Top 100 Men's Rugby Players 2024

[{"id":"452","name":"Antoine Dupont","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/antoine-dupont\/","copy1":"The last year has been seminal for Antoine Dupont. With Toulouse, he won a Top 14 and Champions Cup double, and a couple of months later he inspired France to gold in the Olympic sevens. Throw in a Legion d\u2019Honneur, France\u2019s highest civilian award, and the accolade of world Sevens player of the year, and the 28-year-old scrum-half is rugby\u2019s most bankable star. As Dan Carter said of Dupont\u2019s Sevens transition: \u201cFew people understand how difficult it is to switch from 15-a-side rugby to seven-a-side rugby and to do it so easily shows what a unique athlete Dupont is.\u201d Since making his Test debut in 2017, Dupont has come to be regarded as probably the greatest French player of all time, a scrum-half with a prop\u2019s strength, a flanker\u2019s endurance and a winger\u2019s speed. He\u2019s got the lot and to argue otherwise would be churlish. GM","copy2":"According to Opta, Dupont has assisted more tries (29) and made more offloads (61) than any other player for a Tier One nation this decade, while he\u2019s the top-ranking scrum half for carries (318), metres gained (1365), line-breaks (16), defenders beaten (101) and turnovers won (21).","copy3":"\u201cHe can literally do it all. He is an extremely competent, intelligent, all-round rugby player who is also blessed with very special skills and attributes.\u201d Sir Gareth Edwards, legendary former Wales scrum-half.","country":"France","team":"74","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/452.png.webp?maxw=444","number":1,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/France.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/214.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725484700"]},{"id":"1573","name":"Cheslin Kolbe","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/cheslin-kolbe\/","copy1":"There is a moment just before Cheslin Kolbe touches the ball when tens of thousands of supporters in the stadium hold their collective breath. It happens around the world, against every opponent. No matter your allegiance, if you\u2019re a fan of the oval ball, you\u2019re likely a fan of the diminutive stepper who makes even the meanest defenders look like flat-footed no-hopers. With just a shimmy of his hips and a twitch of his ankles he can turn games on his own. The term \u2018cheat-code\u2019 is overused in modern sporting parlance. Here it is very much apt for a 5ft 7ins (1.70m) winger who scores tries from nothing, throws to the line-out, kicks at poles, charges down conversions, feeds the scrum and can trade blows with players twice his size. Simply a very gifted human being. DG","copy2":"Since his debut in 2018, Kolbe has averaged 9.2 metres gained per carry for the Springboks, the best rate of any of the 121 players to make 200+ carries for a Tier One nation in that time (Opta).","copy3":"\u201cHe\u2019s my favourite player in the world.\u201d Siya Kolisi, Springboks captain","country":"South Africa","team":"181","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/1573.png.webp?maxw=444","number":2,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/South-Africa.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/5209.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725489855"]},{"id":"311","name":"Pieter-Steph du Toit","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/pieter-steph-du-toit\/","copy1":"There\u2019s been no shortage of world-class loose forwards who have rolled off the seemingly endless conveyor belt in South African rugby over the decades, yet Pieter-Steph du Toit might just be the best of the lot. The first Springbok to win two World Rugby player of the year awards, one would be hard pressed to remember a game where he wasn\u2019t a contender for best player on the pitch. His 28 tackles in the 2023 World Cup final against New Zealand stands out as a monument to his work ethic while his harsh words at half-time against England in the semi-final underlined his commitment to the cause. Having fought his way back from numerous injuries that would have ended the careers of lesser athletes, he continues to excel with his father\u2019s hamstring surgically implanted into his leg. DG","copy2":"Du Toit made 28 tackles against New Zealand in last year's Rugby World Cup final, the joint-most by any player in a men\u2019s Rugby World Cup match and the most by any player in a final, overtaking the 18 made by Richie McCaw against France in 2011 (Opta).","copy3":"\u201cIf there's a white plastic bag that blows over the field, he would probably chase that down as well.\u201d Jacques Nienaber, former Springboks head coach.","country":"South Africa","team":"177","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/311.png.webp?maxw=444","number":3,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/South-Africa.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/5211.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725489890"]},{"id":"306","name":"Eben Etzebeth","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/eben-etzebeth\/","copy1":"The heartbeat of the vaunted South Africa pack, the most experienced Springbok of all time with 131 caps has built a fearsome reputation as one of the great enforcers on the pitch. But you don\u2019t play for 12 years at the highest level with brute force alone. Eben Etzebeth is a menace for opposing scrum-halves and regularly picks the right moment to impact games. Whether that\u2019s charging down box-kicks, disrupting mauls or running rampant in the loose, this giant with eyes from a horror film is close to the complete lock. At 33, he will do well to haul in Alun Wyn Jones\u2019 record tally of 170 Test appearances - but you wouldn\u2019t put it past him. DG","copy2":"Etzebeth has claimed 104 lineouts in The Rugby Championship, 20 more than any other player since Argentina joined the competition (including the 2020 Tri Nations 202). His tally includes 15 steals \u2013 also a tournament high (Opta).","copy3":"\u201cEben will definitely be remembered one day as one of the very best Boks ever, if not the best.\u201d Victor Matfield, South Africa legend.","country":"South Africa","team":"17","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/306.png.webp?maxw=444","number":4,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/South-Africa.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/412.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725488495"]},{"id":"275","name":"Ardie Savea","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/ardie-savea\/","copy1":"Savea delivered his usual brand of explosive, instinctive and destructive rugby from both No.8 and openside flanker in 2024. Having spent the first half of the year playing club rugby in Japan, he then pulled off a surprise by announcing he was quitting the Hurricanes to join his brother Julian at Moana Pasifika. Savea is massively proud of his Samoan heritage \u2013 both parents were born and raised there - and his decision to join the Auckland-based Super Rugby club could be a game-changer in helping them attract other high-profile talent with Pacific Island heritage. What continues to make Savea such an influence in the big games is his ability to come up with dramatic plays when the pressure is most intense and throughout the series against England in July and then against Ireland in Dublin, he pulled off game-changing turnovers in the last 10 minutes of each Test. GP","copy2":"Savea was the only player from a Tier One nation to hit triple figures for carries (166), tackles (128), attacking rucks hit (188) and defensive rucks hit (109) in 2024 (Opta).","copy3":"\u201cWe\u2019re both captains at one time and people think we want to go half-heartedly at each other. No, it\u2019s never like that. I\u2019ll gain his respect by giving him everything I can, he\u2019ll gain mine by giving everything he can.\u201d Siya Kolisi, Springboks captain.","country":"New Zealand","team":"148","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/275.png.webp?maxw=444","number":5,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/New-Zealand.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/967.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725412062"]},{"id":"2284","name":"RG Snyman","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/rg-snyman\/","copy1":"Every so often a rugby player fits the stereotype. The 6ft 9in (2.06m) Rudolph Gerhardus Snyman looks like a Viking berserker, listens to Mongolian throat singing and is infamous among his team-mates for ripping their shirts and jackets on nights out. Injuries have stifled his career at times but when he\u2019s fit and firing, he is among the world\u2019s leading locks. Near unmissable at the line-out, he also offers abrasive ball-carrying and tackling around the fringes. His try against England in the nerve-shredding World Cup semi-final last year will go down as one of the most significant single contributions ever made by a South African sportsman. DG","copy2":"According to Opta, Snyman completed 18 offloads for South Africa in 2024, the most of any player for a Tier One nation, doing so in just 353 minutes of action. In fact, his average of 4.1 offloads per 80 minutes was almost twice as many as any other player to feature for 160+ minutes in 2024 (Damian Penaud next on 2.2).","copy3":"\u201cI don\u2019t think there\u2019s any player in the world who can do what RG Snyman does.\u201d Bernard Jackman, former Ireland hooker.","country":"South Africa","team":"73","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/2284.png.webp?maxw=444","number":6,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/South-Africa.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/309.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725488433"]},{"id":"2788","name":"Will Jordan","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/will-jordan\/","copy1":"The All Blacks have a long history of producing incisive, devastating backs, but Will Jordan is on track, statistically at least, to be the deadliest finisher the world has seen. He\u2019s been labelled a freak, because he has this incredible intuition about where to run and when to find himself in the right place to split a defence. Jordan is scoring at a rate no-one previously has \u2013 38 tries from 41 Tests - and his switch this year from wing to full-back has not curtailed his attacking prowess. If anything, the switch has granted him yet more licence to roam and hunt out defensive weak spots that he can exploit. Quietly spoken, without a hint of arrogance, Jordan achieves extraordinary feats with the minimal fuss. GP","copy2":"Jordan has scored 38 tries for the All Blacks since making his debut in November 2020, more than any other player from a Tier One nation in that time. He has also made at least 15 more line-breaks than any other player in the same period (75).","copy3":"\u201cHe\u2019s just a freak. What people don\u2019t usually see is his ability to understand the game of rugby. You see it in games where he pops up at the right time. His anticipation is probably his biggest strength, that and his speed.\u201d Richie Mo\u2019unga, All Blacks fly-half.","country":"New Zealand","team":"30","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/2788.png.webp?maxw=444","number":7,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/New-Zealand.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/405.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725411970"]},{"id":"2880","name":"Caelan Doris","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/caelan-doris\/","copy1":"Caelan Doris has stepped up to every challenge thrown his way since first breaking into the Leinster then Ireland set-ups. He made his provincial debut in 2018 and it took him just a season to become a mainstay. Andy Farrell was quick to cap the Mayo native and early on he featured at blindside and, fleetingly, openside, but eventually locked down the No.8 jersey. Tipped as a Lions bolter by Will Greenwood and Sean O\u2019Brien, he missed out on the South Africa 2021 tour but will surely figure prominently in Australia, possibly as captain. Doris was added to Ireland\u2019s core leadership group in 2022 as Farrell\u2019s side romped to a Grand Slam and Leinster named him captain for a 2024 New Year\u2019s Day clash with Ulster. Less than two months later, he was leading Ireland out, as captain, against Italy in the Six Nations. Bestowed the honour for last summer\u2019s second Test against South Africa, Doris was named permanent captain for the Autumn Nations Series. He was a standout against Argentina, Fiji and Australia and made the last two World Rugby dream teams. PM","copy2":"Doris hit the second most defensive rucks of any player from a Tier One nation in 2024 (115) and was one of just four players to be an effective presence at 200+ attacking rucks (205). He also made the third most carries (133) of any player this calendar year.","copy3":"\u201cI knew what Caelan was about and it was just a matter of time, once he came on to the scene, like he has at international level.\u201d Sean O\u2019Brien, former Ireland flanker.","country":"Ireland","team":"73","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/2880.png.webp?maxw=444","number":8,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/Ireland.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/309.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725488433"]},{"id":"2042","name":"Jamison Gibson-Park","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/jamison-gibson-park\/","copy1":"Roundly acknowledged as one of the best modern-day nines. Briefly held the crown when Antoine Dupont abdicated to go and claim Olympic gold. Back in 2016 he made a decision to leave New Zealand and pursue a club career in Ireland. Gibson-Park had eight appearances for the Maori All Blacks but was backing up TJ Perenara at Hurricanes and out of the Test picture. He swiftly settled at Leinster and Irish fans were soon counting down his three-year eligibility period before he could pull on the green jersey. Andy Farrell had no hesitation handing Gibson-Park the keys when he took over from Joe Schmidt. The scrum-half rewarded him by rapidly increasing Ireland\u2019s attacking tempo and going up a level from Schmidt\u2019s excellent 2018 vintage. At 32, he has reached \u2018veteran\u2019 stage but has lost none of that passing zip, nous for unlocking defences and defensive resolve. PM","copy2":"According to Opta, Gibson-Park assisted six tries in 447 minutes of Test rugby for Ireland this year, an average of 1.1 per 80 minutes, the best rate of any player from a Tier One nation (min. 400 minutes).","copy3":"\u201cJamison has taken his game to another level. He plays at speed, he's fit, fast and is a great competitor.\u201d Aaron Smith, former All Blacks scrum-half.","country":"Ireland","team":"73","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/2042.png.webp?maxw=444","number":9,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/Ireland.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/309.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725488433"]},{"id":"1917","name":"Ox Nche","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/ox-nche\/","copy1":"Since 2001, 117 men have been shortlisted for World Rugby\u2019s player of the year award. Not a single prop among them. This year, South Africa\u2019s Ox Nche came closest, with many pundits predicting that he had an outside chance of winning the main prize. His easy-going demeanour off the field, and his famous fondness for cakes and disregard for salads, masks his brutality in the scrum where he has an unrivalled ability to extract penalties. He began his career as a carrying front-rower and he\u2019s not lost that nimble turn of pace nor his ability to run challenging lines off strike plays. But it is in the nasty, dark corners of the scrum where he has earned a reputation as one of the most valuable players in the game. DG","copy2":"South Africa won 20 scrum penalties while Nche was on the pitch this year. No other prop was involved in more than 16 penalty-winning efforts at the scrum for a Tier One nation in 2024.","copy3":"\u201cThe most destructive loosehead in the world.\u201d Nick Mallet, former Springboks head coach.","country":"South Africa","team":"17","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/1917.png.webp?maxw=444","number":10,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/South-Africa.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/412.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725488495"]},{"id":"263","name":"Beauden Barrett","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/beauden-barrett\/","copy1":"The All Blacks\u2019 most experienced player started the season on the bench, but after two game-changing cameos against England he was promoted to the starting XV against Fiji and stayed there. One blip against South Africa aside, for the remainder of the season Barrett was just too good not to be starting for the All Blacks \u2013 his influence too great and his strategic decision-making and tactical kicking from the back-field of such quality that by the end of the Rugby Championship, he was given the No.10 jersey and is now the team\u2019s first-choice playmaker. He\u2019s closing in on 34, but contracted to stay in New Zealand until 2027 and there are few signs Barrett has lost any pace or acceleration. The veteran remains as polished, savvy and influential as ever. GP","copy2":"According to Opta, Barrett assisted at least two more tries than any other player from a Tier One nation in 2024 (nine), while his average of 1.26 try involvements per 80 minutes was higher than any other such player this year (min. 400 minutes played).","copy3":"\u201cYou look at the New Zealand team and the impact Beauden Barrett has had in that last 20 minutes in both these two Test matches. He\u2019s phenomenal and one of the world\u2019s best players.\u201d Steve Borthwick, England head coach after their second successive defeat by the All Blacks in July.","country":"New Zealand","team":"27","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/263.png.webp?maxw=444","number":11,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/New-Zealand.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/401.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725411896"]},{"id":"240","name":"Finn Russell","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/finn-russell\/","copy1":"At Test level, a quieter year for Scotland\u2019s franchise quarterback. And that\u2019s no bad thing. A sign of Russell\u2019s ever-growing maturity. He needn\u2019t pull off a miracle pass or send a backheel grubber through someone\u2019s legs every week; his tactical wit and clinical execution are enough. There are still plenty signs of Finn-tastic magic, it\u2019s just that Russell has a better grasp of when and when not to delve into his box of tricks. Sometimes, he feels unsated if he has performed well but not produced some act of sorcery, but he knows that comes with experience. Bath have benefited handsomely from his string-pulling partnership with Ben Spencer. His goal-kicking has improved, too, and his game management is now every bit as arresting as his talent. He has dispelled the backhanded compliment of \u2018maverick\u2019. He is no longer decried as a liability and is in pole position to steer the Lions backline next summer. He\u2019ll fancy his chances of doing so as a Premiership winner too. JL","copy2":"Russell has made eight 50-22 kicks for Scotland, almost three times as many as any other player for a Tier One nation since they were introduced (four players on three); he is also one of just two players to have assisted 50+ line breaks this decade (55, behind only Damian McKenzie on 58), while only Antoine Dupont (29) and Beauden Barrett (24) have assisted more tries than him in that period (22).","copy3":"\u201cThe fact Finn hadn\u2019t played in England meant some pundits remained unconvinced he represented value for money for Bath. There was still this lazy narrative he was a bit of a maverick and not the sort of player to lead you to a league title. The turnaround in the perception of Finn is on a par with the turnaround in Bath\u2019s fortunes and, of course, the two are inextricably linked.