/1/2022)
20. TBC (13/1/2022)
21. TBC (12/1/2022)
22. TBC (12/1/2022)
23. TBC (12/1/2022)
24. TBC (12/1/2022)
25. TBC (12/1/2022)
26. TBC (12/1/2022)
27. TBC (12/1/2022)
28. TBC (12/1/2022)
29. TBC (12/1/2022)
30. TBC (12/1/2022)
31. TBC (11/1/2022)
32. TBC (11/1/2022)
33. TBC (11/1/2022)
34. TBC (11/1/2022)
35. TBC (11/1/2022)
36. TBC (11/1/2022)
37. TBC (11/1/2022)
38. TBC (11/1/2022)
39. TBC (11/1/2022)
40. TBC (11/1/2022)
41. Dan Biggar (Wales)
42. Dalton Papalii (New Zealand)
43. Charles Ollivon (France)
44. Alun Wyn Jones (Wales)
45. Handre Pollard (South Africa)
46. Marika Koroibete (Australia)
47. Will Skelton (Australia)
48. Owen Farrell (England)
49. Tadhg Beirne (Ireland)
50. James Lowe (Ireland)
51. Andrew Porter (Ireland)
52. Len Ikitau (Australia)
53. Duhan van der Merwe (Scotland)
54. Aaron Smith (New Zealand)
55. Robbie Henshaw (Ireland)
56. Garry Ringrose (Ireland)
57. Trevor Nyakane (South Africa)
58. Andrew Kellaway (Australia)
59. Akira Ioane (New Zealand)
60. Steven Kitshoff (South Africa)
61. Franco Mostert (South Africa)
62. Rob Valetini (Australia)
63. Melvyn Jaminet (France)
64. Courtney Lawes (England)
65. Paul Willemse (France)
66. Codie Taylor (New Zealand)
67. Gael Fickou (France)
68. Ben Youngs (England)
69. Pablo Matera (Argentina)
70. Brodie Retallick (New Zealand)
71. Cyril Baille (France)
72. Julian Montoya (Argentina)
73. Bundee Aki (Ireland)
74. Sam Whitelock (New Zealand)
75. Kyle Sinckler (England)
76. Matthieu Jalibert (France)
77. Julien Marchand (France)
78. Sam Underhill (England)
79. Luke Cowan-Dickie (England)
80. Vincent Koch (South Africa)
81. Ellis Genge (England)
82. Iain Henderson (Ireland)
83. Hugo Keenan (Ireland)
84. Pieter-Steph du Toit (South Africa)
85. Richie Mo’unga (New Zealand)
86. Jasper Wiese (South Africa)
87. Tate McDermott (Australia)
88. Kwagga Smith (South Africa)
89. Liam Williams (Wales)
90. Frans Steyn (South Africa)
91. James Ryan (Ireland)
92. Ken Owens (Wales)
93. Uini Atonio (France)
94. Sam Simmonds (England)
95. Ellis Jenkins (Wales)
96. Lood de Jager (South Africa)
97. Josh van der Flier (Ireland)
98. Cameron Woki (France)
99. Ox Nche (South Africa)
100. Anton Lienert-Brown (New Zealand)
Comments on RugbyPass
Ouch. Even Nohamba is a better flyhalf than Ford.
2 Go to commentsI hope Leinster’s proud of themselves fielding a poor team. They should decide if they’re all in or not.
2 Go to commentsJordie is looking at 16 games maximum if Leinster reach both the URC and champions cup finals. Thats not guaranteed. Some of those home URC fixtures will be cakewalks as well for Leinster and there is not much doing during the 6 nations in Feb and March so he can probably get a decent rest then. He will have to really put in it for maybe 7 or 8 games max. It should be a good move for both.
13 Go to commentsThe game was a quarter final, not a semi final. Barrett will be here for 6 months, he is no one's replacement at 13. That mantle will most likely ultimately go to Jamie Osborne, though Garry Ringrose has at least 4 more years in him. The long term problem position (in the next 3 years) for Leinster is tighthead prop, though there are a couple of prospects at schools level.
25 Go to commentsSo much for all that hype surrounding the ‘revival’ of Aussie rugby. The Blues were without the likes of regular starters Perofeta, Sullivan, Christie etc… This was a capitulation of the highest order by Australia’s finest. Joe Schmidt definitely has his work cut out for him.
