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RugbyPass Top 100: Picking the 80th to 71st 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 80-71, with the remainder of the list to be released over the course of the next two weeks.
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80. Vincent Koch
Age: 31
Test caps: 31
Nation: South Africa
Club: Saracens
Part of South Africa’s infamous ‘bomb squad’, Vincent Koch has helped the Springboks thrive in recent years by providing impact off the bench as part of a menacing front row replacement trio. The Wasps-bound tighthead prop’s last 13 test appearances have all been from the bench, including South Africa’s victorious 2019 World Cup final, but his influence on the game has been clear for all to see. A powerful scrummager who doesn’t shy away from physicality, Koch remains an integral part of the Springboks.
79. Luke Cowan-Dickie
Age: 28
Test caps: 34
Nation: England
Club: Exeter Chiefs
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While he has rarely been seen as a starting option for England while sharing the hooker role with veteran rake Jamie George, Luke Cowan-Dickie enjoyed a rapid rise this year. Not only did he finish the Six Nations as England’s first-choice hooker, but he also emerged as the main option for the British and Irish Lions on their tour of South Africa. For a player that had long found national selection, and then starting spots, hard to come by under Eddie Jones, Cowan-Dickie’s career hit an upward trajectory in 2021, and that would have continued into the Autumn Nations Series had injury not sidelined him.
78. Sam Underhill
Age: 25
Test caps: 27
Nation: England
Club: Bath
One of the stars to have emerged from the 2019 World Cup, England flanker Sam Underhill remains one of rugby’s top loose forwards. Blessed with an immense work rate and rugged defensive tenacity, the nuggety back rower was unlucky to have missed selection for the British and Irish Lions after being ruled out of the Six Nations with a hip injury, but he performed strongly in the Autumn Nations Series to help propel England to victories over the Wallabies, Springboks and Tonga.
77. Julien Marchand
Age: 26
Test caps: 27
Nation: France
Club: Toulouse
Among the core group of players that has helped spark France’s renaissance, Julien Marchand has nailed down the Les Bleus No 2 jersey following the dominance of Guilhem Guirado and Camille Chat in the lead-up to and during the 2019 World Cup. Since that tournament, Marchand has started in all 10 of France’s Six Nations matches and would have been part of his side’s upset win over the All Blacks had he not been injured the clash against Georgia the week beforehand. Still only 26, Marchand looks destined to be part of this French side for years to come.
76. Matthieu Jalibert
Age: 23
Test caps: 15
Nation: France
Club: Bordeaux
Another young Les Bleus star on the rise, Matthieu Jalibert is one of numerous prodigious French playmakers, of whom are headlined by Romain Ntamack. The latter’s presence will make it tricky for Jalibert to break into his nation’s starting lineup as a No 10, but he has flourished when he has been named to play there. There is a possibility the pair could even coexist in France’s backline, as they did against Argentina and Georgia in the Autumn Nations Series, but Jalibert’s youth, class and potential means he can’t be ruled out from playing a vital role in the imminent success of this exciting French squad.
75. Kyle Sinckler
Age: 28
Test caps: 53
Nation: England
Club: Bristol Bears
Now a veteran of English rugby, Kyle Sinckler furthered his status as one of the world’s leading props by securing selection for his second British and Irish Lions tour. During his time in South Africa, the new Bristol Bears recruit featured in all three tests against the Springboks, and started in all but one test for England throughout the Six Nations and Autumn Nations Series. Renowned for his aggressive nature and strong ball carrying, Sinckler stands as an important figure for Eddie Jones and England.
74. Sam Whitelock
Age: 33
Test caps: 132
Nation: New Zealand
Club: Crusaders
The longest-serving member of the current All Blacks squad, no New Zealand player can match the experience veteran lock Sam Whitelock wields. That experience was put to use throughout 2021 when the test centurion was appointed All Blacks captain for their July test series and end-of-year tour in the absence of regular skipper Sam Cane. Although he was one of many All Blacks whose performances dipped at the end of the season, Whitelock played well early on in the year and remains a pivotal member of Ian Foster’s squad.
73. Bundee Aki
Age: 31
Test caps: 34
Nation: Ireland
Club: Connacht
A constant selection in Ireland’s starting lineup, Bundee Aki has become a focal point of his adopted nation’s success since his test debut in 2017. Part of that success has been two victories over New Zealand, his nation of birth, the second of which came in November where Aki was prominent in beating the All Blacks in front of a boisterous Dublin crowd. Prior to that result, the Connacht star featured in Ireland’s demolition of Japan and started for the British and Irish Lions in their final test against the Springboks.