\u201d Fraser Brown, former Glasgow and Scotland team-mate.","country":"Scotland","team":"53","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/240.png.webp?maxw=444","number":12,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/Scotland.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/101.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725488550"]},{"id":"1414","name":"Damian Penaud","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/damian-penaud\/","copy1":"Damian Penaud has scored 36 tries for France, two short of the record held by the great Serge Blanco, who played in 93 Tests. The 28-year-old right wing - who can also play centre - has amassed his tally in just 53 Tests, testament to his killer instinct. With long loping strides, a powerful 15st 3lbs (97kg) frame and a killer sidestep, Penaud also runs unorthodox lines, making him hard to man-mark. His dad, Alain, won the Champions Cup with Brive in 1997 and spent a season with Saracens in 1999. Rarely seen without a smile on his face, and with a natural joie de vivre, Penaud joined Bordeaux from Clermont in the summer of 2023 and scored 14 tries in his first season with Les Girondins. GM","copy2":"Penaud evaded 27 of the 43 tackles he faced for France in 2024, with his 63% evasion rate being the highest of any player from a Tier One nation to face more than 20 tackles this year (Opta).","copy3":"\u201cDamian is a free spirit\u2026 you have to allow him his liberty. He likes to have the ball, to look for the space. I can\u2019t think of anyone to whom I can compare him. He\u2019s a unique player.\u201d Thomas Li\u00e8vremont, former France back-row who coached Penaud at Under-20 level.","country":"France","team":"9","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/1414.png.webp?maxw=444","number":13,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/France.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/202.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725484515"]},{"id":"7046","name":"Wallace Sititi","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/wallace-sititi\/","copy1":"Not many people had heard the name Wallace Sititi when Super Rugby kicked off in February. His dad, Semo, captained Samoa and played for Cardiff, Borders and Newcastle among others. But by mid-June, that had all changed when the 20-year-old Wallace \u2013 named after William Wallace, the Scottish folk hero and central character in Hollywood classic Braveheart \u2013 forced his way into the Chiefs team midway through the campaign. There was such power, graft and work ethic tied into his game that the All Blacks simply had to pick him, and when injuries struck, they promoted Sititi to make his first start at Ellis Park during the Rugby Championship. It should have been daunting, especially as he was playing blindside rather than his preferred No.8, but he was the star of the show and has made himself a fixture in the All Blacks back row. A deserved winner of the World Rugby breakthrough player of the year award, he has the potential to become a global superstar. GP","copy2":"According to Opta, Sititi made the most line breaks (nine) and offloads (15) of any back-rower for a Tier One nation in 2024, also ranking in the top three for carries (121), metres gained (401) and turnover-winning tackles (four).","copy3":"\u201cWith the way he\u2019s playing, he reminds me a bit of myself. He can play eight, seven or six. He\u2019s quality.\u201d Ardie Savea, All Blacks back-row.","country":"New Zealand","team":"26","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/7046.png.webp?maxw=444","number":14,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/New-Zealand.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/404.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725411943"]},{"id":"2375","name":"Jordie Barrett","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/jordie-barrett\/","copy1":"Jordie Barrett made a bold decision earlier this year to sign a six-month contract with Leinster in the 2024\/2025 season as part of a sabbatical clause offered by New Zealand Rugby in return for him committing until the next World Cup. He reportedly turned down almost twice as much money to play for Toyota Verblitz in Japan because he wanted to test himself in what he says is the toughest club competition in the world, and to reconnect with Ireland having spent some of his early childhood there when his dad took a job as a farm manager outside Dublin. He also says it will be a chance to play some dream golf courses and see if he can get his handicap down from one - where it currently sits - to scratch. Barrett battled with injury this year, but he still produced his trademark bruising runs, thumping clearance kicks and astute decision-making to prove that he remains one of the best midfielders in the world. GP","copy2":"Barrett has started 162 games across his international and Super Rugby career and started a match in every position from 10-15. Barrett made 50 tackles at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, the most of any back at the tournament.","copy3":"\u201cIt makes you a bit jealous that you\u2019re not working in Leinster\u2019s recruitment department.\u201d Rob Baxter, Exeter Chiefs director of rugby.","country":"New Zealand","team":"73","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/2375.png.webp?maxw=444","number":15,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/New-Zealand.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/309.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725488433"]},{"id":"2289","name":"Sione Tuipulotu","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/sione-tuipulotu\/","copy1":"Barring a serious injury or a loss of course more catastrophic than the Titanic, Tuipulotu will be the Lions\u2019 starting 12. He\u2019s the best in his position anywhere in Europe. His consistency levels never seem to dip and his influence continues to grow. The kid who left the Rebels with a point to prove is now an indispensable member of a Tier One backline. He has power and pizzazz, cunning and crunch, with outstanding distribution and deception hiding within it \u2013 will he drag the ball back for a prowling Finn Russell, set Huw Jones blasting through a gap, or simply break the door off the hinges himself? Off the field, Tuipulotu is universally admired. He loves Glasgow and what it\u2019s done for him. He does not pretend he grew up eating haggis and listening to Runrig\u2019s greatest hits on the other side of the world, but he cares passionately about his Scottish heritage, instilled by grandmother Jaqueline Anne Thompson. The Scotland captaincy has been moved around a lot -perhaps too much - but it should be Tuipulotu\u2019s for the foreseeable. The analyst who spotted him in the Japanese leagues and noted his Scottish roots needs a serious pay rise. JL","copy2":"According to Opta, Tuipulotu has recorded 1.3 line-break assists per 80 minutes for Scotland this year, the best rate of any centre from a Tier One nation in 2024 (min. 400 minutes played).","copy3":"\u201cHe\u2019s the best 12 in the northern hemisphere.\u201d John Barclay, former Scotland captain.","country":"Scotland","team":"66","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/2289.png.webp?maxw=444","number":16,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/Scotland.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/306.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725425263"]},{"id":"612","name":"Marcus Smith","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/marcus-smith\/","copy1":"Smith stood out like a distress flare in a sea fret in what was a difficult autumn for England. His performances ended any argument over who should be wearing the England No.10 shirt. There are few as effective at picking defensive locks as the hot-stepping Harlequin. His ability to see space and then either go through it himself or put someone else into it marks him out as England\u2019s most naturally gifted attacking playmaker. The fact he has an extra string to his bow as an auxiliary full-back makes him even more useful to Steve Borthwick. At 25, he is only just approaching his peak years, which should buoy every England fan. He was shortlisted for European Champions Cup player of the year last season after playing a key role in Harlequins\u2019 run to the semi-finals. NS","copy2":"Since his England debut in July 2021, no player has scored more tries (eight) or made more line-breaks (18) while playing at fly-half for a Tier One nation than Smith, according to Opta.","copy3":"\u201cHe is ridiculously talented, isn\u2019t he?\u201d Dan Biggar, ex-Wales stand-off.","country":"England","team":"56","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/612.png.webp?maxw=444","number":17,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/England.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/105.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725488586"]},{"id":"1810","name":"Tadhg Beirne","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/tadgh-beirne\/","copy1":"The Kildare native lasted only four senior games at Leinster before being told he had no future at the RDS. In 2016, with no other Irish province showing an interest, Beirne packed his bags and took up an offer from Scarlets. Just over a year later, revenge was sweet as the versatile forward proved an inspiration \u2013 in respective semi-final and final wins over Leinster and Munster \u2013 on the way to a Pro12 title. Within a year, he had signed with Munster and broken into the Ireland team. Now Munster captain, Beirne can seamlessly switch between second and back row and is a breakdown menace, whatever jersey number he wears. An excellent lineout option and robust ball-carrier, he is one of Andy Farrell\u2019s key lieutenants. Warren Gatland used him as a flanker when he was Lions coach in 2021 and Farrell has followed suit as Ireland move on from Peter O\u2019Mahony. Hugely respected by his peers, Beirne was selected alongside lock Eben Etzebeth in the World Rugby dream team of the year. PM","copy2":"According to Opta, Beirne had the highest tackle success rate (98%) of anyone to play 300+minutes in the 2024 Six Nations. He also stole the joint-most lineouts (three, along with Ollie Chessum) and made the second most line-breaks of any forward (four), only behind team-mate Dan Sheehan (six).","copy3":"\u201cI\u2019ve worked with a lot of Test players and Tadhg would certainly be up there. His athleticism is ridiculous, but he can also pack a scrum.\u201d Graham Rowntree, former Munster head coach.","country":"Ireland","team":"70","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/1810.png.webp?maxw=444","number":18,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/Ireland.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/310.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725488461"]},{"id":"5330","name":"Kurt-Lee Arendse","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/kurt-lee-arendse\/","copy1":"By all reasonable logic Kurt-Lee Arendse should not be a Springbok. In 2017 he was out of a professional contract and working in a local butcher, packing sausages and restocking fridges. Having not attended a traditional rugby school and grown up in a relatively underprivileged area of the Western Cape, his fleeting dream appeared to be over. Then the former World Cup-winning wing Chester Williams offered him a lifeline in the second division of South Africa\u2019s university competition and the rest is history. Arendse is a lethal finisher with an ability to dot down from seemingly impossible situations and he more than challenges much larger men when leaping for contestable balls in the air. His 18 tries in 24 Tests are testament to a man with lightning feet and courage in abundance. DG","copy2":"According to Opta, Arendse made the most line-breaks of any player from a Tier One nation in 2024 (17), while his average of 9.8 metres gained per carry was the best rate of any player this year (min. 20 carries).","copy3":"\u201cHe just seems to win all of the moments or battles that he\u2019s in.\u201d Felix Jones, former Springboks assistant coach.","country":"South Africa","team":"31","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/5330.png.webp?maxw=444","number":19,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/South-Africa.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/403.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725488413"]},{"id":"5656","name":"Immanuel Feyi-Waboso","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/immanuel-feyi-waboso\/","copy1":"Shortlisted for World Rugby breakout star of the year, the England wing has made Test rugby appear a breeze since making his debut in February. The Exeter wing\u2019s low centre of gravity and power to drive through the tackle is phenomenal and he has fast feet and can finish. Eight caps into his international career and he already has five tries to name. Indeed, he was in devastating form in the Autumn Nations Series with a sublime try against New Zealand, before a concussion against Australia curtailed his involvement. Wales can only rue the fact that a game-breaker of his quality was allowed to slip through their fingers. Cardiff-born and raised, he started out with Rumney and played for Wales Under-18s but the 21-year-old looks good in white to England fans. NS","copy2":"Of the 143 players to make 40+ carries for a Tier One nation in 2024, Feyi-Waboso recorded the best dominant carry rate of any player (70%) as well as the second best gain-line success rate (87%, second only to Mateo Carreras on 88%).","copy3":"\u201cHe\u2019s one of those people who is good at everything.\u201d Steve Borthwick, England head coach.","country":"England","team":"25","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/5656.png.webp?maxw=444","number":20,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/England.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/103.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725488282"]},{"id":"605","name":"Maro Itoje","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/maro-itoje\/","copy1":"The first name on the England team-sheet and an 80-minutes-per-game banker for Steve Borthwick. Compared to a Vauxhall Viva by Eddie Jones as a raw new England recruit, he proved himself a top-of-the-range model from the start, winning a Grand Slam in his first season of Test rugby. He has added two more Six Nations Championships since and also has three European titles and five Premierships to his name with Saracens. He is a shoe-in for a third Lions tour next summer. Three times a World Player of the Year nominee, Itoje is a focal point of every pack he plays in, a lineout lighthouse and a supreme breakdown irritant. The inspirational second-row was appointed Saracens captain this season. NS","copy2":"Itoje won 15 turnovers for England in 2024, at least three more than any other player from a Tier One nation this year. He also ranked first for attacking rucks hit (300), defensive rucks hit (137) and third for tackles completed (147).","copy3":"\u201cThe energy he brings on the pitch is just phenomenal,\u201d John Mitchell, former England defence coach.","country":"England","team":"62","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/605.png.webp?maxw=444","number":21,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/England.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/111.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725488674"]},{"id":"316","name":"Damian de Allende","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/damian-de-allende\/","copy1":"Every Springboks side that has gone on to win major trophies in the professional era has boasted a hard-running inside centre who serves as an extra loose forward. Damian de Allende has played this role to perfection in past seasons, racking up the post-contact metres and laying the platform for the next phase of attack. Every so often, the powerfully built No.12 shifts to Beast Mode, smashing through multiple tackle attempts to set up a game-changing score. Most recently, De Allende bulldozed his way through Ben Earl and Henry Slade \u2013 two of England\u2019s best defenders \u2013 before throwing a long pass to Cheslin Kolbe, who went on to finish. Through the guidance of attack coach Tony Brown, De Allende is becoming the complete package at 12. JC","copy2":"De Allende won the most jackal turnovers of any centre from a Tier One nation in 2024 (4), while he has beaten the most defenders of any such centre since the start of the decade (96).","copy3":"\u201cDamian is extremely physical in contact and can give you a lot of momentum, but one thing you don\u2019t know about him is that he is the best passer in the Boks team.\u201d Tony Brown, Springboks attack coach","country":"South Africa","team":"179","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/316.png.webp?maxw=444","number":22,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/South-Africa.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/19567.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725489825"]},{"id":"1012","name":"Will Skelton","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/will-skelton\/","copy1":"Australia felt the absence of Will Skelton during three of their Rugby World Cup pool matches in 2023 and most of Joe Schmidt\u2019s first year as head coach. Skelton is not the same player who left the NSW Waratahs in 2017, with the hulking lock going on to star for English juggernauts Saracens and European powerhouse La Rochelle. Standing at 2.03m (6ft 8in) tall and weighing more than 130kg (20st 6lb), Skelton\u2019s physical presence is invaluable to any team. As a former Wallabies captain, the 32-year-old\u2019s return for Tests against Wales and Scotland came as a major boost as the lock won the collisions, wrecked mauls and generally made a gigantic nuisance of himself. Another behemoth Schmidt wants in his armoury to face the Lions. FM","copy2":"Of the 62 locks to have played 400+ minutes for a Tier One nation since the start of 2020, Skelton ranks first for turnovers won (1.6) and defensive rucks hit (13.4) per 80 minutes, as well as second for carries (10.4).","copy3":"\u201cWith the Lions series coming that will involve a lot of mauling and crucial set-piece, if you have him as your tighthead lock, he\u2019s an important cog come.\u201d Morgan Turinui, former Wallaby","country":"Australia","team":"14","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/1012.png.webp?maxw=444","number":23,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/Australia.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/206.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725484559"]},{"id":"216","name":"Andrew Porter","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/andrew-porter\/","copy1":"Andrew Porter went from a top loosehead prospect, back in 2016 to a Test-calibre tighthead, only to be encouraged to moved back. Part of an Ireland U20s crop that included James Ryan, Hugo Keenan and Jacob Stockdale, Leinster deployed him as a loosehead for his breakthrough senior season before he switched front-row sides to provide competition for Tadhg Furlong. Once it became apparent Furlong was the real deal, Porter switched back to his preferred position and his Leinster and Ireland career prospered. Still only 28, he is fast approaching 200 games overall for province and country, and has won eight major honours, including two Grand Slams. Highly effective in the loose and blessed with incredible stamina, Porter often goes beyond the 70-minute mark in games. Made the 2021 Lions squad but was ruled out of the tour after picking up a toe injury. One player Ireland would badly struggle without. PM","copy2":"Porter has won the most turnovers (21) of any prop from a Tier 1 nation since the start of 2020 and has hit the most rucks (1102, fifth most overall) of any front row in that time.","copy3":"\u201cThere\u2019s so much asked of a prop now, so to have someone of Andrew\u2019s calibre there is great. He was selected as a British and Irish Lion. He\u2019s a hell of a player.\u201d Tadhg Furlong, Ireland prop.","country":"Ireland","team":"73","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/216.png.webp?maxw=444","number":24,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/Ireland.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/309.