Top 50 Rugby Players of the Modern Era

Rugby is among one of the toughest sports to rank players individually.

More than any other sport, rugby is a team game. 15 players is a lot. And with each position demanding an uber specific role, signifying individual performers is made much more difficult. Plus, it wasn't a professional sport until 1995, which hinders the growth of the sport to such an extreme that it's difficult to compare present to past players.

However! Let's not be boring. Here is a list of the top 50 rugby players of the modern era. This is a list of the greatest players. Slightly different than just the flat out most talented. This list is an opinion piece, based on the following facts:

Team achievements, career longevity, individual records, talent and overall legacy play a part in this selection. We're also not playing the 'time machine' game, of course a Julian Savea, or an Israel Folau would destroy everything in his wake in 1995, but players are only comparable to the era they played in.

And now.. without further ado.. here is the full list of the 50 Greatest Rugby Players Ever. All images obtained through a basic google search.

50. Julian Savea (NZ)

A meteoric rise and one of the most efficient and rampant try-scoring runs ever, Julian Savea, in doing his best impression of Jonah Lomu, earns his spot, inching in to the top 50.

Recent flame-out with the national team aside, 46 tries in 54 tests speaks for itself. With 8 coming in a world cup winning effort. Other accolades include 2 Player of the Year nominations.

49. Juan-Martin Hernandez (ARG)

A break out star in Argentina's 2007 Rugby World Cup campaign. A semi-final appearance which proved instrumental in bringing the pumas into the top flight of southern hemisphere rugby.

'El Maggio' clocks in 15 years of servitude, 74 caps and a 2007 nomination for player of the year.

48. Francois Steyn (RSA)

Known for his strong defensive prowess and record-breaking right boot. Francois Steyn is one of only 2 South African internationals to have 2 world cup medals in his trophy cabinet.

Other achievements include - a key role in the 2009 victory over the British and Irish Lions, the longest drop goal ever recorded, and a Player of the Year nomination in 2009.

47. Jean de Villiers (RSA)

A staple of the South African team, and later captain, Jean de Villiers won 2 Tri-Nations and a world cup in his time with the Springboks.

46. Tendai Mtawarira (RSA)

Aptly titled 'The Beast' and one of the few players to generate a chant with the slightest involvement. Mtawarira is one of rugby's first modern props, and one of its most influential players.

Famously thrashed Phil Vickery to help his country beat the Lions in 09. 'The Beast' cemented his legacy as one of the world's best ever front-rows.

45. Joe Rokocoko (NZ)

When Jonah Lomu was ruled out at the last minute of the 2003 World Cup, Rokocoko filled some pretty big shoes.

But fill he did, the ensuing result was a 7-year, 46 try career with one of the most lethal attacking All Black teams.

44. Johnny Sexton (IRE)

The first player on this list to be the winner of World Player of the Year, Johnny Sexton emerged as one of the game's top tens in Leinster's 2011 Heineken Cup title.

Since then, Sexton has won 2 more Heineken Cups, clocked in close to 1,000 international points, 2 Lions tours and 3 Six Nations Championships.

43. Tana Umaga (NZ)

An 8 year run as the outside centre for the All Blacks, Umaga was named captain of the team in 2004. He led the side to a dominant 3-0 test victory over the Lions in 2005.

He finished his International career with 74 caps and 36 tries, and an impressive 5 Tri-Nations Championships.

42. Gethin Jenkins (WAL)

He may not look it, but Gethin Jenkins is one of the most mobile and durable front-row forwards ever.

The most capped prop of all time, Jenkins is one of a small group of Welsh players to win 3 Grand Slams. He also appeared in 3 Lions Tours.

41. Aaron Smith (NZ)

New Zealand's most capped scrum half, Aaron Smith is the youngest entrant on the list so far.

With 6 Rugby Championships and a 2015 World Cup medal, Aaron Smith has been one of the most consistent performers of the past decade. He is also the Highlanders' most capped player ever.

40. Keith Wood (IRE)

He was the first player ever to win World Player of the Year, which he did in 2000. Keith Wood was a dynamic and skillful hooker ahead of his time.

He still holds the record for most international tries scored by a hooker, he was inducted into the Rugby Hall of Fame in 2014.

39. Percy Montgomery (RSA)

When Percy Montgomery finished his playing career for the Springboks, he held the record for most caps and points scored.