72. Julian Montoya
Age: 28
Test caps: 75
Nation: Argentina
Club: Leicester Tigers
In a year where Los Pumas struggled to replicate their impressive Tri-Nations feats of beating the All Blacks and going unbeaten against the Wallabies, captain Julian Montoya was the undoubted standout for Argentina in 2021. A robust hooker who is just as adept with ball in hand as he is on defence and at the breakdown, Montoya’s lead-by-example style of play allowed him to excel in a disappointing campaign for the South Americans.
71. Cyril Baille
Age: 28
Test caps: 31
Nation: France
Club: Toulouse
France’s front row stocks are beaming at present with Cryil Baille a regular presence alongside the likes of Marchand and Uini Atonio up front for Les Bleus. Handed the starting honours at loosehead prop in the wake of the 2019 World Cup, Baille has been at the heart of French rugby’s revolution over the past couple of years and appears set to continue to feature prominently for his country heading into next year’s World Cup.
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. TBC (10/1/2022)
42. TBC (10/1/2022)
43. TBC (10/1/2022)
44. TBC (10/1/2022)
45. TBC (10/1/2022)
46. TBC (10/1/2022)
47. TBC (10/1/2022)
48. TBC (10/1/2022)
49. TBC (10/1/2022)
50. TBC (7/1/2022)
51. TBC (7/1/2022)
52. TBC (7/1/2022)
53. TBC (7/1/2022)
54. TBC (7/1/2022)
55. TBC (7/1/2022)
56. TBC (7/1/2022)
57. TBC (7/1/2022)
58. TBC (7/1/2022)
59. TBC (7/1/2022)
60. TBC (6/1/2022)
61. TBC (6/1/2022)
62. TBC (6/1/2022)
63. TBC (6/1/2022)
64. TBC (6/1/2022)
65. TBC (6/1/2022)
66. TBC (6/1/2022)
67. TBC (6/1/2022)
68. TBC (6/1/2022)
69. TBC (6/1/2022)
70. TBC (5/1/2022)
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
I remember towards the end of the original broadcasting deal for Super rugby with Newscorp that there was talk about the competition expanding to improve negotiations for more money - more content, more cash. Professional rugby was still in its infancy then and I held an opposing view that if Super rugby was a truly valuable competition then it should attract more broadcasters to bid for the rights, thereby increasing the value without needing to add more teams and games. Unfortunately since the game turned professional, the tension between club, talent and country has only grown further. I would argue we’re already at a point in time where the present is the future. The only international competitions that matter are 6N, RC and RWC. The inter-hemisphere tours are only developmental for those competitions. The games that increasingly matter more to fans, sponsors and broadcasters are between the clubs. Particularly for European fans, there are multiple competitions to follow your teams fortunes every week. SA is not Europe but competes in a single continental competition, so the travel component will always be an impediment. It was worse in the bloated days of Super rugby when teams traversed between four continents - Africa, America, Asia and Australia. The percentage of players who represent their country is less than 5% of the professional player base, so the sense of sacrifice isn’t as strong a motivation for the rest who are more focused on playing professional rugby and earning as much from their body as they can. Rugby like cricket created the conundrum it’s constantly fighting a losing battle with.
3 Go to commentsOh wow… “But as La Rochelle proved in winning in Cape Town this season, a cross-continental away assignment need not spell the end of days.” La Rochelle actually proved quite the opposite. After traveling to Cape town and back they (back-to-back and current champs) got mercilessly thumped the next week. If travel is not the reason, why else would a full-strength powerhouse like La Rochelle get dumped on their @r$e$ one week later?
26 Go to commentsYou know he can land a winning conversion after the full time siren is up. (Even if it takes two attempts.)
5 Go to commentsA very insightful article from Jake. I would love to know how South African’s feel about their move to Europe. Do you prefer playing in Europe or want to go back to Super Rugby?
3 Go to commentspure fire
1 Go to commentsA very well thought out summary of all the relevant complications…agree with your ”refer the Cricket Test versus 20/20 comparison”. More also definitely doesn't necessarily mean better!
3 Go to commentsMust be something when you are only 19 y.o and both NZ and France want you. Btw he wasn’t the only new caledonian in french U20 as Robin Couly also lived in Noumea until 17. Hope he’s successful wherever he chooses to play.