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725488433"]},{"id":"5392","name":"Juan Martin Gonzalez","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/juan-martin-gonzalez\/","copy1":"Having turned 24 in November, it is scary to imagine how much further the Pumas and Saracens flanker could go as he continues to add experience to his vast array of rugby talent. Player of the season in his first year at the north London club, he continued to shine with Argentina, playing in nine Tests having been rested in July. As a former sevens player, with ball in hand he can exploit open space and hoover up the green turf in front of him. With few obvious weaknesses and growing leadership qualities, Gonzalez is already being talked about as a Pumas captain of the future. FD","copy2":"Gonzalez made the most dominant tackles of any player in this year's Rugby Championship (11).","copy3":"\u201cI tell our coaches that he shouldn\u2019t be doing so much as he does. I\u2019ve never seen him give less than 100%. It is marvellous to have him at the club.\u201d Mark McCall, Saracens director of rugby","country":"Argentina","team":"62","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/5392.png.webp?maxw=444","number":25,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/Argentina.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/111.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725488674"]},{"id":"6488","name":"Joe McCarthy","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/joe-mccarthy\/","copy1":"The legend goes that Andy Farrell was at Ireland\u2019s warm-weather training camp in January 2022, when a Leinster match against Cardiff was put on a bar-room TV. As a 6ft 6ins (1.98m) Joe McCarthy marauded about, Farrell declared, \u2018Who the f*** is the big guy?!\u2019 Then aged 20 and with a neatly trimmed hairdo, the lock caught more than just Farrell\u2019s eye. McCarthy was fast-tracked into regular Leinster starts as they reached the Champions Cup final and was included on the end-of-season tour to New Zealand, featuring twice against the Maori All Blacks. By the 2023 World Cup he had bunted Ryan Baird off the replacements bench and come this year\u2019s Six Nations, he had locked down the No.4 jersey. Farrell started him in each of the Autumn Nations Series outings, letting incoming, interim coach Simon Easterby know where he stands on his continued selection. Right in the mix for Lions selection next summer. PM","copy2":"Before the start of the 2024 Six Nations, McCarthy topped the charts for locks in the URC in the league and Europe for carries, metres gained, defenders beaten, gain-line success and dominant tackles.","copy3":"\u201cJoe has got that kind of thuggery about him that we don\u2019t see with Irish athletes. We don\u2019t often see second-rows that can bully big French second-rows in the south of France \u2013 it doesn\u2019t happen!\u201d Andrew Trimble, former Ireland winger.","country":"Ireland","team":"73","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/6488.png.webp?maxw=444","number":26,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/Ireland.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/309.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725488433"]},{"id":"315","name":"Handre Pollard","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/handre-pollard\/","copy1":"Handr\u00e9 Pollard proved a point when he steered the Springboks to three narrow victories in the 2023 World Cup knockout stages. There\u2019s no better game manager or goalkicker in the Boks squad, and the 30-year-old certainly delivered in both departments over the course of another monumental season in 2024. That said, Rassie Erasmus and Tony Brown have encouraged the veteran to play closer to the gain-line in recent months, with the aim of boosting the Boks attack. Pollard was used as a replacement in six of his 11 Tests this year, and while that may seem like a demotion to some, Erasmus has tasked his most experienced fly-half and other seasoned operators to close out some of South Africa\u2019s biggest matches. The move has largely paid off, with Pollard featuring prominently in the comeback win against New Zealand at Ellis Park, and in the more recent clash with England at Twickenham. JC","copy2":"Pollard didn't miss a kick at goal at the 2023 Rugby World Cup (13\/13) as he steered South Africa to a fourth title and second in a row \u2013 nine of those attempts came after the pool stage, the only player not to miss a shot at goal during the knockout rounds","copy3":"\u201cPollard is very much a territorial king. For the past five or six years, he's been Rassie's go-to guy for playing the kick and pressure game, which basically won us two World Cups.\u201d Nick Mallett, former South Africa and Italy coach","country":"South Africa","team":"57","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/315.png.webp?maxw=444","number":27,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/South-Africa.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/106.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725488599"]},{"id":"202","name":"Bundee Aki","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/bundee-aki\/","copy1":"Ageing like a velvety Kiwi red, at 34, Bundee Aki is still up there with the very best centres in world rugby. He was nominated for the 2023 World Rugby player of the year in recognition of a phenomenal period at the heart of Ireland\u2019s midfield. Joe Schmidt plugged the Connacht centre into his Ireland backline as soon as he became eligible on residency grounds in 2017 and his career has grown and grown since his debut against South Africa. Aki was instrumental in Ireland\u2019s outstanding 2018, which included a Six Nations Grand Slam and culminated in World Rugby team of the year honours. Bounced back from two red cards in the space of 17 months to make the 2021 Lions squad. He excelled on that tour and has achieved a level of impressive, line-busting consistency since. PM","copy2":"Aki scored five tries during an irrepressible Rugby World Cup 2023 campaign - equalling the record for an Irish player at a World Cup, set by Keith Earls 12 years earlier.","copy3":"\u201cWe know Bundee is capable of getting the ball across the gain-line - but he's got a lot more than just that to offer. He\u2019s got some real rugby skill, some great footwork and a passing and offloading game.\u201d Warren Gatland, former Lions head coach","country":"Ireland","team":"83","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/202.png.webp?maxw=444","number":28,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/Ireland.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/304.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725425213"]},{"id":"248","name":"Huw Jones","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/huw-jones\/","copy1":"The Scotland centre has long suffered from unfair perceptions: he couldn\u2019t defend, he had a bad attitude, he was only interested in the big matches and bumper crowds. While Jones would accept his work without the ball was not on quite the same level as his brilliance with it, this damaging narrative wounded a sensitive man. Dave Rennie never quite fancied him. Gregor Townsend left him out of the 2019 World Cup squad. He spent a year at Harlequins, rediscovered himself, then came back to Glasgow, where he has wowed ever since and the \u2018Huwipulotu\u2019 midfield duo was forged. Jones has grafted to upskill himself in defence and reaped the rewards. His attack? Well, that\u2019s never been an issue. He cuts some of the sharpest angles in Test rugby and has the outrageous hands of Finn Russell and Sione Tuipulotu to find him on the charge. He can arc by a defender on the outside or come searing through the middle and has a devilish sidestep at full tilt. Jones had a quietly exceptional autumn as part of Scotland\u2019s playmaking hub. Made some magnificent line breaks but, just as importantly, put others into holes too. JL","copy2":"Jones has scored 12 tries in the men\u2019s Six Nations since his debut in 2017, the fourth most of any player in that period, with the three men above him all being wingers (Damian Penaud \u2013 15, Jonny May \u2013 14, Duhan van der Merwe \u2013 14). ","copy3":"\u201cHuw worked hard to really improve his defence. He accepted he had some work-ons. [Scotland defence coach] Steve Tandy was excellent for Huw \u2013 his detail, his drive to make the team and be a better defender. Huw knew if he could get his defence up to the same level, it would make him a world-class player.\u201d Danny Wilson, former Glasgow Warriors coach","country":"Scotland","team":"66","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/248.png.webp?maxw=444","number":29,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/Scotland.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/306.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725425263"]},{"id":"3746","name":"Tom Wright","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/tom-wright\/","copy1":"For all the hype Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii has generated since switching sports, another former NRL talent has established himself among rugby union\u2019s elite. Tom Wright played for the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles in 2018 before the ACT Brumbies lured the playmaker over to rugby union. Wright first played for the Brumbies in 2019 before going on to score a try on his international debut in a win over the All Blacks in 2020. Despite being controversially omitted from last year\u2019s World Cup by Eddie Jones, the Wallaby has since become a mainstay in the backfield for Joe Schmidt\u2019s side, scoring a stunning solo effort against Wales during the July international window. Having scored four tries in two games during the Autumn Nations Series, Wright can now be considered one of the sport\u2019s premier full-backs. FM","copy2":"According to Opta, Wright beat more defenders than any other full-back in Test rugby in 2024, with 34 defenders beaten. The next best was Wales\u2019 Cameron Winnett on 21.","copy3":"\u201cHe\u2019s been probably one of the top two Wallabies this year, not just in Super Rugby but he\u2019s transferred Super Rugby form to Test match form. It\u2019s interesting that of all the players that are performing well, four of them Eddie Jones didn\u2019t pick to go to the World Cup.\u201d Tim Horan, two-time Australia RWC winner ","country":"Australia","team":"35","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/3746.png.webp?maxw=444","number":30,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/Australia.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/402.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725411929"]},{"id":"1576","name":"Peato Mauvaka","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/peato-mauvaka\/","copy1":"The 27-year-old hooker comes from Noum\u00e9a in the Pacific Island of New Caledonia, which is also the birthplace of France team-mate Yoram Moefana. Mauvaka came to France in 2012 aged 15 and joined Toulouse, with whom he\u2019s now won four Top 14 titles and two Champions Cups. Mauvaka\u2019s father was a fan of the All Blacks although his son\u2019s first love was volleyball. He became hooked on rugby when he watched the 2011 World Cup and was a particular fan of Israel Dagg\u2019s sidestep. Mauvaka has the pace and the hands of a flanker and Fabien Galthi\u00e9 has started moving him to the back row in the final quarters of Tests. GM","copy2":"Mauvaka scored two tries against New Zealand in France\u2019s 40-25 victory in 2021, the first French forward to achieve the feat against the All Blacks.","copy3":"\u201cHe can play every position up front. Once the game gets going, there's no real position and if there's one guy who embodies that, it's him.\u201d Alexandre Roumat, Toulouse and France forward","country":"France","team":"74","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/1576.png.webp?maxw=444","number":31,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/France.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/214.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725484700"]},{"id":"5477","name":"Dan Sheehan","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/dan-sheehan\/","copy1":"In his first four seasons of professional rugby, Dan Sheehan has scored 46 tries in 91 appearances (77 starts). While he is not the only hooker to make hay in the current tactical sway towards rolling mauls and quick tap penalties, the Leinster man is influential all across the pitch. Sheehan was 22 when he made his Leinster debut, as rugby resumed after the Covid shutdown. He ran in two debut tries and was on a full, four-year tear until picking up a knee injury in July. Sheehan had already made two substitute appearances for Ireland in 2021 before scoring a Leinster try that announced his arrival to the wider world. The following Six Nations, he nudged R\u00f3nan Kelleher to the replacements and seamlessly stepped up as a Test rugby starter of the highest quality. Finished level with Duhan van der Merwe as top try scorer (five) in the 2024 Six Nations, as Ireland retained their title. Would have challenged for a top 10 selection had he not injured his knee in the first Test against South Africa in July. PM","copy2":"Sheehan scored five tries in this year\u2019s Six Nations, the most by any forward since 2000, when Italy were introduced to the tournament.","copy3":"\u201cHe is a real modern-day hooker. He has got unbelievable footwork, great acceleration. Ireland have unearthed a real gem.\u201d Rory Best, former Ireland captain","country":"Ireland","team":"73","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/5477.png.webp?maxw=444","number":32,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/Ireland.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/309.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725488433"]},{"id":"1506","name":"Gregory Alldritt","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/gregory-alldritt\/","copy1":"As a junior at Auch rugby club, Alldritt played in the same team as Antoine Dupont, Anthony Jelonch and Pierre Bourgarit, all of whom have also gone on to win full senior honours. Alldritt, whose father was born in Kenya and grew up in Scotland, won his first cap at No.8 in 2019 under coach Jacques Brunel and has become a cornerstone in Fabien Galthi\u00e9\u2019s line-up. As a tyro at La Rochelle, Alldritt played alongside All Blacks legend Victor Vito, who helped instil in the youngster a \u201cwinning mentality\u201d. Bulky but deceptively agile, Alldritt makes the hard yards but is also lethal at turning over opposition ball. GM","copy2":"When France won the 2022 Grand Slam, Alldritt made the most carries in the championship (65) and the most breakdown steals (six).","copy3":"\u201cWhen he smells blood, he goes for it. In that split second, he is both instinctive and calculating. You can\u2019t stop him.\u201d Shaun Edwards, France defence coach.","country":"France","team":"14","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/1506.png.webp?maxw=444","number":33,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/France.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/206.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725484559"]},{"id":"962","name":"Jack Willis","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/jack-willis\/","copy1":"The Toulouse turnover king is one of the most resilient players around. Cut down by a heart-wrenching knee injury against Italy at Twickenham in 2020 and cast adrift by Wasps\u2019 demise, Willis has rebounded to become one of the leading back-rows in the Top 14. Toulouse and Willis were an arranged marriage but it is blossoming into a love affair with the European champions. Willis has two Top 14 titles and a Champions Cup under his belt. His England career may be stuck on 14 caps - possibly forever with him signing a long-term contract extension through to 2029 - but he goes from strength to strength in France and has the respect of his superstar peers. Has a chance of a Lions squad berth in the unlikely event Toulouse don\u2019t make the Top 14 play-offs. GM","copy2":"Willis completed an incredible 29 tackles in last season\u2019s Champions Cup final victory over Leinster.","copy3":"\u201cI think he\u2019s phenomenal. He\u2019s fitted in so well to Toulouse. Brilliant ball in hand, exceptional at the breakdown.\u201d Sam Warburton, former Wales and Lions captain","country":"England","team":"74","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/962.png.webp?maxw=444","number":34,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/England.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/214.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725484700"]},{"id":"208","name":"Josh Van der Flier","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/josh-van-der-flier\/","copy1":"The 31-year-old is now in his 11th senior season and has developed a level of understated consistency at the top of the game. Van der Flier was a steady pro, with Leinster and Ireland, for a handful of years but getting leapfrogged by Will Connors into the Test side, then missing out on Lions selection, gave him the motivation he needed. Van der Flier stripped back his entire game to improve areas that were working, and re-tool areas that were not. He studied each of his team-mates, at provincial and Test levels, and looked at world-class operators such as Ardie Savea, Gregory Alldritt and Pieter-Steph du Toit, to see what he could add to his game. In a breakthrough 2021\/22 campaign, the Wicklow native delivered that same excellent defensive line-speed and turnover threat but improved his carrying and become a more potent try-scoring threat. Those additions, allied to an outstanding season in blue and green, led to van der Flier being named World Rugby and Champions Cup player of the year. May not always make the highlights packages but remains one of the best flankers in the world. PM","copy2":"In 2022, Van der Flier picked up four huge personal accolades \u2013 World Rugby, Champions Cup, Rugby Players Ireland and Rugby Writers of Ireland player of the year.","copy3":"\u201cIt\u2019s not an understatement to say Josh is one of the best sevens in the world, and he has been for some time.\u201d Sam Warburton, former Wales and Lions captain","country":"Ireland","team":"73","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/208.png.webp?maxw=444","number":35,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/Ireland.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/309.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725488433"]},{"id":"321","name":"Malcolm Marx","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/malcolm-marx\/","copy1":"Traditionalists may struggle to understand why Rassie Erasmus prefers to deploy Malcolm Marx \u2013 one of the most influential players in the Springboks team\u2013 from the bench. At a glance, it may appear as if Erasmus has failed to maximise Marx\u2019s talents, with the 30-year-old making eight of his 12 Test appearances in 2024 from the pine. Closer analysis reveals that Marx has accumulated more game minutes than starting hooker Bongi Mbonambi over the course of the season. On many occasions, Marx has proved saviour and catalyst, making timely defensive interventions deep in South African territory and, in some cases, forcing a turnover that leads to a score at the other end of the field. As his try-scoring stats suggest (four in 2024), the hulking hooker is virtually impossible to stop once he launches from the back of a dominant South African maul, as the Wallabies and All Blacks discovered in this year\u2019s Rugby Championship. JC","copy2":"Opta note Marx turned over or disrupted 31% of the defensive rucks he hit in 2023, the best rate of any men's player in all competitions. Marx also found a team-mate from 36 of 37 lineout throws in 2023, his 97% success rate the best of any player in men's Test rugby last year.","copy3":"\u201cTechnically he's up there with most opensides, let alone front-five forwards. He\u2019s like a Sam Warburton, a George Smith or a Josh Kronfeld. He's up there with the best sevens we've seen in being able to dominate the breakdown.\u201d Bernard Jackman, former Ireland hooker","country":"South Africa","team":"182","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/321.png.webp?maxw=444","number":36,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/South-Africa.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/5204.