30 best rugby players in Britain ranked, Owen Farrell sixth

The series commenced with assessments in men's and women's football, followed by men's cricket. The subsequent focus shifted to men's rugby.

To qualify for the top 30, players must currently be engaged in domestic competitions in Britain.

30. Rory Darge - Glasgow

29, Juan Martín González - Saracens

28. Louis Rees-Zammit - Gloucester

They wrote: "Pace and finishing prowess cannot be questioned - the Welsh wing is world class in that regard - but he has probably reached a point whereby he needs to diversify a touch. Still lethal and world class in the wide channels."

27. Emiliano Boffelli - Edinburgh

26. Alex Goode - Saracens

25. Nick Tompkins - Saracens

24. André Esterhuizen - Harlequins

23. Iain Henderson - Ulster

22. Theo McFarland - Saracens

21. Tommy Reffell - Leicester

20. Anthony Watson - Leicester

19. Steven Kitshoff - Ulster

18. Ollie Lawrence - Bath

17. Marcus Smith - Harlequins

They wrote: "A supreme, generational talent who, of late, has looked in as good a nick as ever. Everyone is aware of what the Harlequin can offer – Smith is never far from a highlights reel – but now his goal must be replicating this form on a consistent basis. Should he achieve that, there could be a world beater in-waiting."

16. George Martin - Leicester

15. Duhan van der Merwe - Edinburgh

14. Mateo Carreras - Newcastle

13. Jac Morgan - Ospreys

12. Pierre Schoeman - Edinburgh

11. Freddie Steward - Leicester

10. Ben Earl - Saracens

9. Jasper Wiese - Leicester

8. Darcy Graham - Edinburgh

7. Finn Russell - Bath

They wrote: " On his day, Russell is the world’s best fly-half – do we see ‘his day’ enough, would be the only offering from the devil’s advocate. Regardless, Russell brings unbridled joy to the sport."

6. Owen Farrell - Saracens

5. Julián Montoya - Leicester

4. Maro Itoje - Saracens

3. George Ford - Sale

2. Handré Pollard - Leicester

1. Courtney Lawes - Northampton

They wrote: "Where once he was a one-dimensional enforcer, during the World Cup Lawes demonstrated an astuteness and maturity which had been seldom seen. The Saint won just as much ball on the floor as he did obliterate attackers in the tackle. A worthy No 1."