Throw in 3 Currie Cups, 2 Tri-Nations wins and a 2007 World Cup win, not a bad resume for old Percy.

38. Christian Cullen (NZ)

The 9th - highest international try scorer of all time, and third highest in Super Rugby, Christian Cullen was one of the most electric counter-attacking players the game has ever produced.

37. George Smith (AUS)

The second highest capped flanker ever (behind a man we'll get to later). George Smith is also the youngest player ever to reach 100 caps.

One of the rare 20-year professional careers, Smith retired in 2019.

36. Doug Howlett (NZ)

With 49 tries in 62 games, Doug Howlett has more tries for the New Zealand national team, than any other player. He also holds the record for most tries in the Super Rugby competition. He won 5 Tri-Nations trophies with New Zealand

He also had one of the great swan songs in the game, finishing his career with Munster, where he won a Heineken Cup in 2008.

35. Israel Folau (AUS)

After one of the most controversial exits in world rugby, it seems the career of Israel Folau is written in stone.

Even with it cut short, Folau was a comet for his 6 year stretch, with 32 international tries, a Super Rugby title in 2014, and a Rugby Championship win with Australia in 2015. He was also nominated for World Player of the Year in 2017.

34. Will Genia (AUS)

Will Genia was year after year considered one of the best scrum halves of his era. He won the Super Rugby tournament, as well as the Tri-Nations in 2011, he was nominated for World Player of the Year that same year. He was on the Australian team who won the Rugby Championship in 2014.

He was capped 110 times for his country, scoring 18 tries in the process.

33. Owen Farrell (ENG)

At the age of 28, Owen Farrell has the following on his resume: 2-time Six Nations Champion, 5-time Aviva Premiership champion, 3-time Champions Cup winner.

2017 European Player of the Year. Nominated for World Player of the Year in 2012, 2016 and 2017.

He also has a Lions series win, and nailed the crucial kicks to draw the series against New Zealand. He's at 33 so far, and climbing.

32. Brodie Retallick (NZ)

Retallick is the youngest player ever to win World Rugby Player of the Year, and the only Lock to ever do so.

He's won 2 Super Rugby titles with the Chiefs. With the All Blacks an amazing 6 Rugby Championships in 7 years. He was also in the 2015 World Cup winning side.

31. Ma'a Nonu (NZ)

Cut from the same cloth as a previous entry on this list; Tana Umaga. Nonu is one of the most recognizable stars in the last decade of world rugby.

In 12 years with the New Zealand team, Nonu has scored 31 test tries and has won 2 World Cups. He was nominated for World Player of the Year in 2011.

30. Sam Warburton (WAL)

Warburton holds the record for most caps as captain of the Welsh national team. He has led the side to 3 Six Nation titles, 2 of which were Grand Slams.

He is also one of few players to captain 2 Lions Tours. He is undefeated in these tours, with a series win in 2013, and a draw in 2017.

29. Bismarck du Plessis (RSA)

While not one of the most storied careers on this list, Bismarck du Plessis was a dominant player and the best hooker of his era. So good, they moved John Smit to tighthead to accommodate Bismarck on the national team, where he's been capped 79 times, with 11 tries.

28. Thierry Dusautoir (FRA)

One of the finest back-row players ever. Led his country to an improbable World Cup Final appearance in 2011. Still holds the record for most tackles in a single game, with 38. Won World Player of the Year in 2011. Won a Top 14, Heineken Cup and 3 Six Nations Championships.

27. Matt Giteau (AUS)

The man has a rule named after him. 'Giteau's Law' was founded in 2015 so over-seas players could play for the Australian national team. Giteau has won 3 European titles and a Top 14 with Toulon, he has over 100 caps for his country and was nominated for World Player of the Year in 2004.

26. Michael Hooper (AUS)

One of the most impactful leaders in the modern era. Michael Hooper has captained the Waratahs to a Super Rugby victory, captained Australia to a 2015 Rugby Championship. He has a World Cup Final appearance and was nominated for World Player of the Year in 2015.

25. Schalk Burger (RSA)

2004 World Player of the Year. Most international caps and tries for a South African flanker. World Cup winner.

Need I say more?