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725489781"]},{"id":"2637","name":"Mark Tele'a","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/mark-telea\/","copy1":"Much like his Blues team-mate Caleb Clarke, Mark Tele\u2019a spent his Super Rugby campaign playing close to the forwards, getting involved in endless passages of pick-and-go in which he was able to demonstrate his brute strength and ability to wriggle out of multiple tackles. And like Clarke, it was a skillset he took into the international arena where he once again defied his relative lack of size to shrug off defenders and score from seemingly impossible positions. His season highlight was his match-wining try at Twickenham, where he manged to twist out of one tackle, break through George Ford and still have the core strength to stay infield and score in the corner. Tele\u2019a, who grew up in West Auckland to a South African father and Samoan mother, is one of 23 siblings \u2013 some are adopted \u2013 and came to rugby late. He often says that were it not for discovering the sport in his mid-teens, he may have been lured to gang life as he was hanging with the wrong crowd. GP","copy2":"In two Tests against England this year, Tele\u2019a scored four tries \u2013 two in each \u2013 and all four required poise, accuracy and individual brilliance to be finished.","copy3":"\u201cMark\u2019s story is long, and it takes a lot of twists and turns. It will be good when he finally tells that story to people.\u201d Daniel Halangahu, Blues assistant coach","country":"New Zealand","team":"27","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/2637.png.webp?maxw=444","number":37,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/New-Zealand.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/401.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725411896"]},{"id":"1955","name":"James Lowe","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/james-lowe\/","copy1":"One of the first names on the Leinster and Ireland team-sheets, James Lowe has been one of Ireland\u2019s most successful project players. Despite showing all the signs of being a decent fit for the All Blacks, missing out on selection for some big squads convinced Lowe his future lay elsewhere. He made the 19,000-kilometre journey to Ireland and set his sights on the green jersey. The winger was an instant hit at Leinster and scored 10 tries as the province won the league and Champions Cup double in 2018. He had to wait until November 2020 before he could make his international debut, scoring on his Test bow against Wales. After a couple of defensive lapses were tidied up, Lowe became one of Andy Farrell\u2019s go-to selections. Often drifts in-field to pitch into rucks and run support lines and has one of the best booming left boots in the game. All that and he retains that keen eye for the try line. Made his first ever World Rugby dream team of the year selection, on the left wing, last month. PM","copy2":"The day before Ireland\u2019s first ever Test victory over New Zealand, Lowe scored two tries for the Maori All Blacks in a 54-7 win over the USA. His team-mates that night included Damian McKenzie and Rieko Ioane.","copy3":"\u201cLowe is just a powerful winger with that all-round game\u2026 In terms of what he is doing for Ireland and the effect he has, whether that is exit, defensively or finishing, I don\u2019t think there is anyone better.\u201d Chris Ashton, former England winger","country":"Ireland","team":"73","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/1955.png.webp?maxw=444","number":38,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/Ireland.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/309.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725488433"]},{"id":"299","name":"Siya Kolisi","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/siya-kolisi\/","copy1":"His work as a statesman and ambassador for the sport often overshadows his impact on the field, yet whether clearing rucks, carrying into heavy traffic or providing extra heft in the trams, South Africa\u2019s iconic captain has an all-court game. Despite a somewhat scattergun club career, with his brief stint at Racing 92 being the nadir, he is a different beast when he pulls on a Springboks jersey. When representing his country, his stats, including tries scored and assisted per game, gainline success, dominant tackles, turnovers won and attacking rucks hit, all go up when compared to those figures produced in domestic competitions. Playing for South Africa clearly means the world to him. DG","copy2":"According to Opta, Kolisi made the most dominant tackles per 80 mins of any player in men's Test rugby in 2023 (2.3) as he captained the Springboks to a remarkable second straight World Cup.","copy3":"\u201cSiya transcends the game of rugby, he\u2019s a symbol of hope for so many.\u201d Tendai \u2018Beast\u2019 Mtawarira, former World Cup-winning Springboks prop","country":"South Africa","team":"17","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/299.png.webp?maxw=444","number":39,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/South-Africa.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/412.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725488495"]},{"id":"2207","name":"Kwagga Smith","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/kwagga-smith\/","copy1":"A Swiss Army knife of a rugby player, Kwagga Smith, officially a loose forward, could conceivably operate in the midfield or on the wing. Not convinced? Consider then his early years for the South Africa sevens team where he racked up 158 matches and scored 62 tries over four successful years. He then transitioned to XVs and when Rassie Erasmus did away with a selection rule that prevented foreign based players from getting picked in 2018, Smith became an indispensable cog in two triumphant World Cup campaigns. A handy operator when starting, he is particularly effective off the bench where he causes chaos at the breakdown and provides extra zip when things get loose. DG","copy2":"Famed for his excellent 'battle stats' - the in-house method Erasmus uses to quantify his players' contribution - Smith had the most breakdown steals at last year's Rugby World Cup (8).","copy3":"\u201cKwagga is an interesting player. He can play openside, he can play blindside, he can play No.8. You could chuck him on the wing if you want. He understands what hard work is.\u201d Duane Vermeulen, former Springboks No.8","country":"South Africa","team":"178","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/2207.png.webp?maxw=444","number":40,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/South-Africa.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/5212.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725489840"]},{"id":"3407","name":"Tupou Vaa'i","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/tupou-vaai\/","copy1":"Tupou Vaa\u2019i has enjoyed an astonishing past four years. He began 2020 working on a road crew fixing rural highways in New Zealand until he was called in to help the Chiefs through an injury crisis. But he was so good, the All Blacks picked him, believing he was going to mature into an athletic, bruising lock with the agility to also play at blindside. And four years later, their project has come to fruition. In the absence of the retired Sam Whitelock and Brodie Retallick, Vaa\u2019i came of age in 2024, taking control of the All Blacks lineouts, and certainly in the earlier part of the season, out-shining captain Scott Barrett. GP","copy2":"Made 72 tackles in the Rugby Championship \u2013 the highest number by any lock in the competition.","copy3":"\u201cHe\u2019s becoming a man at the Test level which is a lot different to Super Rugby level, and he\u2019s made the most of his opportunity. He\u2019s a big part of our lineout group and a real leader within the forward pack. The best is yet to come.\u201d Jason Ryan, All Blacks forwards coach.","country":"New Zealand","team":"26","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/3407.png.webp?maxw=444","number":41,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/New-Zealand.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/404.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725411943"]},{"id":"3782","name":"Fraser McReight","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/fraser-mcreight\/","copy1":"Fraser McReight had big shoes to fill at Test level after following in the footsteps of an Australian rugby giant during last year\u2019s Rugby World Cup. Michael Hooper was surprisingly omitted from Eddie Jones\u2019 squad, leaving the Wallabies No.7 jersey vacant. McReight was a shining light for Australia during an otherwise disappointing campaign, and the back-row has carried that form into the Joe Schmidt era. World Cup winner Jeremy Paul declared McReight \u201cthe best seven in the world\u201d earlier this year, and Stephen Hoiles recently likened him to Australian great George Smith. With a tireless work-rate in defence, an elite poaching ability and some underrated work in attack, the sky is the limit for the Wallabies\u2019 clear first-choice openside. FM","copy2":"In the Autumn Nations Series clash against Wales, McReight became the first Wallaby since Michael Hooper to make more than 20 tackles against a Six Nations side. His final tally was 22 without missing.","copy3":"\u201cFraser McReight is the best seven in the world, He\u2019s the complete player.\u201d Jeremy Paul, former Australia hooker.","country":"Australia","team":"37","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/3782.png.webp?maxw=444","number":42,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/Australia.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/411.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725412096"]},{"id":"1347","name":"Charles Ollivon","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/charles-ollivon\/","copy1":"The 31-year-old Ollivon has been a regular in the back row since making his debut in 2014 when he played for Bayonne in France\u2019s Basque region. In his youth Ollivon played the Basque sport of pelote \u2013 like squash but played with a glove \u2013 and says this helped develop his agility and hand-eye coordination. Ollivon has overcome serious shoulder and knee injuries to establish himself as one of the most reliable and versatile loose forwards in world rugby, capable of playing at six, seven or eight. He modelled himself on former All Blacks No.8 Kieran Read in his younger days and like the great Kiwi, he has captained his country on many occasions. GM","copy2":"Ollivon has scored 16 international tries, more than any other French forward.","copy3":"\u201cEven when he's not playing, he's a leader by example. And when he's on the pitch, he leads by example.\u201d Fabien Galthi\u00e9, France head coach","country":"France","team":"10","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/1347.png.webp?maxw=444","number":43,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/France.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/213.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725484680"]},{"id":"4816","name":"Tomas Albornoz","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/tomas-albornoz\/","copy1":"Have Los Pumas found their next generational fly-half? It seems coach Felipe Contepomi, who played a fair bit of rugby at 10, has settled on Albornoz for the pivotal position and he started Argentina\u2019s last six Tests. A natural playmaker, with a cultured left boot and hands which can throw long passes, it is his instinct which has carved up many defences. The way his vision destroyed the Wallabies in the Pumas\u2019 nine-try, 67-27 demolition job should be a case study for those who want to play his position. Did we mention he also tackles? The complete package. FD","copy2":"The only Puma to play in all 12 Tests this year, starting the past six, he was also top points-scorer with 110.","copy3":"\u201cFor me, Albornoz was the best player in the Rugby Championship and should have been in the World Rugby team of the year.\u201d Juan Mart\u00edn Hern\u00e1ndez, former Argentina fly-half.","country":"Argentina","team":"67","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/4816.png.webp?maxw=444","number":44,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/Argentina.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/301.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725488394"]},{"id":"184","name":"Josua Tuisova","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/josua-tuisova\/","copy1":"If you want an indication of Tuisova\u2019s USP, start with his calves. An extra large set of rugby post protectors would struggle to encase those bad boys. But when your nickname is \u2018The Bus\u2019, there\u2019s a fair chance you don\u2019t skip leg day. His old Fijian team-mate Nemani Nadolo recently revealed Tuisova\u2019s calf raises 180kg. That\u2019s almost two Garry Ringroses. Or Uini Atonio after his Christmas dinner. Modern centres are more powerful than ever, but at a time of increasingly beefy backs, Tuisova\u2019s oomph is in a class of its own. How do you stop him? A cannon, maybe? Or whatever the secret service use to reinforce the US president\u2019s armoured car? It\u2019s best not to go high, as poor old Tomos Williams learned to his cost last month \u2013 catapulted onto the grass by a mighty fend. But then again, aim low and one of those tree-trunk limbs could soon be crashing into your extremities. The brutality catches the eye, but Tuisova is no one-trick pony. He was nimble enough to be part of Ben Ryan\u2019s Olympic champion trailblazers eight years ago, passes and offloads neatly, and is generally good for a pilfer or two at the ruck. Has shone in the ferocious trenches of the Top 14 for Toulon, Lyon and now Racing 92 and scored seminal tries in the victories over Wales and Australia. A bona fide game-changer. JL","copy2":"Once beat an eye-popping 10 defenders in a single Top 14 game.","copy3":"\u201cI don\u2019t tend to take too much notice of names, but when his was on the team sheet, there were a few more worried bodies. Just the power, the explosivity, the fear he put into the opposition. Honestly, I can\u2019t remember anyone tackling him one on one.\u201d Dan Biggar, former Wales and Lions fly-half.","country":"Fiji","team":"11","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/184.png.webp?maxw=444","number":45,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/Fiji.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/211.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725484646"]},{"id":"1325","name":"Gael Fickou","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/gael-fickou\/","copy1":"Fickou burst onto the scene in 2012 when as an 18-year-old, scoring a sensational try for Toulouse against Leicester in the Champions Cup. He was capped the following year and for several seasons alternated between wing and centre as he combined pace and power. Fickou has been the fulcrum of the backline under Fabien Galthi\u00e9 and is the defensive organiser. France\u2019s defence coach Shaun Edwards has been a fan of Fickou\u2019s for years, admiring his muscular ball-carrying and tough tackling. Fickou is the fourth most capped Frenchman of all time and at just 30, needs 26 more to surpass Philippe Sella\u2019s record of 118 Tests. GM","copy2":"The 2025 Six Nations will be Fickou\u2019s 13th championship, equalling the French record held since 1995 by the great Sella.","copy3":"\u201cI\u2019ve seen the future and it runs, tackles, scores tries and is called Ga\u00ebl Fickou.\u201d\nShaun Edwards, describing an 18-year-old Fickou in 2012.","country":"France","team":"11","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/1325.png.webp?maxw=444","number":46,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/France.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/211.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725484646"]},{"id":"6062","name":"Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/sacha-mngomezulu\/","copy1":"A star was born at Twickenham this past June, when Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, playing in his first Test, called for the kicking tee after the Springboks were awarded a penalty inside their own half. Up in the coaching box, Rassie Erasmus broke into a smile as the kick bisected the uprights. A couple of weeks later, the coach looked to harness that skillset and swagger in the series against Ireland, with the 22-year-old used as a replacement fly-half in Pretoria and an early substitute for full-back Willie le Roux in Durban. When the team travelled to Australia, Feinberg-Mngomezulu was backed to start at 10 in both matches, and the Boks went on to claim an historic 2-0 series victory. Erasmus praised the rookie in the wake of the Boks\u2019 monumental win over the All Blacks in Johannesburg, although it subsequently emerged Feinberg-Mngomezulu had been carrying a knee injury which would rule him out of the subsequent tour to the northern hemisphere. When he returns to international action in 2025, Feinberg-Mngomezulu will push Manie Libbok and Handre Pollard for a regular role at 10. JC","copy2":"According to Opta, Feingberg-Mngomezulu slotted 86% of his kicks at goal in the URC regular season, 17 percentage points higher than his xGK (expected goal-kicking success rate) of 69% - the biggest overperformance of any player (min 20 attempts). On average he gained a competition-high 0.5 points per kick.","copy3":"\u201cVery occasionally a youngster comes into Test rugby and you take a deep breath and say, \u2018this guy\u2019s got the lot\u2019. Dan Carter, Antoine Dupont, Cheslin Kolbe and Aaron Smith are four that spring to mind that gave me the same gut reaction, and young Sacha might have the ability to go all the way to a similar level.\u201d David Campese, Wallabies legend.","country":"South Africa","team":"33","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/6062.png.webp?maxw=444","number":47,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/South-Africa.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/413.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725488512"]},{"id":"1491","name":"Semi Radradra","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/semi-radradra\/","copy1":"Had we compiled this list a few years ago, Radradra would indisputably have made the top 10. What with injuries and club moves, we haven\u2019t quite seen the same otherworldly influence at the highest level. Still, the Fijian wizard more than deserves his lofty billing. Radradra\u2019s stomach resembles a xylophone, scarcely a pound of fat layering his power-packed physique. He has a skillset to die for, dynamic running strength and smooth changes of direction allied to scintillating offload flair. The magic he conjured for Bordeaux-Begles, then Bristol, was frequently insane. Then he helped Fiji to Olympic glory in Tokyo, and shone at two Rugby World Cups, announcing himself to the wider sport at the 2019 edition. He drove the Bears to new heights and played a key role in attaining new levels of professionalism, pushing for a sauna to be installed at the club\u2019s training base to aid recovery. There have still been touches of class since his move to Lyon, although a red card against Wales curtailed his Autumn Nations Series. JL","copy2":"Opta say that despite playing just four games, Radradra beat the most defenders of any player at the 2019 Rugby World Cup.","copy3":"\u201cHe creates chaos and confusion and makes you doubt your ability as a defender. He's 16st (102kg), he's quick, he's deceptive, he can offload\u2026 he's basically completed rugby!\u201d Ugo Monye, former England and Lions wing.","country":"Fiji","team":"13","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/1491.png.webp?maxw=444","number":48,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/Fiji.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/207.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725484572"]},{"id":"1637","name":"Romain Ntamack","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/romain-ntamack\/","copy1":"The 25-year-old boasts a rich rugby pedigree. His father, Emile, won 46 caps as an elegant centre in the 1990s, and his younger brother, Theo, is establishing himself in the Toulouse back row. Romain has a reputation as one of the most creative fly-halves in France, and his winning 50m try against La Rochelle in the last minute of the Top 14 final in 2023 will live long in the memory. Ravaged by injury for much of the last 12 months, his half-back partnership with Antoine Dupont is key to club and country. They first played together for France against Scotland in the 2019 Six Nations and have now racked up 27 appearances, a record for a French half-back pairing. GM","copy2":"Romain and Emile were the first father and son to win Champions Cup titles. Romain has two (2021 and 2024), as does Emile (1996 and 2003).","copy3":"\u201cHe has a dimension that few others have. He has this inner calm, combined with an innate and gigantic talent.