7 Go to comments“Several key players in the Stade Rochelais squad are in their thirties” South Africans are going to hate the implications of that comment!
5 Go to commentsI know Leinster did a job on La Roche but shortly after HT Leinster were 30-13 ahead of them and at a similar time Toulouse were trailing Exeter. At 60 mins Leinster were 27 ahead but after 67 mins Toulouse were only 19 ahead before Exeter collapsed. That’s heavier scoring by Leinster against the Champions. I think people are looking at Toulouses total a little too much. I also think Northhampton are in with a real chance, albeit I’d put Leinster as favourites. If Leinster make the final I expect them to win by more than ten and with control.
5 Go to commentsHey Nick, your match analysis is decent but the top and tail not so much, a bit more random. For a start there’s a seismic difference in regenerating any club side over a test team. EJ pretty much had to urinate with the appendage he’d been given at test level whereas club success is impacted hugely by the budget. Look no further than Boudjellal’s Toulon project for a perfect example. The set ups at La Rochelle and Leinster are like chalk and cheese and you are correct that Leinster are ahead. Leinster are not just slightly ahead though, they are light years ahead on their plans, with the next gen champions cup team already blooded, seasoned and developing at speed from their time manning the fort in the URC while the cream play CC and tests. They have engineered a strong talent conveyor belt into their system, supported by private money funnelled into a couple of Leinster private schools. The really smart move from Leinster and the IRFU however is maximising the Irish Revenue tax breaks (tax relief on the best 10 years earnings refunded at retirement) to help keep all of their stars in Ireland and happy, while simultaneously funding marquee players consistently. And of course Barrett is the latest example. But in no way is he a “replacement for Henshaw”, he’s only there for one season!!! As for Rob Baxter, the best advice you can give him is to start lobbying Parliament and HMRC for a similar state subsidy, but don’t hold your breath… One thing Cullen has been very smart with is his coaching team. Very quickly he realised his need to supplement his skills, there was talk of him exiting after his first couple of years but he was extremely shrewd bringing in Lancaster and now Nienaber. That has worked superbly and added a layer that really has made a tangible difference. Apart from that you were bang on the money… 😉😂
5 Go to commentsNot sure exactly what went wrong for him at Glasgow but it’s pretty clear he ain’t Franco’s cup of tea. Suspect he would have been better served heading out of Scotland around the same time as Finn, Hoggy and Jonny!
1 Go to commentsBulls disrespected the Northampton supporters and the competition. Decide quickly, fully in or out.
26 Go to commentsI wonder if Parling was ever on England’s radar as a coach? Obviously Borthwick is a great lineout coach, but I do worry he might be taking on too much as both head coach and forwards coach.
1 Go to commentsJason Jenkins has one cap. When Etzebeth was his age he had over 80 caps. Experience matters. He will never amount to what Etzebeth has because he hasn’t been developed as an international player.
2 Go to commentsSays much about the player picking this gig over the easier and bigger rewards offered to him in Japan. Also says a lot about the state sanctioned tax benefits the Irish Revenue offers pro rugby players, with their ten highest earning years subject to an additional 40% tax relief and paid as a lump sum, in cash, at retirement. Certainly helps Leinster line up the financial ducks in a row to fund marquee signings like this!!! No other union anywhere in world rugby benefits from this kind of lucrative financial sponsorship from their government…
5 Go to commentsTrue Jordie could earn a lot more in Japan. But by choosing Leinster he’ll be playing with 1 of the best clubs in the world and can win a champions cup and URC…..
6 Go to commentsThanks for that Marshy, noticed you didn't say who is gonna win it. We know who ain't gonna win it - your Crusaders outfit. They've gone from having arguably the best Super Rugby first five ever, to having a clutch of rookies. Hurricanes all the way!
1 Go to commentsGeez you really have to question the NRLs ability to produce players of quality. Its pathetic. Dont the 25mil in Aus produce enough quality womens players. Sad.
1 Go to commentsBulls fan here, and agree 100% with the conclusion (and little else) of this article. SA sides should absolutely f-off from the champs cup until we get fair scheduling, equal support for travel arrangements and home semis. You know, like all the european teams get.
26 Go to commentsI’m yet to see why Grace would be an ABs contender. He’s pedestrian and lacks the dominance required of a top flight 8.
11 Go to comments