24. Jason Robinson (ENG)

Jason Robinson was one of the most lethally quick players ever. He scored historic tries in the 2001 Lions Tour and 2003 World Cup. He was capped 51 times for England, scoring 28 tries in the process. He is a World Cup winner and was nominated for World Player of the Year in 2002.

23. Sergio Parisse (ITA)

One of the great back-rowers of modern rugby. Unfortunate to be stuck playing for unsuccessful Italian teams. Despite the lack of team success, Parisse has stood out as a phenomenal player.

He was nominated for World Player of the year twice: in 2008 and 2013, the first and only Italian to do so.

22. Alun-Wyn Jones (WAL)

Wales' current captain is the most capped Lock ever. He has been on 3 Lions Tours and captained the side in the decisive third test in 2013 against Australia, which he won. He was nominated for World Player of the Year in 2015 and 2019.

He has 138 caps for Wales and has won 3 Grand Slams.

21. George Gregan (AUS)

Known for his skill and tenacity, George Gregan was inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame in 2013.

He won a World Cup in 1999, he captained the side 4 years later to a silver medal. He has 2 Tri-Nations Championships, he was apart of the 2001 team that beat the British and Irish Lions, and he was among the first nominees for World Player of the Year. He has the record for most Australian Test caps.

20. John Smit (RSA)

John Smit won 72% of the games in which he captained the Springboks. This includes a Rugby World Cup 2007 win.

A 2009 2-1 series win over the British and Irish Lions.

2 Tri-Nations Championships (2004,2009)

An illustrious eleven year, 111 cap career as the leader of one of the best international teams ever.

He was inducted into the IRB Hall of Fame in 2011.

19. Lawrence Dallaglio (ENG)

Another Hall of Fame inductee in 2016.

Dallaglio was capped 85 times for England over a 12 -year span, he went on 3 Lions Tours. He has won both a Rugby 7s World Cup (1993), and Rugby World Cup (2003) gold medals.

He won 4 Six Nations Championships with England, one of which was a Grand Slam. He won 5 English Premierships with his club, London Wasps , 3 in a row. He won 2 Heineken Cups, where he captained the side.

18. Paul O'Connell (IRE)

Paul O'Connell is one of Ireland's most beloved sports figures. He won 2 Heineken Cup medals and 3 Pro14 titles with Munster. He was nominated twice for World Player of the Year. He won 3 Six Nations Championships, one of which was a Grand Slam in 2009.

He was selected Tour Captain for the 2009 Lions Tour, and he was apart of the 2013 Tour-winning team.

17. Stephen Larkham (AUS)

Stephen Larkham and George Gregan have played more tests together than any half back partnership, at 79 matches. In this time Larkham was instrumental in securing Australia its place in the 1999 World Cup Final. With a now famous 48 metre drop goal to seal the victory. Larkham was capped 102 times for Australia, he played at three world cups, and he was one of the game's first modern, attacking 10s. He was inducted inot the Hall of Fame in 2018.

16. Shane Williams (WAL)

Considered among the greatest wingers ever, Shane Williams scored 60 tries in his internatioal career.

He was named World Player of the Year in 2008.

He won 2 Grand Slams with the Welsh team and he was selected for 3 Lions Tours.

He was inducted to the Hall of Fame in 2016.

15. Martin Johnson (ENG)

As well as captaining England to their first World Cup victory in 2003, among Johnson's other achievements are 5 Premierships with Leicester Tigers, 2 Heineken Cups.

5 Six Nations Championships in the space of 8 years, 2 of which were Grand Slams. He also captained The Lions to a series win over South Africa in 1997.

14. Victor Matfield (RSA)

Victor Matfield was nominated twice for World Player of the Year, he was named player of the tournament the year South Africa won the 2007 World Cup. He won 2 Tri-Nations, and three Super Rugby titles with the Bulls.

We have him here as the 2nd best Lock of all time.

13. David Pocock (AUS)

David Pocock was virtually unstoppable for a portion of his career. While his team success does not equal the others on this list. He was a dominant breakdown presence and his legacy will be of one of the greatest opensides ever.

Two-time World Player of the Year Nominee, Two-Time Rugby Championship winner.

12. Tim Horan (AUS)

Tim Horan was a vital part of World Cup victories in 1991 and 1999. He was one of the best centres of the decade.

In his 11-year career with the Wallabies, he amounted 80 appearances and 28 tries.