\u201d Denis Charvet, former French international.","country":"France","team":"74","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/1637.png.webp?maxw=444","number":49,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/France.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/214.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725484700"]},{"id":"946","name":"Ben Earl","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/ben-earl\/","copy1":"It is impossible to envisage an England side without Earl. The Saracens back-row\u2019s stock has rocketed since he made his Test debut four years ago against Scotland. Shortlisted for player of the championship in last season\u2019s Six Nations - a rarity for an Englishman of late - the influence of the 26-year-old was felt all over the pitch. Low-slung, high-energy and all-action, Earl is a No.8 with a difference. Maybe he is an eight, maybe he\u2019s a seven, or maybe he\u2019s even a centre, where he has been tried by England, but whatever his best position, Earl is one of the world\u2019s most dynamic rugby players. NS","copy2":"Earl made more carries than any other player - 73 - in last season\u2019s Six Nations, the most by an Englishman for eight years.","copy3":"\u201cHe\u2019s like having an extra back on the field.\u201d Mark McCall, Saracens director of rugby.","country":"England","team":"62","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/946.png.webp?maxw=444","number":50,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/England.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/111.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725488674"]},{"id":"2166","name":"Frans Malherbe","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/frans-malherbe\/","copy1":"At once an unstoppable force and an immovable object at tighthead, the 33-year-old, 123kg (19st) Frans Malherbe might not be as mobile as he once was, but he\u2019d walk into just about every team on the planet for his rock-solid dependency at the scrum. And yet he declined the opportunity to start a game for his country against Wales in June, insisting his fellow front-rower Vincent Koch take the field first on the occasion of his 50th Test. One might call Malherbe the prop\u2019s prop. A pure technician of a craft not many understand, he has honed his neck, shoulders, back and hips to perform this one task better than most who have ever packed down. DG","copy2":"Famed for his work-rate, Malherbe hit more rucks than any prop at Rugby World Cup 2023.","copy3":"\u201cFrans is a phenomenal team man and his team-mates know what he brings to the squad in terms of his scrummaging.\u201d Jacques Nienaber, former Springboks head coach.","country":"South Africa","team":"33","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/2166.png.webp?maxw=444","number":51,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/South-Africa.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/413.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725488512"]},{"id":"2496","name":"Rob Valetini","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/rob-valetini\/","copy1":"Only three men have received the prestigious John Eales Medal, awarded to the Wallabies\u2019 best player, in back-to-back years. Rob Valetini achieved that feat at the Rugby Australia Awards in October, joining former captain Michael Hooper and generational talent Israel Folau in that exclusive club. Valetini had another stellar season in Wallaby gold, with the back-row regularly leading the way for the Aussies as a defensive enforcer or a human wrecking ball in attack. The 26-year-old hit the ground running with two player of the match-calibre performances against Wales in July and maintained that form through to the end of the Autumn Nations Series against Andy Farrell\u2019s Ireland. Valetini is veering on becoming indispensable to the Wallabies and Joe Schmidt will be desperate to keep him fit for the Lions Series. FM","copy2":"According to Opta, Valetini stood out in the Rugby Championship against South Africa as the only player in the opening round with more than 10 carries, 12 tackles and multiple turnovers.","copy3":"\u201cHe is such a big presence in our team. He\u2019s probably first pick every week at the moment.\u201d Michael Hooper, former Australia captain and four-time John Eales Medallist.","country":"Australia","team":"35","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/2496.png.webp?maxw=444","number":52,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/Australia.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/402.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725411929"]},{"id":"289","name":"Rieko Ioane","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/rieko-ioane\/","copy1":"Ioane became a walking headline in October this year after former Ireland fly-half Johnny Sexton revealed in his autobiography what the Auckland-born flyer said to him after last year\u2019s World Cup quarter-final. And Ioane, knowing he was public enemy number one in Ireland, relished playing the role of pantomime villain when the All Blacks were in Dublin a few weeks later. He led the haka for the first time, produced a destructive defensive performance and confirmed he has now made the transition from world-class wing to world-class centre. GP","copy2":"Ioane scored a devastating 25 tries in his first 25 Tests.","copy3":"\u201cIf we can keep his feet on the floor he could go anywhere, that kid. He\u2019s got something a lot of other people don\u2019t have and that\u2019s pace. Every time he gets the ball you think \u2018Wow, what\u2019s going to happen?\u2019\u201d Steve Hansen, former All Blacks head coach.","country":"New Zealand","team":"27","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/289.png.webp?maxw=444","number":53,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/New-Zealand.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/401.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725411896"]},{"id":"3638","name":"Hugo Keenan","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/hugo-keenan\/","copy1":"It took Ireland about a year to get over Rob Kearney hanging up the No.15 jersey. Then Hugo Keenan took it from the hook and ran with it, never taking a backward glance. Having spent some time with Ireland Sevens, it took a few years before Keenan forced his way into the picture at Leinster. He had failed to earn a place in the province sub-academy and hired a sprint coach to work on his speed. He was 23 when he started to nail down a regular spot with Leinster, where his athleticism, aerial abilities, defensive acuity and sense of calm marked him down as a Test-match animal. Andy Farrell first selected him on the left wing, though, and was rewarded with two Keenan tries on his debut, against Italy. From the 2021 Six Nations onwards, the 15 jersey was his. He did it justice, and on the way to a 2023 Grand Slam and 2024 title defence, was nominated for Champions Cup player of the year. Keenan stepped away from XVs to pursue Olympics glory with Ireland this year, but he is now back doing what he does best. PM","copy2":"According to Opta, Keenan was the only full-back with a 100% record from defensive catches in the 2023 Six Nations (minimum 10 attempts) and the only player to have gained over 300m (344m) during the competition.","copy3":"\u201cHugo is a very good athlete. He might not look like the biggest, strongest guy but he is strong in contact, he is quick, very fit and he ticks all the boxes of the athletic profile that you want in your 15.\u201d Rob Kearney, former Ireland full-back.","country":"Ireland","team":"73","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/3638.png.webp?maxw=444","number":54,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/Ireland.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/309.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725488433"]},{"id":"5328","name":"Emmanuel Meafou","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/emmanuel-meafou\/","copy1":"The giant 26-year-old, who stands at 6ft 8in (2.03m) and weighs a shade under 23st (145kg), played rugby league growing up in Australia and was thinking of trying American football when he was contacted by Toulouse. Having had no offers to turn pro in Australia, Meafou flew to France and joined the European champions, where his raw ability was soon spotted by France. Forwards coach William Servat worked with Meafou to \u201cmake him aware of his potential and his ability\u201d and he won his first cap against Wales in the 2024 Six Nations. Born in New Zealand to Samoan parents, Meafou obtained his French citizenship in November 2023 and he used Spotify to learn the words to the national anthem. GM","copy2":"When Meafou arrived in France from Australia in 2018 aged 19, he weighed 25st 5lbs (161kg) but he\u2019s now slimmed down to 22st 12lbs (145kg).","copy3":"\u201cHe is deft with his hands, reads situations well, has rare power and is huge in defence.\u201d Fabien Galthi\u00e9, France head coach.","country":"France","team":"74","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/5328.png.webp?maxw=444","number":55,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/France.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/214.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725484700"]},{"id":"278","name":"Scott Barrett","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/scott-barrett\/","copy1":"The new All Blacks captain had a slow, injury-disrupted start to the season when he barely played in Super Rugby due to a broken thumb, then a damaged back, before breaking a finger against Fiji which forced him out of the Rugby Championship clashes with Argentina. But once he returned and got a steady diet of uninterrupted rugby under his belt, he shifted into top gear and became increasingly influential. By the time the All Blacks played Ireland, Barrett was back to his bruising best, with his ball-carrying crunch and soft hands to the fore. Barrett may lack the size and sheer physical presence of some other locks on the world scene, but few can match his athleticism, work-rate and ability to get round the field, beat defenders with his footwork and make short passes to facilitate the All Blacks\u2019 continuity game. GP","copy2":"Barrett has only conceded three penalties this season. ","copy3":"\u201cScott Barrett is a next-level lock.\u201d Bakkies Botha, former Springboks enforcer.","country":"New Zealand","team":"30","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/278.png.webp?maxw=444","number":56,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/New-Zealand.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/405.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725411970"]},{"id":"4774","name":"Jac Morgan","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/jac-morgan\/","copy1":"Jac Morgan was a slow-burn in a Welsh shirt. Seemingly not trusted by Wayne Pivac, who had doubts over his size \u2013 the Osprey is 5ft 11in, and a smidge over 16st (104kg) \u2013 the now 24-year-old from Brynamman was one of the standout players at the Rugby World Cup in 2023, with his low-slung power in defence rocking opponents backwards, strength over the ball as a jackaler and improved ball-carrying catching the eye. He even showed off his footballing skills with a cross-kick for Louis Rees-Zammit to score against Fiji and a booming 60m 50-22 against Australia. In 2024, his growing influence was dimmed due to a knee injury and Wales\u2019 fortunes plummeted. He returned for the Autumn Nations Series, where he was one of Wales\u2019 shining lights in a tortuous campaign. OJ","copy2":"In the final two Tests of 2024, Morgan tackled himself to a standstill with 63 in 195 minutes of action.","copy3":"\u201cJac is a phenomenal player and a cracking bloke. He is mental over the ball and when he speaks to the boys, they listen. He\u2019s a natural leader.\u201d Harri Deaves, Morgan\u2019s Ospreys team-mate.","country":"Wales","team":"81","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/4774.png.webp?maxw=444","number":57,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/Wales.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/311.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725488476"]},{"id":"6454","name":"Louis Bielle-Biarrey","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/louis-bielle-biarrey\/","copy1":"With 10 tries in 14 Test matches, 21-year-old Louis Bielle-Biarrey has set France ablaze since making his international debut against Scotland in August 2023. \u201cBielle-Biarrey is incredibly fast, isn't he?\u201d remarked a rueful Scott Robertson after the All Blacks coach had seen the Bordeaux left wing score in France\u2019s 30-29 victory in Paris last month. With a PB of 1.54 seconds for 10m, Bielle-Biarrey says his speed is his \u201csuperpower\u201d but he also reads the game well, kicks deftly, has good hands and the killer instinct of all world-class wingers. His mother comes from the Indian Ocean island of R\u00e9union, a French department, but Bielle-Biarrey honed his rugby skills at Grenoble. GM","copy2":"In scoring against New Zealand, Bielle-Biarrey was timed at 21.6 mph but his PB on a rugby field is 23.4 mph.","copy3":"\u201cHe\u2019s in the process of becoming a world-class player. Perhaps he already is. He understands everything and doesn't waste any time.\u201d Fabien Galthi\u00e9, France head coach.","country":"France","team":"9","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/6454.png.webp?maxw=444","number":58,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/France.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/202.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725484515"]},{"id":"2904","name":"Richie Mo'unga","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/richie-mounga\/","copy1":"Despite not being eligible for the All Blacks because he signed a three-year contract with Toshiba Brave Lupus, Richie Mo\u2019unga has still been a central part of the team\u2019s narrative in 2024. All year, his name has been brought up by head coach Scott Robertson, who has never hidden his wish for the man he called his \u201cfranchise quarterback\u201d when they were both at the Crusaders, to be back in New Zealand. In May, it was revealed the union were in Japan trying to work out ways to extricate him from his contract and bring him home early. Robertson wants Mo\u2019unga back because his influence is undeniable. The 29-year-old steered Toshiba to the Japanese title and he was named the Top League\u2019s most valuable player \u2013 after winning seven successive Super Rugby titles with the Crusaders between 2017 and 2023. GP","copy2":"Eight \u2013 the number of consecutive years in which Mo\u2019unga has won the club title in whichever competition he has been playing.","copy3":"\u201cIt\u2019s no secret New Zealand Rugby were sorry to see Richie leave at the time he did and we would like him back.\u201d Chris Lendrum, NZR general manager of professional rugby. ","country":"New Zealand","team":"180","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/2904.png.webp?maxw=444","number":59,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/New-Zealand.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/19702.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725489873"]},{"id":"2357","name":"Tyrel Lomax","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/tyrel-lomax\/","copy1":"Lomax was deemed just about finished as a Test player in 2022 when he was out of shape and wandering around Super Rugby games, a yellow card waiting to happen. But he was granted a last chance against South Africa when the All Blacks suffered an incredible injury toll at prop. And Lomax took it, admitting he played with a chip on his shoulder and a smouldering desire to prove everyone wrong. Since then, he\u2019s changed his diet and his lifestyle, but not his attitude and now the All Blacks have a lean, highly conditioned, technically adept, destructive tighthead. Lomax is the best scrummaging tighthead New Zealand have had since Carl Hayman, and yet there is an alternative universe where he could have been playing for the Wallabies. His dad, John, was an NRL legend who helped Canberra win the title in 1994, and having been born in the Australian capital, Lomax was on track to play for the Wallabies until the Highlanders reached out in 2018 and signed him. GP","copy2":"Lomax has been instrumental in delivering a rock solid and at times dominant scrum for the All Blacks in 2024. But he also made 54 tackles in the Rugby Championship \u2013 more than South Africa\u2019s Vincent Koch and Frans Malherbe combined.","copy3":"\u201cI've always been a huge fan of Tyrel, right from the 2015 World Rugby Under 20s Championship when he was playing for Australia. I remember seeing him there and going, \u2018Wow, the sooner he gets to New Zealand the better, because he\u2019s an All Black tighthead\u2019.\u201d Jason Ryan, All Blacks forwards coach.","country":"New Zealand","team":"28","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/2357.png.webp?maxw=444","number":60,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/New-Zealand.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/407.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725412043"]},{"id":"5423","name":"Tommaso Menoncello","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/tommaso-menoncello\/","copy1":"The reigning Six Nations player of the year is a thoroughbred specimen. He\u2019s got the frame of an elite cross-fitter, slabs of muscle with lashings of fast-twitch sinew. Those athletic components have been evident since he roared onto the scene as a teenager against the French two years ago, playing out of position on the wing, and becoming the youngest try-scorer in Six Nations history. A brutally timed injury ruled him out of the Rugby World Cup, but at just 22, he could play in at least three more. He\u2019s adding ball skills and tactical game understanding to his physical attributes, and is some way off his ceiling in the game. His late try against the All Blacks was another reminder of his innate talent, while Menoncello\u2019s partnership with Nacho Brex is one of the finest in the northern hemisphere. JL","copy2":"Menoncello made more dominant tackles than any other back during the 2024 Six Nations.","copy3":"\u201cThis kid is a bit of a freak. He\u2019s big, very, very fast and has a massive engine. The numbers he crunches in training are phenomenal. He\u2019s in the top five young players I have ever coached.\u201d Paul Gustard, former England and Benetton assistant coach.","country":"Italy","team":"67","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/5423.png.webp?maxw=444","number":61,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/Italy.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/301.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725488394"]},{"id":"249","name":"Blair Kinghorn","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/blair-kinghorn\/","copy1":"In his first 17 matches for Toulouse, Kinghorn never once tasted the bitter taste of defeat. A dream move to the swashbuckling pacesetters culminated in a Top 14 and Champions Cup double last summer, flitting between full-back and wing and playing at the pointy end of a backline rammed with Galacticos. As he sips coffee in the iconic Pink City with the sun on his back and medals on his mantlepiece, he must wonder why on earth he left Edinburgh. In his prime, and with new-found title-winning pedigree, his loping strides are deceptively quick, and his 6ft 5ins frame gives him an edge in the air. He also has a siege-gun boot and his versatility, covering the back three, fly-half and, at a push, midfield, will be prized when the Lions selectors are deliberating. He\u2019s also a superb distributor, with those telescopic arms the perfect vehicles for offloads, as seen in his near-instinctive flip inside for Finn Russell\u2019s try against Australia. Can also step in to ease pressure on the Scottish playmakers. JL","copy2":"Kinghorn scored seven tries and assisted three more in his first 14 matches for Toulouse, while beating an average of five defenders per game.","copy3":"\u201cKinghorn is now a complete player. He is stepping up now. We know about his speed and kicking ability, he\u2019s rangy and a great athlete. He steps in at first receiver which gets Scotland to width a lot of the time.