The 25 best players in the history of rugby – ranked

In 2023, the British newspaper The Independent published its ranking of the 100 greatest rugby players of all time. The list sparked debate… Here, according to SUN, are the 25 greatest players in rugby history.

The lightning footwork of Cheslin Kolbe continues to terrorise defences worldwide. In 2018, the South African joined Stade Toulousain, where he established himself as one of the most elusive wingers on the planet. He won two Top 14 titles and a European Cup with Toulouse but, more importantly, played a key role in the Springboks’ World Cup triumphs in 2019 and 2023.

Another winger at number 24—Jason Robinson. The English speedster was one of the most popular players to wear the Red Rose and was considered one of the world’s best one-on-one attackers. A 2003 World Cup winner, he was admired and respected by all.

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The first New Zealander on the list is none other than Sam Whitelock. The most-capped All Black in history, with over 150 appearances, he won two World Cups (2011 and 2015) and formed the greatest second-row partnership ever alongside Brodie Retallick.

Iconic Springboks captain during the 1995 World Cup, Francois Pienaar was one of the best back-rowers in the game. Powerful, a superb tackler and skilful with ball in hand, it was his leadership that truly set him apart.

Ever seen a second-row kick penalties? No? Well, John Eales did! A true all-rounder, the Australian could do it all. Nicknamed "Nobody" by his teammates—because "nobody is perfect"—he won two World Cups with Australia, in 1991 and 1999.

The towering South African (2.03m) is a true force of nature. The ultimate antagonist, he's hated by opponents… but every team would want him. His size, strength and cunning made him one of the most effective forwards in history, a powerhouse who helped drive the Springboks to World Cup glory in 2019 and 2023.

An iconic inside centre for the All Blacks from 2003 to 2015, Ma'a Nonu is unforgettable. Powerful, fast and unpredictable, he was unstoppable on his day. In 2015, he helped secure the World Cup for New Zealand with a stunning solo try against Australia… his second Webb Ellis trophy after 2011.

Regarded as the greatest scrum-half in All Blacks history, Aaron Smith is a live wire. A skilful, fast and intelligent player, he was the perfect playmaker for launching All Blacks attacks. His partnerships with Carter and then Barrett were electric.

Named World Rugby Player of the Year in 2018, Jonathan Sexton is a legend of Irish rugby. The starting fly-half for Ireland from 2009 to 2023, his longevity is as impressive as his consistency, both in kicking and open play. A true role model for rugby players everywhere.

A World Cup winner, four-time Six (or Five) Nations champion and double European Cup winner with Leicester… Martin Johnson won it all in his career, both with England and his club, Leicester Tigers, where he spent almost his entire playing career.

One of the fastest players ever to set foot on a rugby pitch, Bryan Habana was named IRB Player of the Year in 2007. That same year, he led South Africa to World Cup glory, setting a tournament record with eight tries. He also won two European Cups and a Top 14 title with RC Toulon.

Twice named World Player of the Year (2016, 2017), Beauden Barrett has established himself as one of the greatest fly-halves in rugby history. A unique talent, he is a brilliant line-breaker and has scored countless crucial tries for the All Blacks. Barrett is a constant threat who must be watched at all times.

Alongside John Eales and Jason Little, Tim Horan is one of only three Australians to win two World Cups (1991, 1999). A complete player in every sense, his qualities as a centre are too many to list. Like John Eales, he was the definition of a perfect player, equally capable of serving the team and taking decisive action when needed.

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Originally from Samoa, Michael Jones only joined the All Blacks later in his career, in 1987. It turned out to be the right choice, as he helped New Zealand win the 1987 World Cup and was one of the tournament’s standout players. He missed the semi-final of the 1991 World Cup, and his absence was felt as the All Blacks lost to Australia, a defeat seen as a national humiliation.

Like Michael Jones, Sean Fitzpatrick won the inaugural World Cup in 1987. He became All Blacks captain after the 1991 tournament and established himself as the world’s best hooker with his warrior-like mentality. Unfortunately, he fell short of a second World Cup title in 1995. Still, he remains a legend and one of the greatest hookers in history.

No second-row partnership has ever dominated like Brodie Retallick and Sam Whitelock. Retallick’s influence was so immense that in 2014, he became the first lock to be named World Rugby Player of the Year. A 2015 World Cup winner, he is arguably the greatest second-row forward of all time.

The first Frenchman on this list… and who else but Serge Blanco? Widely regarded as the best full-back of all time, the flamboyant Frenchman was a revolutionary player with breathtaking skill. A generational talent, he never quite achieved the silverware he deserved—six tournament wins with France but no titles with Biarritz Olympique.

Considered the best player in the world today, Antoine Dupont is in a league of his own. He has no weaknesses—his kicking is exceptional, he is fast, powerful and agile, he captains France and is an Olympic sevens champion… all by the age of 28.

Like Serge Blanco, David Campese was a player ahead of his time. The unpredictable Australian winger, famous for inventing the "goose step," won the 1991 World Cup and scored 64 tries for the Wallabies. His unique creativity transformed the sport, making him one of rugby’s most iconic figures.

When we talk about the greatest rugby players in history, it's about more than just skill. It's about influence, leadership and class. On that last point, few can match Brian O'Driscoll. Captain of Leinster and Ireland, the centre could cut through any defence. A legend in Ireland, the slogan "In BOD We Trust" is known by all. He won the Six Nations twice, in 2009 and 2014.

For years, Gareth Edwards was considered the greatest player of all time. Standing at just 1.73m and weighing 70kg, he was rugby's first "professional"—a relentless worker who dedicated his life to the game. One of the first in Europe to spin-pass, he captained Wales in the 1970s and won the Five Nations seven times.

The definition of class. The perfect gentleman… but above all, what a player! Johnny Wilkinson had gold in his feet and hands. He wasn't the most physical player on the pitch, but he was an outstanding playmaker, able to put the ball exactly where he wanted. His wrong-footed drop goal in the 2003 World Cup final remains one of rugby's most iconic moments.

When it comes to impact on the pitch, Jonah Lomu is surely number one. A true bulldozer, the winger was unreal. Despite weighing 120kg, he was faster than most wingers in the world. A wrecking ball that couldn't be stopped, as shown by his four tries in the 1995 World Cup semi-final against England. No rugby player had ever looked so powerful and dominant.

Two-time World Cup winner, eight Tri-Nations titles, four Super 12-14 championships, a French league title… Dan Carter won everything. The fly-half was the perfect player, with no flaws in his game. Named World Player of the Year three times (2005, 2012 and 2015), he is the greatest fly-half in history.

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Richie McCaw is in a league of his own… which is why he's number one. The flanker was the embodiment of rugby—an incredibly intelligent player who knew how to work the rules to his advantage. The New Zealander, captain of the All Blacks and the second-most capped player in history behind Sam Whitelock, won it all. Every victory bore his mark. A unique leader, a cunning but invaluable player. Proof of his greatness? He was named World Player of the Year three times, in 2006, 2009 and 2010.