Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 will bring the best rugby players in the world to Australia, from stars of the Guinness Men’s Six Nations to those who’ve been tearing it up in The Rugby Championship, and beyond.
What defines the best rugby player in the world is also the subject of much debate and conjecture. However, RugbyPass’ expert team of rugby writers have pulled together a Top 100 list of players who they believe have made the most significant impact over the past 12 months.
Mercurial Frenchman Antoine Dupont was named the best rugby player in the world in 2024, but has just missed out on retaining his crown, with Springbok superstar Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu succeeding him at number one for 2025. Dupont has to be content with second place this time around.
Meanwhile, Feinberg-Mngomezulu's Springbok team-mate, the current World Rugby Men's 15s Player of the Year Malcolm Marx, is selected in fourth place.
Wallaby centre Len Ikitau is the biggest climber, having risen 66 spots, while All Blacks scrum-half Cam Roigard (51) and French flyer Louis Bielle-Biarrey (50) have vastly improved their position after enjoying fantastic seasons.
As for first-timers to the Top 100, England sensation and British & Irish Lions bolter, Henry Pollock, is one name that catches the eye in particular after making a stunning impact on and off the pitch in his first year of senior men’s international rugby.
One of the game’s rising stars and charismatic individuals, the flanker was nominated for the World Rugby Men’s Breakthrough Player of the Year award in November, which was won by All Blacks lock Fabian Holland, who is also present in the Top 100.
There are 17 Springboks in the Top 100, while the All Blacks are well-represented with 16 selections. England and Ireland have 13 representatives each, France have 10, and the Wallabies have eight.
Click HERE to find out who is in the RugbyPass Top 100.