\u201d Jim Hamilton, former Scotland international.","country":"Scotland","team":"74","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/249.png.webp?maxw=444","number":62,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/Scotland.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/214.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725484700"]},{"id":"319","name":"Jesse Kriel","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/jesse-kriel\/","copy1":"Not too long ago, Lukhanyo Am commanded a place in the Springboks starting XV, and Jesse Kriel rarely featured in the match-day squad. The pecking order changed, however, after Am sustained a serious injury on the eve of the 2023 World Cup, and Kriel was backed to lead the Boks defence from that all-important No 13 position. When both players reported for Test duty in early 2024, Rassie Erasmus decided to stick with Kriel. Some questioned the call, given Am\u2019s attacking gifts and Tony Brown\u2019s mandate to boost South Africa\u2019s scoring potential. Kriel rose to the challenge and by the end of the season, he\u2019d racked up more minutes than any other Springbok, and started more Tests than any other of the 51 used. These stats are all the more impressive when one considers how much Erasmus rotated the squad over the course of the season. JC","copy2":"Kriel made the most line-breaks in the Rugby Championship (8), outstripping Will Jordan, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Caleb Clarke and other flyers.","copy3":"\u201cHe's a lot faster than me, so, if I need to move the ball, he can get on his bicycle a bit. He's excellent in defence and reading the game and making the tough decisions at tough times.\u201d Damien de Allende, Springboks centre partner. ","country":"South Africa","team":"183","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/319.png.webp?maxw=444","number":63,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/South-Africa.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/5200.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725489915"]},{"id":"621","name":"Owen Farrell","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/owen-farrell\/","copy1":"Walking away from England on his own terms after 112 caps was the right decision for Farrell and his family but there must have been moments when Steve Borthwick craved his resolute presence in the autumn. Few players possess his force of personality and will to win and at 33, Farrell\u2019s tank isn\u2019t empty yet. The former England captain, three times shortlisted for World Player of the Year, has more chapters to write at Racing when he returns from the groin surgery he had in November. Could he make a fourth Lions tour next summer? That may depend on Racing\u2019s involvement in the Top 14 play-offs, but there is no doubt he has the steely resolve to enhance the squad. NS","copy2":"Farrell is England\u2019s record points scorer with 1,237 points.","copy3":"\u201cHe\u2019s been a colossus in the game. He doesn\u2019t get the praise that he should.\u201d Eddie Jones, former England head coach.","country":"England","team":"11","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/621.png.webp?maxw=444","number":64,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/England.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/211.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725484646"]},{"id":"2006","name":"Duhan van der Merwe","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/duhan-van-der-merwe\/","copy1":"The giant wing was going nowhere fast in his early days as a pro player. He\u2019d suffered serious injuries, been on the fringes at the Bulls and in the Montpellier espoirs without so much hint of regular game time. Richard Cockerill forced through his move to Edinburgh despite Van der Merwe failing his medical \u2013 how seismic a decision that proved. There are few backs in the game with Van der Merwe\u2019s lethal cocktail of sheer brawn and blistering pace. He has rocketed to the summit of the Scottish try-scoring table with 30 and become a Lion. For a time, to the naysayers, Van der Merwe was regarded as athlete first, rugby player second. His soft skills needed work. He was reckoned to be positionally suspect, ropey under the high ball, and not much of an offloading threat. He\u2019s attacked his flaws and while there\u2019s still room for refinement, become a far more rounded player. He\u2019ll never strike 50-22s like James Lowe or rule the airways like Freddie Steward, but his unique capabilities vastly outweigh any shortcomings. Just ask England. JL","copy2":"Van der Merwe holds the record for most defenders beaten in a single Six Nations (31).","copy3":"\u201cHis ability to finish, I don\u2019t think there\u2019s anyone in world rugby who can do what he does. He can change a game. He can win a game for you, literally.\u201d Alan Solomons, Van der Merwe\u2019s former Worcester Warriors director of rugby.","country":"Scotland","team":"68","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/2006.png.webp?maxw=444","number":65,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/Scotland.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/305.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725425243"]},{"id":"285","name":"Damian McKenzie","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/damian-mckenzie\/","copy1":"Damian McKenzie may not have been able to prove he\u2019s the best game-managing No 10 in New Zealand in 2024, but he demonstrated he is easily the best running 10. He also showed at the tail-end of the season that he can be lethal when he\u2019s injected off the bench in the last 20 minutes and he can goal-kick under pressure. Equally comfortable at full-back as he is at fly-half, McKenzie is the free-wheeling maverick that England\u2019s Marcus Smith is hoping to become. The only blight on McKenzie\u2019s season came in San Diego in July when he missed the bus taking the team back to Los Angeles for the flight home to New Zealand after playing Fiji in California and had to fork out an estimated $400 for an Uber. GP","copy2":"McKenzie produced an 86 per cent goal-kicking success rate in Super Rugby this year.","copy3":"\u201cThe one thing about D-Mac is he is probably the best off the bench in the world in his role when he comes on.\u201d Scott Robertson, All Blacks head coach","country":"New Zealand","team":"26","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/285.png.webp?maxw=444","number":66,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/New-Zealand.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/404.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725411943"]},{"id":"4817","name":"Santiago Chocobares","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/santiago-chocobares\/","copy1":"Blessed with one of the great names in Test rugby, Santiago Chocobares is the full package. His bull-like strength, vision and flair is an intoxicating blend and fits the Pumas' blueprint perfectly. He can carry up the guts from first phase, evade defenders or create opportunities for team-mates. In defence, he is rarely bested and he also has a cultured right boot. At 25, he still has a long career ahead of him. Having made his Test debut in 2020 in Argentina\u2019s first win against the All Blacks, he has been involved in many of Los Pumas big days since. Starred in the 67-27 thrashing of the Wallabies before an untimely knee injury ruled him out of the Autumn Nations Series. FD","copy2":"Chocobares made more tackles than any other backline player during the Rugby Championship, with 67 completed successfully.","copy3":"\u201cI doubt if Argentina ever had a centre of his quality; he is the glue of the team.\u201d Marcelo Bosch, four-time European champion with Saracens and former Puma.","country":"Argentina","team":"74","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/4817.png.webp?maxw=444","number":67,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/Argentina.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/214.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725484700"]},{"id":"17450","name":"Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/joseph-aukuso-suaalii\/","copy1":"Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii may have only played four Tests but he still finds himself ranked in our Top 100. On the back of a promising stint in the NRL where he played in a Rugby League World Cup final for Samoa and State of Origin series for New South Wales, Suaalii recently completed a big-money move to union. The 21-year-old hadn\u2019t played any Super Rugby Pacific before his debut at Test level for Australia, but that selection proved to be a masterstroke as the midfielder received player-of-the-match honours against England. With a slick offload game, a physical presence in defence, and an incredible vertical leap already benefiting the Wallabies on kick-returns, Suaalii looks to be the full package and a quality signing with the British and Irish Lions series on the horizon. FM","copy2":"Suaalii had twice as many offloads as any other player during the Wallabies\u2019 42-37 win over England during the Autumn Nations Series.","copy3":"\u201cI think the game needs people like that. The game needs superstars. For him to be named man of the match, and to create that hype.\u201d Warren Gatland, Wales head coach.","country":"Australia","team":"36","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/17450.png.webp?maxw=444","number":68,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/Australia.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/415.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725412116"]},{"id":"2925","name":"Juan Cruz Mallia","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/juan-cruz-mallia\/","copy1":"Mallia shone for Toulouse last season as they romped to Top 14 and European Champions Cup silverware, and in his nine Tests for Los Pumas he continued to exhibit his boundless capacity for improvement. Able to play at centre, wing and fly-half with his French club, it was at full-back that Felipe Contepomi used the 28-year-old. As vice-captain, he offers not only the ability to cope with the being the last line of defence but also a deep positional awareness, with the team often turning to him for answers during a game. His try against Ireland, in which he ran a sweet line to take a pass and bamboozle the Irish defence with a shimmy and a swerve, is a perfect example of his rare ability. FD","copy2":"Was rested for the opening three Pumas matches of 2024, but has not missed a single minute since, playing a full part in all nine Tests.","copy3":"\u201cI believe Mall\u00eda makes the whole team better; he is a second option in attack and very solid in the backfield.\u201d Lucas Gonz\u00e1lez Amorosino, former Pumas full-back.","country":"Argentina","team":"74","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/2925.png.webp?maxw=444","number":69,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/Argentina.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/214.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725484700"]},{"id":"186","name":"Levani Botia","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/levani-botia\/","copy1":"How many players are world class in two positions? And how many of those straddle the pack and the backline? In his pomp, Botia could lay claim to simultaneously being the best openside flanker and inside centre on the planet. The Demolition Man does, as he says on the tin, mete out some heinous punishment. Trying to blast him off ruck ball is like levering a very burly limpet from a rock. Trying to tackle him is like throwing yourself at a giant boulder rolling downhill. Botia, like many Fijians, is an unassuming man. How his persona changes when the first whistle sounds. At 35, Botia\u2019s durability is astounding, given the way he plays and the number of games he\u2019s amassed in over a decade with La Rochelle. He is recovering from a damaged forearm which has stopped him playing at all this season - his most serious injury to date \u2013 but he still yearns to represent his country again. And he has a vast footballing talent to match his muscle. Adroit handling, blockbuster offloads, all the trappings of a Fijian upbringing. JL","copy2":"Botia made three jackal turnovers in a single match against Stormers last season.","copy3":"\u201cI\u2019ve never seen anybody who can play number seven or number 12 at such a high level. Like, it\u2019s never been done before.\u201d Tabai Matson, former Fiji backs coach.","country":"Fiji","team":"14","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/186.png.webp?maxw=444","number":70,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/Fiji.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/206.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725484559"]},{"id":"1879","name":"Garry Ringrose","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/garry-ringrose\/","copy1":"Of all the centre options at his disposal, Andy Farrell has paired up Bundee Aki and Garry Ringrose the most. It is easy to see why. The pair complement each other superbly, with Robbie Henshaw able to slot in at 12 or 13, as required. Ringrose had been earmarked for a big breakthrough during his school rugby days with Blackrock. He was called in to train with the senior Ireland squad in 2014, after missing out on an U20s match-day role. Every player that trained with him that week, including the great Brian O\u2019Driscoll, immediately recognised him as a talent. \u201cYou could see he had it,\u201d O\u2019Driscoll recalled. Ringrose has lived up to the hype, winning eight major honours and has long evolved his defensive contributions to match his magic in attack. Having been twice name-checked by Warren Gatland after missing out on Lions squad selections, the 29-year-old will be desperate to make it Down Under next summer. PM","copy2":"Ringrose made a remarkable five line breaks in a single URC game in the 2022-23 season and was named in Opta\u2019s team of the Pool stages at the Rugby World Cup in 2023.","copy3":"\u201cGarry Ringrose\u2019s game has consistently elevated. He is playing brilliant, brilliant rugby. He is like a student who has done all the cramming and this constant workload is coming to fruition.\u201d \u2013 Brian O\u2019Driscoll, former Ireland captain.","country":"Ireland","team":"73","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/1879.png.webp?maxw=444","number":71,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/Ireland.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/309.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725488433"]},{"id":"8642","name":"Cam Roigard","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/cam-roigard\/","copy1":"Roigard\u2019s remarkable rise continued in 2024 despite suffering a serious leg injury in Super Rugby Pacific. The Hurricanes\u2019 No.9 was one of the form players before rupturing his patella tendon. That injury made his return even more impressive. He returned on the end-of-year tour like nothing had changed, delivering dynamic performances against France and Italy for the All Blacks. Against France and the master Dupont, Roigard even outplayed his opposite number over the first half, scoring a solo try and helping New Zealand build a 17-10 lead. His running game is central to the All Blacks\u2019 play and his ability to score tries is becoming uncanny. BS","copy2":"Roigard has seven Test tries from his 10 All Blacks caps, a strike rate of 0.70 per Test. That puts him in rarefied company, above the likes of Joe Rokocoko (0.68) and Jonah Lomu (0.59).","copy3":"\u201cHe\u2019s a world-class player. And I don\u2019t think we\u2019ve seen the best of him yet. He\u2019s going to be someone that we talk about for a long time.\u201d \u2013 All Blacks scrum-half TJ Perenara on his successor.","country":"New Zealand","team":"28","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/8642.png.webp?maxw=444","number":72,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/New-Zealand.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/407.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725412043"]},{"id":"2339","name":"Damian Willemse","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/damian-willemse\/","copy1":"Immensely talented with confidence to match, Damien Willemse\u2019s public image is one of a flashy baller in his pomp. But beneath the Instagram high-life and on-field highlights reels, there is a thoughtful and loyal team-mate. He turned down a big-money move to the Bulls to remain with the Stormers after they gave him his big break as a teenager. A deep thinker on the game, coaches and team-mates often reference the large historical biographies that he reads between training sessions. On the pitch he is a Rolls-Royce who can cover full-back, fly-half or the midfield. With two World Cup wins before his 26th birthday, he has the potential to go down as one of the most decorated players in history. DG","copy2":"Willemse was the top off-loader in last season's URC with 23.","copy3":"\u201cHe\u2019s perfect. He knows his details. He\u2019s just a phenomenal professional but he\u2019s also such a vibe.\u201d John Dobson, Stormers head coach","country":"South Africa","team":"33","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/2339.png.webp?maxw=444","number":73,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/South-Africa.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/413.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725488512"]},{"id":"1374","name":"Thomas Ramos","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/thomas-ramos\/","copy1":"The 29-year-old Ramos has blossomed under Fabien Galthie to become a key component of the French backline. Whether wearing the No.15 shirt or playing at fly-half, Ramos displays cool, clinical precision. His goal-kicking has become world-class and he was top scorer in the 2023 and 2024 Six Nations with a total of 147 points in the two championships. Only two Frenchmen (Christophe Lamaison and Frederic Michalak) have scored more than the 379 Test points of Ramos. Ramos came up through the representative ranks, playing in the 2016 France U20 squad alongside Antoine Dupont, Damian Penaud and Julien Marchand. GM","copy3":"\u2018It doesn't matter what number he plays in the back...he's capable of doing extraordinary things, it's almost genius.\u2019 Christophe Lamaison, France fly-half from 1996-2001","copy2":"Ramos has partnered Antoine Dupont 24 times at half-back for France and Toulouse, and the pair have lost only once \u2013 to Leinster in 2019.","country":"France","team":"74","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/1374.png.webp?maxw=444","number":74,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/France.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/214.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725484700"]},{"id":"1890","name":"Zander Fagerson","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/zander-fagerson\/","copy1":"Zander Fagerson is now Scotland\u2019s most important rugby player. If the Glasgow colossus shows signs of a limp, Murrayfield collectively breaks out in hives. There isn\u2019t another tighthead in the land who comes close. Fagerson has become one of the best number threes in world rugby. He will tour Australia with the Lions and, if his phenomenal form continues, may do so as a Test starter. He\u2019s a destructive scrummager, of course, but so much more besides. His carrying is remarkable in its strength and frequency. And because of his value, Gregor Townsend is loathe to replace him. He played 65 minutes against South Africa and 71 against the Wallabies. He\u2019d played another 70 in the Aviva, 69 in Rome and Cardiff respectively and the full 80 at home to France. On Glasgow\u2019s incredible run to the URC title, he played every minute of the quarter-final against the Stormers, the semi-final at Thomond Park, and the lung-burning final at Loftus Versfeld. JL","copy2":"According to Opta, Fagerson hit more rucks than any front-rower this November, while Scotland won seven scrum penalties with the tighthead on the pitch.","copy3":"\u201cSince coming here I\u2019ve noticed how good he is defensively and around the park, carrying the ball. I\u2019d probably say he\u2019s in my top three props in the world.