He was inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame in 2015.

11. Beauden Barrett (NZ)

No player has stood out more in recent years than Beauden Barrett. He took over from Dan Carter after New Zealand's 2015 World Cup win.

He then immediately won back-to-back World Player of the Year honours in 2016 and 17. He was nominated for the award again in 2018.

He has scored 32 tries in 83 caps for the All Blacks.

10. John Eales (AUS)

The greatest Lock of all time. Nicknamed 'Nobody' because of the old saying: 'Nobody's Perfect'.

Scored more test points than any forward. Won 2 World Cups, 2 Tri-Nations Championships. Captained the side that beat the 2001 Lions in Australia.

And were in the era of 'Players of the Year' he would've no doubt been in contention multiple years.

One of a kind player, among the first to be made a Hall of Fame inductee in 2007.

9. Kieran Reid (NZ)

Teammate and heir apparent to a player coming up shortly, Kieran Reid has the second most caps as All Black captain.

He has won 4 Super Rugby titles, 7 Rugby Championships in a 9-year span, and 2 World Cups.

He also won World Player of the Year in 2013.

8. Joost van der Westhuizen (RSA)

The greatest scrum-half ever. Van der Westhuizen was renowned for his athleticism and knack for scoring tries.

He finished with 38 international tries for the Springboks, in 89 tests, 10 of which he captained the side. He was apart of South Africa's historic World Cup in 1995. He was inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame in 2007.

7. David Campese (AUS)

While he played mostly before the game was professional, he retired in 1996, which makes him eligible for this list.

Campese scored 64 international tries. He won a world cup with Australia in 1991. He invented the 'goose step'. Bill McLaren, the famous commentator called him 'the greatest rugby player' he ever saw. He is also considered one of the best sevens players ever.

He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2013.

6. Jonny Wilkinson

Possibly the most popular rugby player ever. Certainly responsible for the most famous moment in rugby history. His drop goal to win the 2003 World Cup has ensured himself a permanent place in rugby history.

Other than that? A Premiership Title, 4 Six Nations Championships, 1 Grand Slam, a 2003 World Player of the Year, 2 Heineken Cups and a Top 14 with Toulon at the end of his career.

And over 1,000 International points scored.

5. Bryan Habana (RSA)

One of the rare rugby players who was a threat from anywhere, Bryan Habana is the top international try scorer of all time - with 67 tries in 124 matches with the Springboks.

He was named World Player of the Year in 2007, the same year he won a World Cup.

He won 2 Super Rugby titles with the Bulls. 2 European Champions Cups with Toulon, he has won a Tri Nations and a Lions Series.

4. Jonah Lomu (NZ)

Deemed 'Rugby's first global superstar' Jonah Lomu was a revelation in New Zealand's ill-fated 1995 World Cup campaign.

A combination of speed and power made Lomu seemingly unstoppable, and he is one of the most iconic figures in the history of rugby.

He scored 43 tries for the All Blacks and won two Tri-Nations tournaments.

3. Brian O'Driscoll (IRE)

O'Driscoll is one of the most skilled players we've ever seen. And far and away the best outside centre ever.

Among his achievements are 3 Heineken Cup wins, 2 Six Nations Championships, 1 Grand Slam, 1 Lions Tour win, 3 World Player of the Year Nominations. He is the all-time Six Nations top try scorer. He was named Tour Captain for the Lions in 2005.

He played 133 games for Ireland, scored 46 tries and 5 drop goals.

2. Richie McCaw (NZ)

The stats speak for themselves:

Most capped player of all time. 2-Time World Cup-winning captain. Lions Series-winner in 2005. 27 International tries. 3-Time winner of World Player of the Year. Won 4 Super Rugby titles and 10 Tri-Nations.

Greatly feared and respected as the best back-row player and leader of flat-out dominant All Black and Crusaders teams, Richie McCaw is the greatest forward ever.

Dan Carter (NZ)

The greatest of all time. Dan Carter has been at the top of the rugby world since his showcase in the 2005 Lions Tour.

Since then: 2 World Cup wins, 3 World Player of the Year wins, 9 Tri-Nations Championships and 3 Super Rugby titles.

He has scored 29 tries in 112 tests for the All Blacks. His winning percentage as an All Black is 88.4%. He has scored 1,598 test points, over 300 more than any other player.

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