2 Go to commentsYes they can ignore Sotutu. Like Akira Ioane plays OK at Super level but gets lost in tests. Too many chances too many failures.
2 Go to commentsA wallaby front-row of Bell, Blake and Tupou…now that would be hefty
1 Go to comments“But with an exceptional pass accuracy rating “ Which apart from Roigard is not a feature of any of the other 9s in NZ. Kind of basic for a Black 9 dont.you. think? Yet we keep seeing FC and TJ being rated ahead of him? Weird if it’s seen as vital to get our backline beating in your face defences.
1 Go to commentsThanks BeeMc! Looks like many teams need extra time to settle from the quadrennial northern migration. I think generally the quality of the Rugby has held up. Fiji has been fantastic and fun to watch
13 Go to commentsLets compare apples with apples. Lyon sent weak team the week before, but nobody raised an eyebrow. Give the South African teams a few years to build their depth, then you will be moaning that the teams are too strong.
41 Go to commentsDid footballs agents also perform the scout role at some time? I’m surprised more high profile players haven’t taken up the occupation, great way to remain in the game and use all that experience without really requiring a lot of specific expertise?
1 Go to commentsSuper rugby is struggling but that has little to do with sabbaticals. 1. Too many teams from Aust and NZ - should be 3 and 4 respectively, add in 2 from Japan, 1 possibly 2 from Argentina. 2. Inconsistent and poor refereeing, admittedly not restricted to Super rugby. Only one team was reffed at the breakdown in Reds v H’Landers match. Scrum penalty awarded in Canes v Drua when No 8 had the ball in the open with little defence nearby - ideal opportunity to play advantage. Coming back to Reds match - same scrum situation but ref played advantage - Landers made 10 yards and were penalised at the breakdown when the ref should have returned to scrum penalty. 3. Marketing is weak and losing ground to AFL and NRL. Playing 2 days compared with 4. 4. Scheduling is unattractive to family attendance. Have any franchises heard of Sundays 2pm?
13 Go to commentsAbsolutely..all they need is a chance in yhe playoffs and I bet all the other teams will be nervous…THEY KNOW HOW TO WIN IM THE PLAYOFFS..
2 Go to commentsI really hope he comes back and helps out with some coaching.
1 Go to commentsI think we are all just hoping that the Olympic 7s doesn’t suffer the same sad fate as the last RWC with the officials ruining the spectacle.
1 Go to commentsPersonally, I’ve lost the will to even be bothered about the RFU, the structure, the participants. It’s all a sham. I now simply enjoy getting a group of friends together to go and watch a few games a year in different locations (including Europe, the championship, etc). I feel extremely sorry for the real fans of these clubs who are constantly ignored by the RFU and other administrators. I feel especially sorry for the fans of clubs in the Championship who have had considerable central funding stripped away and are then expected to just take whatever the RFU put to them. Its all a sham, especially if the failed clubs are allowed to return.
10 Go to commentsI’m guessing Carl Hayman would have preferred to have stayed in NZ with benefit of hindsight. Up north there is the expectation to play twice as many games with far less ‘player management’ protocols that Paul is now criticising. Less playing through concussions means longer, healthier, careers. Carter used as the eg here by Paul, his sabbatical allowed him to play until age 37. OK its not an exact science but there is far more expectations on players who sign for Top 14 or Engl Prem clubs to get value for the huge salaries. NZR get alot wrong but keeping their best players in NZ rugby is not one of them. SA clubs are virtually devoid of their top players now, no thanks. They cant threaten the big teams in the Champions Cup, the squads have little depth. Cant see Canes/Chiefs struggling. Super has been great this year, fantastic high skill matches. Drua a fantastic addition and Jaguares will add another quality team eventually. Aus teams performing strongly and no doubt will benefit with the incentive of a Lions tour and a home RWC. Let Jordie enjoy his time with Leinster, it will allow the opportunity for another player to emerge at Canes in his absence.
13 Go to commentsLove that man, his way to despise angry little men is so funny ! 😂
6 Go to comments“South African franchises would be powerhouses if we had all our overseas based players back in situ. We would have the same unbeatable aura the Toulouses, Leinsters or Saracens of this world have had over the last decade or so.” Proof that Jake white does not understand the economics of the game in SA. Players earning abroad are not going to simply come back and represent the bulls. But they might if they have a springbok contract.
25 Go to commentsA lot of fans just joined in for the fun of it! We all admire O'Gara and what he has done for La Rochelle
6 Go to comments