\u201d Pat Schickerling, Glasgow Warriors team-mate.","country":"Scotland","team":"66","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/1890.png.webp?maxw=444","number":75,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/Scotland.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/306.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725425263"]},{"id":"270","name":"Codie Taylor","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/codie-taylor\/","copy1":"The veteran hooker missed most of the Super Rugby season in 2024, taking a break on a non-playing sabbatical, but returned to the All Blacks fold in some of his best form. Taylor\u2019s value comes from reliable execution at the set-piece, where New Zealand fielded a dominant scrum this year and a world-class lineout. With Taylor on the field, the lineout functioned at around 90 per cent, and often lapsed without him. A double-digit tackler, Taylor polices the front line for the All Blacks and also makes his presence felt in close. BS","copy2":"Taylor is famed for his workrate and in 2024, his engine was purring. In 625 minutes of Test action, he made 102 tackles and 74 carries.","copy3":"\u201cCodie Taylor was on fire, so why bring him off?\u201d Assistant coach Jason Ryan\u2019s blunt explanation for refusing to sub his hooker in the second Test against the Springboks in Cape Town. ","country":"New Zealand","team":"30","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/270.png.webp?maxw=444","number":76,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/New-Zealand.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/405.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725411970"]},{"id":"930","name":"Ellis Genge","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/ellis-genge\/","copy1":"The \u2018Baby Rhino\u2019 has grown up into one of the key components of the England pack, a leader as well as a demolition man. The 29-year-old is now England\u2019s senior loosehead prop after the retirement of Joe Marler and was an ever-present starter in the Autumn Nations Series. One of the most impactful ball-carrying props in the game, Genge\u2019s presence isn\u2019t just physical. He is an emotional barometer for club and country. After captaining Leicester to the 2022 Premiership title, he returned to his home city of Bristol and in September was unveiled as the first ambassador of the Bears\u2019 community foundation. Genge is an inspiration, on and off the pitch. NS","copy2":"Genge\u2019s five tries for England are more than fellow props Jason Leonard, Dan Cole and Marler combined.","copy3":"\u201cYou can tame a horse, but it\u2019s pretty hard to put wildness into a horse.\u201d Eddie Jones, former England coach.","country":"England","team":"54","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/930.png.webp?maxw=444","number":77,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/England.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/102.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725488568"]},{"id":"3463","name":"Darcy Graham","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/darcy-graham\/","copy1":"Graham missed the Six Nations and Scotland\u2019s summer tour through a troublesome groin injury and sat out the autumn loss to South Africa as he negotiated return-to-play concussion protocols, yet we saw enough of him in three November fixtures to remind us what we\u2019d been missing. The ruthless quadruple against Fiji, flashes of menace against the Portuguese and scuttling, deadly bursts which tore the Wallabies open. His little-and-large combination with Duhan van der Merwe is compelling \u2013 although Kyle Steyn will have plenty to say about that \u2013 particularly as their duel for the national try-scoring record rages on. Graham is in the Cheslin Kolbe mode: rapid, cussed, ultra-aggressive and brilliantly tenacious. He wins jackal penalties and turnovers like an open-side flanker, not a lean wing of 85kg (13st 5lb). Trying to get hold of him is hard enough - once you\u2019ve got your mitts on his tough Hawick hide, stopping Graham is like trying to quell an irate wolverine. He has 17 tries in his past 11 Tests. JL","copy2":"Opta numbers show he averaged the most line breaks and second-most defenders beaten per game of any British or Irish player this autumn.","copy3":"\u201cHe scores different types of tries. His angles of running before he gets the ball are very hard to pick up. His strength to get out of tackles is up there with the best in the world.\u201d Gregor Townsend, Scotland head coach.","country":"Scotland","team":"68","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/3463.png.webp?maxw=444","number":78,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/Scotland.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/305.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725425243"]},{"id":"1397","name":"Julien Marchand","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/julien-marchand\/","copy1":"Hailing from the Pyrenees in the deep south of France, and just up the road from Antoine Dupont\u2019s village, 29-year-old Marchand competes with Peato Mauvaka for the No.2 jersey. Lacking the mobility and handling skills of his rival, Marchand\u2019s advantage is in the set-piece where his scrummaging and throwing-in are superb. He is also a menace at the breakdown, often turning over opposition ball for both France and his club Toulouse, whom he captained to victory in the 2021 Top 14 final against La Rochelle. He came through the academy system, as did his younger brother Guillaume, another hooker who plays for Lyon. GM","copy2":"In six Tests against New Zealand, Australia and South Africa, Marchand has never lost.","copy3":"\u201cThe symbol of resilience and strength of character is Julien... The tougher it is, the stronger he gets.\u201d France head coach Fabien Galthie.","country":"France","team":"74","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/1397.png.webp?maxw=444","number":79,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/France.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/214.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725484700"]},{"id":"200","name":"Tadhg Furlong","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/tadhg-furlong\/","copy1":"From 1995 to 2016, Ireland had three tightheads you could barely ask more from \u2013 Paul Wallace, John Hayes and Mike Ross. In the professional era, that is some production line. Then came the pick of the bunch, Tadhg Furlong. Keith Wood redefined what it meant to be a hooker in the professional game. Furlong took that all-action, full-plate-of-spuds-with-extra-relish template and applied it to the most historically dogged position in rugby. As well as holding up his side of the scrum and besting some of the best looseheads in the game, the Wexford native also dabbled as a breakdown menace, emergency scrum-half and mean skip-passer. Made plenty of backs look silly on his deceptively jinking carries and was capable of a devilish spiral kick. Injuries have slowed the Furlong juggernaut in recent seasons, but he remains a crucial cog for Leinster and Ireland. PM ","copy2":"The tighthead holds the joint-record for most wins by an Irish player against the All Blacks. Both he and Johnny Sexton have featured in six winning teams against New Zealand (five with Ireland, once with the Lions).","copy3":"\u201cTadhg is world-class, He is also so comfortable on the ball, his work rate\u2026 the likes of him and Kyle Sinckler have taken front-row play to another level.\u201d Joe Marler, former England prop.","country":"Ireland","team":"73","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/200.png.webp?maxw=444","number":80,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/Ireland.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/309.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725488433"]},{"id":"262","name":"Sam Cane","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/sam-cane\/","copy1":"The former All Blacks captain enjoyed a swansong in 2024 after his career looked to have finished on a sour note in 2023. In the end, Cane\u2019s leadership and experience proved invaluable as Scott Robertson showed his faith in the veteran openside. He returned during The Rugby Championship and held the No.7 jersey throughout the rest of the year, bringing his trademark work-rate and hard-hitting defensive resolve to the All Blacks\u2019 pack. After reaching 100 Test caps, Cane went out a winner with victory against Italy in Turin, leading to a standing ovation from the crowd and assembled All Blacks when he departed in the 66th minute. BS","copy2":"Cane joined New Zealand\u2019s most exclusive club, the All Blacks centurions, becoming just the 13th to reach 100 Test caps. He finished with 105 appearances for New Zealand, with a win rate of 80 per cent. ","copy3":"\u201cYou cannot replace Test experience. That is one thing I have learned. Hence, Sam [Cane] has been so valuable.\u201d All Blacks coach Scott Robertson ","country":"New Zealand","team":"181","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/262.png.webp?maxw=444","number":81,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/New-Zealand.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/5209.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725489855"]},{"id":"545","name":"Julian Montoya","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/julian-montoya\/","copy1":"The Argentine bruiser might not smile a lot on the rugby field, but he doesn\u2019t need to, least of all in the front row where, as a no-nonsense hooker, he is one of the best in the trade. In his 10 Tests in 2024, he did not replicate the try-scoring heroics he managed for Leicester Tigers because Los Pumas did not focus so much on the lineout mauls, but his all-round skillset is noticeable in the loose, in defence and chiefly as a \u2018follow me into battle\u2019 type of leader. Coming off a long-term contract with the Tigers, he is attracting covetous glances on both sides of the English Channel, with Pau said to be keenest on the signature of this Pumas legend. FD","copy2":"Having recently won his 100th cap for Los Pumas, at 31 and with a lot of rugby left in him, he is expected to surpass record cap-holder Agust\u00edn Creevy (110) next year. ","copy3":"\u201cFor him and for the family, today is a very special and happy day. We are filled with pride, knowing the passion and love for the shirt he has.\u201d Julian Montoya Sr, after his son\u2019s team beat the Wallabies 67-27 in his 100th Test","country":"Argentina","team":"57","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/545.png.webp?maxw=444","number":82,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/Argentina.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/106.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725488599"]},{"id":"2888","name":"Dewi Lake","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/dewi-lake\/","copy1":"Those who knew his father Dai, a teak-tough back-row with Treorchy, will be unsurprised at the confrontational nature of his 6ft 1in, 17st 6lbs (111kg) son who specialises in bone-shuddering carries into contact and thunderclap tackles. A former elite-level gymnast, the hooker from Ogmore Vale is a natural leader and captained Wales into the challenging Autumn Nations Series where he led them with aplomb. Criticised for the accuracy of his lineout throwing in his formative years, Lake has steadily improved his set-piece, is a threat over the ball and boasts nimble footwork for a big man. Expected to be in the conversation for a Lions tour spot this summer. OJ","copy2":"Lake made 45 tackles in his 158 minutes of Test action this autumn, or one every 3.5 minutes.","copy3":"\u201cHe brings a physical presence. He\u2019s 112 kilos and he\u2019s the biggest hooker running around in Wales. He\u2019s going to be a very destructive player as time goes on.\u201d Former Wales coach Wayne Pivac.","country":"Wales","team":"81","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/2888.png.webp?maxw=444","number":83,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/Wales.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/311.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725488476"]},{"id":"5561","name":"Davit Niniashvili","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/davit-niniashvili\/","copy1":"Georgian rugby was once renowned only for its hairy-chested front-row piano shifters, not the quicksilver backs it is now rolling off the production line. Davit Niniashvili is just 22, but already a shooting star of the global game, and one of the poster boys of the Top 14, where he routinely sparkles for Lyon. The full-back was called into the national set-up aged 17 and made his debut against Ireland at the Aviva a few months after his 18th birthday and has only taken his game to greater heights since, with his lung-busting runs from the back-field and accurate handling. Now in his third year in the French top flight, La Rochelle and Toulon are said to be battling for his signature. He was in the top 10 players for running metres, offloads and tackle breaks in the league last season - consistently among Europe\u2019s most beguiling attacking talents \u2013 and marked his return from Autumn Nations Series duty with two tries against Pau on Saturday. A future Lelos icon. JL","copy2":"Beat 10 defenders in the 2022 Challenge Cup final as Lyon defeated Toulon, a record since OPTA started collecting data a dozen years earlier.","copy3":"\u201cI think he has the potential to be the first Georgian global superstar. When it comes to someone like Dan Carter for New Zealand or Finn Russell with Scotland, Davit could easily be that type of player for Georgia. He has all the ability and the right mentality to achieve at the very highest level.\u201d Richie Gray, former Lyon, Scotland and South Africa breakdown specialist.","country":"Georgia","team":"13","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/5561.png.webp?maxw=444","number":84,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/Georgia.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/207.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725484572"]},{"id":"2785","name":"Caleb Clarke","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/caleb-clarke\/","copy1":"Caleb Clarke started the year training with NRL side the Sydney Rabbitohs to get himself fitter, and he came into Super Rugby five kilos lighter than he\u2019d been in 2023. Not only was he leaner, he was also hungrier, too, having been challenged by new Blues coach Vern Cotter to work harder off the ball and be more involved.\nClarke became an integral part of the Blues pick-and-drive strategy through the middle of opposition forward packs, and he took that mindset and skillset to the All Blacks. He also produced some outstanding aerial work, retrieving kick-offs and contestable bombs with New Zealand and showed that he is one of the most powerful runners and finishers in the game, enjoying a season\u2019s haul of seven Test tries. GP","copy2":"Clarke finished the Rugby Championship as the tournament\u2019s top-try scorer with six. Enough said.","copy3":"\u201cHe\u2019s come a hell of a long way. He\u2019s arguably the best wing in the world \u2013 if not, the top three \u2013 at taking the ball in the air.\u201d \u2013 Former All Black and commentator Justin Marshall.","country":"New Zealand","team":"27","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/2785.png.webp?maxw=444","number":85,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/New-Zealand.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/401.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725411896"]},{"id":"3469","name":"Michele Lamaro","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/michele-lamaro\/","copy1":"One of Kieran Crowley\u2019s first acts as Italy coach was to appoint the snarling young Roman as his captain. Lamaro was 23 and had won just seven caps back in the autumn of 2021, yet when Crowley\u2019s decision was made public, almost nobody in Italian rugby circles was surprised. His leadership credentials were already writ large. With the departure of gnarled totem Sergio Parisse, Italy needed a new talisman around which to unite. Lamaro, as behind-the-scenes footage has revealed, is a powerful orator but you couldn\u2019t fail to be inspired by the hunger with which he goes to work on the field. He was the Six Nations\u2019 top tackler this year with over 100, a nuisance at the breakdown and a willing carrier, while only conceding three penalties. He led Italy to their best-ever championship. When a shoulder injury ruled him out of last month\u2019s All Blacks Test, it was just the second match he\u2019d missed in Italy\u2019s past 45. JL","copy2":"Lamaro made 103 tackles in the 2024 Six Nations with the next best, Wales\u2019 Dafydd Jenkins, on 79.","copy3":"\"We have a group of nutters here, of whom the captain is the furthest gone... what they have is a desire and effort and they do everything at 100% every day.\u201d Gonzalo Quesada, Italy head coach.","country":"Italy","team":"67","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/3469.png.webp?maxw=444","number":86,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/Italy.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/301.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725488394"]},{"id":"2515","name":"Manie Libbok","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/manie-libbok\/","copy1":"While Manie Libbok may divide opinion amongst the wider rugby community, he is celebrated within the Springboks squad as one of the best attacking players and most astute tactical kickers. Libbok was one of South Africa\u2019s star performers in the record 35-7 victory over the All Blacks in 2023 and put France\u2019s defence to the sword in what was a dramatic Rugby World Cup quarter-final. While he didn\u2019t enjoy as many opportunities in 2024, he certainly amplified the Boks\u2019 kick-chase approach in the matches against Argentina and England, and that no-look kick-pass to the winger has become a big feature of his game. Libbok was at his attacking best in the Boks\u2019 48-7 win over the Pumas in Mbombela, where he had a hand in several of the Boks\u2019 seven tries. JC","copy2":"Libbok only played three Rugby Championship matches this year, but averaged the most line-break assists per game. He also contributed the most try assists and line-break assists in the 2022-23 URC, finishing as top points scorer. In 2023, only Dan Biggar saw more of his kicks from hand retained in international rugby. ","copy3":"\u201cPeople don\u2019t realise the impact that he has on our general play. A lot of people focus on his goal-kicking but the impact that he brings with the ball in hand\u2026 he is a very special kid.\u201d Springboks assistant coach Mzwandile Stick.","country":"South Africa","team":"33","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/2515.png.webp?maxw=444","number":87,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/South-Africa.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/413.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725488512"]},{"id":"553","name":"Marcos Kremer","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/marcos-kremer\/","copy1":"Any opposition fly-half scouring the team-sheet and seeing Marcos Kremer\u2019s could be forgiven for emitting a wince at the prospect of the 6ft 7in, 19st (121kg) rip-snorting nightmare coming his way on the opening whistle. Not only for his adamantine disposition, with the long multi-coloured beard, but also in the knowledge that any of his multiple tackles will hurt. His aura benefits Los Pumas by filling up defensive spaces as teams choose not to attack a channel he is scouring. A knee injury in their memorable 29-28 win against the Springboks in Santiago del Estero saw him miss Argentina\u2019s final Rugby Championship game, but their first two Tests in November saw him back in his element, dismantling attackers. In 24 minutes on the field against France in Paris, he made nine tackles. FD","copy2":"Kremer made 101 tackles in 536 minutes of Test rugby in 2024, or one every five minutes.","copy3":"\u201cUp until his injury he had been a key player for Los Pumas and what is most important in his game is what goes unseen. He is the motor of the team and has had a spectacular year.