The five centres behind Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii in RugbyPass Top 100 2025

Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii shot up 14 places on the RugbyPass Top 100 in 2025, reflecting the code-hopper’s impressive first 12 months in rugby union. Suaalii has been ranked ahead of five other centres, including Ireland’s Bundee Aki and New Zealand’s Leicester Fainga’anuku.

Suaalii made four appearances for the Wallabies in 2024 after completing a high-profile move across codes from the NRL. The midfielder received Player of the Match honours on debut against England before finishing the season as the 68th-ranked player in the Top 100.

Rugby Australia’s big-name recruit charged into a Lions Series year with a wealth of expectation resting on his shoulders. Suaalii impressed for both club and country, named in the Super Rugby Pacific Team of the Year and recognised as Rugby Australia’s Rookie of the Year.

The 22-year-old started 14 of 15 Wallabies matches this year, linking up with John Eales Medallist Len Ikitau more often than not. Those two combined in all three Tests against the British & Irish Lions and the famous comeback win over the Springboks in Johannesburg.

Suaalii scored a try and played the full 80 minutes as the Wallabies fought their way back from 22 points down to win 38-22 at Emirates Airline Park. The former Sydney Roosters flyer featured in every Rugby Championship fixture, scoring three tries in two matches against Los Pumas.

Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt fielded a new-look side against Eddie Jones’ Brave Blossoms in Japan, with Suaalii rested alongside Max Jorgensen, Fraser McReight and others. Suaalii returned to face England, Italy, Ireland and France during the Spring Tour.

World Rugby unveiled Suaallii as one of four nominees for Breakthrough Player of the Year during the Quilter Nations Series in November. That award went to New Zealand’s Fabian Holland, although Suaalii was nominated along with England’s Henry Pollock and South Africa’s Ethan Hooker.

11 journalists had their say after the 2025 international season, with Suaalii rewarded for a series of promising performances in Wallaby gold. While the Wallabies finished the campaign with a 33 per cent winning record, Suaalii was a shining light.

Suaalii has been placed ahead of Peato Mauvaka, Juan Cruz Mallia and Jasper Wiese in the Top 100. Tommaso Menoncello from Italy is the highest-ranked centre behind Suaalii in 59th, followed by British & Irish Lion Garry Ringrose nine spots back.

Aki from Ireland has dropped 52 spots after splitting his last 10 Tests with five starts and a handful of appearances off the pine. The New Zealand-born talent featured in all three matches for the British & Irish Lions, including starts in the second and third Tests.

Fainga’anuku has earned a spot in the Top 100 after returning to the Test arena under coach Scott Robertson. The All Black spent a couple of seasons in France’s Top with Toulon, but has signed on with New Zealand Rugby and the Crusaders through 2027.

The other centre in the Top 100 is Andrew Esterhuizen from the Sharks and Springboks. Esterhuizen played both matches away to the All Blacks during The Rugby Championship, scoring one try during the defeat at Eden Park.

Suaalii is the sixth-biggest mover up in the Top 100 so far, just behind England’s Ellis Genge who has risen 19 places. Australia’s Angus Bell, New Zealand’s Codie Taylor, South Africa’s Wiese and New Zealand’s Caleb Clarke have risen through the ranks as well.

The top 10 will be revealed on Monday, December 15.