\u201d Former Argentina coach Daniel Hourcade, who first selected him for Los Pumas.","country":"Argentina","team":"72","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/553.png.webp?maxw=444","number":88,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/Argentina.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/205.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725484543"]},{"id":"4846","name":"Angus Bell","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/angus-bell\/","copy1":"Last year\u2019s Rugby World Cup in France seemed to be an especially career-defining event for Angus Bell, who continues to move towards world-class status as one of the best loosehead props in the game. Bell played at least 75 minutes in two Tests during that campaign, with his importance not going unnoticed by fans Down Under. The 24-year-old missed most of Super Rugby Pacific with a toe injury but made a popular return to Test level during The Rugby Championship. Bell had a tough day against Wales, but is improving at the set-piece and packs a punch as a ball-carrier in the loose, as Tom Curry can attest. Bell will continue to be a key player for the Wallabies approaching the 2025 British and Irish Lions series and beyond. FM","copy2":"Bell holds the record for the most defenders beaten by any tier-one prop in a Test, with nine in the Wallabies\u2019 win over England in the Autumn Nations Series, according to Opta, who have been recording this statistic since 2010.","copy3":"\u201cHe is a future Wallabies captain, there is no doubt about that. We\u2019ve seen that in the last couple of years.\u201d Two-time Rugby World Cup-winning Wallaby Tim Horan, in 2023.","country":"Australia","team":"36","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/4846.png.webp?maxw=444","number":89,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/Australia.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/415.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725412116"]},{"id":"7496","name":"Jiuta Wainiqolo","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/jiuta-wainiqolo\/","copy1":"Compiling Wainiqolo\u2019s best clips wouldn\u2019t make a highlight reel so much as a feature-length film. He has set jaws gaping and heads spinning that many times. Remember the Toulon wing\u2019s slashing run to sink Saracens in the Challenge Cup semi-finals two years ago? Or his pin-wheeling howitzer against Clermont which went viral online. How about just a few weeks ago, before Fiji played Wales, when he bamboozled half of Lyon to score from his own 22. Wainiqolo is box-office. He won an Olympics gold in 2021, earning him a lucrative move to the Cote d\u2019Azur. The speed is immense, but it\u2019s not Wainiqolo\u2019s only weapon. He can hot-step and swivel, bounce off either foot or simply throw out his hips and sway past flailing arms without breaking stride. Watch him fly. JL","copy2":"This season, Wainiqolo has beaten eight defenders on average and carried for almost 100m per Top14 match.","copy3":"\u201cJiuta goes at 3000km\/h, so it\u2019s better to give him the ball in space.\u201d Toulon fly-half Paolo Garbisi, whose kick-pass teed up Wainiqolo\u2019s try against Lyon.","country":"Fiji","team":"10","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/7496.png.webp?maxw=444","number":90,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/Fiji.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/213.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725484680"]},{"id":"3274","name":"Jasper Wiese","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/jasper-wiese\/","copy1":"Jasper Wiese was handed a six-match ban in Leicester\u2019s final match of the Premiership and as a result missed the Springboks\u2019 first six Tests of 2024. When he returned for the Freedom Cup series against New Zealand, the 120kg (18st 12lb) juggernaut appeared desperate to make up for lost time. The Boks attack took on another dimension at the back end of the Rugby Championship, with Wiese providing the impetus after fielding the restarts and other deep kicks. While the Boks have sought to harness the speed and agility of their backline to a greater degree this season, their success on both sides of the ball still hinges on their gain-line success. Wiese remains one of their most influential warriors in this facet. JC","copy2":"Topped the regular-season Premiership charts for carries last term for Leicester Tigers, contributing 254, and only Bristol hot-stepper Gabriel Ibitoye beat more defenders. The South African also averaged the most carries per match in this year\u2019s Rugby Championship.","copy3":"What they say: \u201cJasper knows very well that if he plays cautious rugby or holds back on the field, he will not be selected. I am very happy to have him back in the team [after the ban]. He is very physical and a big factor on the advantage line.\u201d Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus.","country":"South Africa","team":"57","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/3274.png.webp?maxw=444","number":91,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/South-Africa.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/106.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725488599"]},{"id":"2993","name":"Courtney Lawes","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/courtney-lawes\/","copy1":"The former England back-row is playing as well as ever at high-flying French ProD2 side Brive. The fairytale finish at Northampton after 17 seasons as a Saint, lifting the Premiership trophy as captain, has not diminished his desire to win, as an early match-winning tackle on Enzo Morand-Bruyant against Soyaux-Angouleme recently proved. At 35, he is still very much a physical force to be reckoned with. Not many players plying their trade in France\u2019s second tier are picked for Lions tours but Lawes could prove to be an exception and he\u2019s gone on record as saying he wants a fourth tour. Few would bet against him. NS","copy2":"He won more lineouts than any other player on the 2017 Lions tour to New Zealand - 18 - including four steals.","country":"England","copy3":"What they say:\u00a0\u201cPlayers look up to Courts and that is something that is intangible.\u201d Phil Dowson, Lawes\u2019s\nformer director of rugby at Northampton.","team":"85","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/2993.png.webp?maxw=444","number":92,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/England.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/203.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725493185"]},{"id":"6656","name":"Ange Capuozzo","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/ange-capuozzo\/","copy1":"Toulouse, serial Top 14 and European champions, have recently pledged a new four-year deal for their Italian sprite; a sign of the growth the 25-year-old can still harness. Indeed, if you\u2019ve got the biggest rugby club in the world scrambling for their chequebook, you\u2019re either very, very big, or seriously good. Capuozzo hardly fulfils the former criteria. Lithe and wiry, with elfin features and a slight but muscular frame - the Springboks gym is equipped with dumb-bells almost the same weight as the Italian full-back. Yet Capuozzo thrives in this land of giants. His thrilling surges from deep, propelled by raw speed and transfixing footwork, spring-loaded sidesteps and effortless body swerves, remind us rugby still has room for the small guys. And he is no shrinking violet in the aerial skirmishes, increasingly important as World Rugby banishes escorting team-mates from the lawbook. He\u2019ll be a kingpin in this developing Italy group for many years. JL","copy2":"At the time of writing, no Top 14 player has made more line breaks this season. Capuzzo has flummoxed almost 30 tacklers, run for close to 700m and was named the league\u2019s player of the month for October. ","copy3":"\u201cI\u2019ll be honest, the conversations we had about him were that he was too small. Obviously, players can make idiots of you and he certainly has. Ange was gifted but we were worried he wouldn\u2019t be big enough and he\u2019s proven us all wrong.\u201d Bernard Jackman, Capuozzo\u2019s former Grenoble coach.","country":"Italy","team":"74","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/6656.png.webp?maxw=444","number":93,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/Italy.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/214.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725484700"]},{"id":"541","name":"Pablo Matera","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/pablo-matera\/","copy1":" It is no secret in rugby circles that Pablo Matera could be looking for a new club, when his Mie Honda Heat finishes in Japan. This after another season in which he shone in playing 11 of Los Pumas\u2019 12 Tests and was selected in World Rugby\u2019s Men\u2019s 15s Dream Team of the Year alongside Pieter-Steph du Toit and Caelan Doris. Clearly, he should have no problem finding suitors at the highest level. At 6ft 4ins and over 17st (108 kg), Matera relishes physical confrontation and the recent Autumn Nations Series showed that there is sufficient rugby left in the legs of this battle-worn 31-year-old to thrive in any professional league in the world. FD","copy2":"In his 108-Test career, Pablo Matera received his first ever red card in Argentina\u2019s final game of The Rugby Championship against the Springboks in Mbombela in September, after coming on as a second-half replacement. He was suspended for one game, missing the recent Test against Ireland.","copy3":"\u201cPablo was massive [against the All Blacks), wasn\u2019t he? You\u2019ve got to give him a little golf clap on that. He was superb. He was fantastic. He\u2019s just so passionate.\u201d New Zealand coach Scott Robertson on Matera\u2019s performance in the Pumas\u2019 38-30 victory in Wellington in August.","country":"Argentina","team":"304","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/541.png.webp?maxw=444","number":94,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/Argentina.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/10005202.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725489794"]},{"id":"4368","name":"Len Ikitau","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/len-ikitau\/","copy1":"After suffering a fractured scapula and missing out on selection for the 2023 Rugby World Cup, Len Ikitau made sure to remind everyone in 2024 why he\u2019s considered one of the best midfielders in the southern hemisphere. Ikitau impressed during 12 starts for the ACT Brumbies this year and carried that irresistible form into the Test arena with Joe Schmidt\u2019s Wallabies, having cemented his place as one of the nation\u2019s first-choice centres. The 26-year-old brings stability, leadership and direction to Australia\u2019s backline as a world-class defender, and fans have also been treated to the very best of Ikitau\u2019s attacking prowess during the Autumn Nations Series, with his sublime late offload to Max Jorgensen against England, and mesmerising footwork to outfox Cameron Winnett in Cardiff. FM","copy2":"Ikitau has played 779 minutes out of a possible 800 since starting at outside centre against Georgia during the July internationals, missing only 21 minutes in a 10-Test stretch.","copy3":"\u201cThe form he had in that game (against England) and in Super Rugby, I think he is a world-class centre and he should be in the Wallabies line-up every week.\u201d ACT Brumbies head coach Stephen Larkham.","country":"Australia","team":"35","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/4368.png.webp?maxw=444","number":95,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/Australia.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/402.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725411929"]},{"id":"4551","name":"Sebastian Negri da Ollegio","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/sebastian-negri-da-ollegio\/","copy1":"The bulldozer of Benetton is Italy\u2019s go-to carrier, a back-row hewn from iron and a willing runner into the thickest of defensive walls. So much of his most important work occurs in those dark corridors around the fringes, off slow ball, when a defence is set and the attacker the underdog. Negri rattles cages and does the pugilism which allows his fleeter-footed team-mates to flourish. This autumn, he racked up a fracture-inducing 29 carries against Georgia, then six days later went for 80 minutes and made 14 more when the All Blacks came to Turin. Negri is, however, much more than work rate \u2013 he boasts soft hands, a shrewd tactical mind and is a deep thinker. Much of that may stem from the trauma of his past. Negri was a boy when his family fled their farm during Robert Mugabe\u2019s Zimbabwean land seizures. A hugely impressive speaker with a warm personality, Negri has emerged as a key figurehead for an Italian outfit which remains laced with youth. JL","copy2":"Negri averaged 14 carries and 18 tackles per match during this year\u2019s Six Nations - an exceptional number of involvements with and without possession.","copy3":"\u201cThe people who love me know who I am, and I have that competitive side to me, which doesn\u2019t have much respect for my body. They\u2019re probably going to have to take care of me when I\u2019m a little bit older.\u201d Sebastian Negri.","country":"Italy","team":"67","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/4551.png.webp?maxw=444","number":96,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/Italy.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/301.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725488394"]},{"id":"3772","name":"Mack Hansen","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/mackenzie-hansen\/","copy1":"The Australian, who qualifies for Ireland through his mother Diana, arrived at Connacht in late 2021 and did not take long to catch everyone\u2019s attention. He scored six tries in his first seven games, including collector\u2019s items against Leinster and the Bulls, and was called into Ireland\u2019s 2022 Six Nations squad. Hansen was player of the match on his Test debut and scored a high-flying try against France a week later. It was all part of a whirlwind 26 months that saw the winger help Ireland to a Grand Slam, beat the All Blacks in New Zealand, reach a league semi-final with Connacht, score 20 tries and form an unlikely bromance with Johnny Sexton. To top it off he inked an Andy Farrell tattoo on his leg. After a serious shoulder injury saw him miss the 2024 Six Nations, he returned to action at the start of this season, reclaiming his starting spot with Ireland and dotted down in victories over Argentina and Fiji. PM ","copy2":"Though injury ruled him out of the 2024 Six Nations, Hansen made more gain-line carries than any other playing during the 2023 edition. The wing also averaged over 100m gained and four defenders beaten per match in three Connacht games last season.\u202f","copy3":"\u201cHe\u2019s been a breath of fresh air. An incredible character, good person\u2026 above it all he\u2019s an incredible athlete and one of the world\u2019s best wingers.\u201d Peter O\u2019Mahony, Ireland flanker.","country":"Ireland","team":"83","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/3772.png.webp?maxw=444","number":97,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/Ireland.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/304.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725425213"]},{"id":"305","name":"Bongi Mbonambi","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/mbongeni-mbonami\/","copy1":"Rassie Erasmus raised a few eyebrows after he picked Bongi Mbonambi to start at hooker during the latter stages of the 2019 World Cup. The coach went on to explain that the pocket battleship was built for the set-piece grind, which so often characterises the first half, and that Malcolm Marx was better suited to a finishing role in the second stanza. The Springboks coaches have stuck with this winning formula for the better part of five seasons, and Mbonambi, as the team\u2019s \u2018scrum captain\u2019, has been at the centre of many powder-keg set-piece performances. South Africa certainly took things further in 2024 and with the abrasive Mbonambi leading the charge, were habitually winning several scrum penalties per match. JC","copy2":"Mbonambi's accurate lineout throwing underpinned South Africa\u2019s Rugby Championship campaign. He had a 100% record heading into his final two matches and finished with 31 of his 33 throws finding their target.\u202f","copy3":"\u201cIf you need a leader to lead a bunch of dogs, then he is the guy.\u202fHe is the main dog.\u201d Former Springboks coach Jacques Nienaber.","country":"South Africa","team":"17","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/305.png.webp?maxw=444","number":98,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/South-Africa.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/412.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725488495"]},{"id":"391","name":"Tomos Williams","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/tomos-williams\/","country":"Wales","team":"55","copy1":"A former basketball player at international age-grade level, Tomos Williams has added maturity and game management to his repertoire over the last 12 months. His move to Gloucester in the summer saw him emerge as one of the form players in the Premiership, where the variety and breadth of his kicking and offloading game has come to the fore. A running threat in broken-field, with snarl and nous in equal measure honed on the playing fields around Treorchy, he should spearhead Wales\u2019 creative output in the Six Nations once he recovers from a shoulder injury sustained last month against Fiji. Williams is also in with a decent shout of taking one of the three scrum-half slots for the 2025 Lions. OJ","copy2":"In an eye-catching start to his Premiership career, Williams has had a try involvement every 55 minutes for the Cherry & Whites.","copy3":"\u201cTomos Williams has shown he's one of, if not the, best scrum-half in the Premiership.\u201d Fellow Gloucester scrum-half Caolan Englefield","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/391.png.webp?maxw=444","number":99,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/Wales.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/104.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725425279"]},{"id":"209","name":"Robbie Henshaw","show":"false","link":"https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/players\/robbie-henshaw\/","country":"Ireland","team":"73","copy1":"Of all the Irish centres earmarked as \u2018the next Brian O\u2019Driscoll\u2019, Robbie Henshaw has the best record and most complete CV. Most of his early starts were at full-back but it did not take his coaches long to recognise that, at a strapping 6ft 3ins and over 16st (102kg), denting defences in midfield was his true calling. Henshaw made his Connacht debut at 19 and was playing for Ireland - first replacing O\u2019Driscoll then Rob Kearney, against Australia - one year later. Softly-spoken off the field, Henshaw is abrasive and hard-hitting on it. He helped Connacht to Pro12 glory in May 2016, knowing he had already sealed a deal to join the team they beat that day \u2013 Leinster. Has won the Six Nations on four occasions, featured in three World Cups and two British & Irish Lions Tours, and is still only 31. PM ","copy2":"\u2018Only two of Henshaw\u2019s teammates from his Ireland debut, in June 2013, are still in the current set-up \u2013 Peter O'Mahony and Iain Henderson.\u2019","copy3":"\u201cHe\u2019s great in the air. I have seen him develop, improve and mature. That's been probably one of the biggest highlights for me, just in terms of how he has developed into an absolute world-class midfielder.\u201d Warren Gatland, former Lions head coach","image":"https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/players\/head\/209.png.webp?maxw=444","number":100,"hasCopy1":true,"hasCopy2":true,"hasCopy3":true,"icons":["https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/flags\/Ireland.png.webp","https:\/\/eu-cdn.rugbypass.com\/webp-images\/images\/team-images\/logos\/png\/309.png.webp?maxw=60&v=1725488433"]}]