Best rugby players in the world right now: Ranked 10-1 (Updated)

While the tournament reshaped the cases of several players, others retained their places despite not featuring through injury, selection or eligibility.

From established greats to rising superstars, here are our updated rankings of the 10 best rugby players in the world following the summer international window.

Few fly-halves play with the attacking freedom and confidence of Matthieu Jalibert.

The Bordeaux Bègles playmaker has developed into one of rugby's most entertaining talents, regularly breaking open defences with his footwork, vision and creativity. He was instrumental in the club's successful Champions Cup title defence.

As Bordeaux have cemented their place among Europe's leading sides, Jalibert has thrived as their chief playmaker.

His ability to create chances from the most unlikely situations makes him a constant threat and strengthens his case as France's long term solution at fly-half. His appearances at fullback this summer have also shown the depth of his talent.

Jack Willis may have missed the Nations Championship because he remains ineligible while playing in France, but his absence has only highlighted how important he is to England.

Widely regarded as one of the best back row forwards in the world, Willis is known for his outstanding work at the breakdown, relentless defence and ability to perform across the back row.

Winning the Top 14 Player of the Season award in 2025 reinforced his standing among the game's elite, and he has continued to produce outstanding performances at club level.

England are clearly without one of their most influential players.

Will Jordan's recent form is impossible to ignore.

Jordan scored a hat trick in New Zealand's 47 to 17 win over Italy in Wellington to become the All Blacks' record Test try scorer. His 50th Test try took him beyond Doug Howlett's mark of 49, which had stood for 19 years.

Another against Ireland this weekend extended his lead at the top, and it looks like he is going to take some beating.

With his clinical finishing and extraordinary strike rate, Jordan has firmly earned his place in the top 10.

The All Blacks and the Hurricanes have both enjoyed a remarkable resurgence, with New Zealand winning all three Nations Championship matches and the Hurricanes lifting the Super Rugby title. Roigard has been central to both successes.

The scrum-half is renowned for his explosive running, physical presence and eye for the try line. At just 25, he still has plenty of room to improve and is quickly establishing himself as one of the world's leading players in his position.

Although injury kept him out of the Nations Championship, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu has established himself as one of rugby's most exciting young stars and is rapidly becoming the leading candidate to inherit South Africa's number 10 jersey.

The fly-half has combined fearless attacking instincts with impressive composure, while his record breaking performances for the Springboks have accelerated his rise to the highest level.

Already selected in the World Rugby Dream Team, Feinberg-Mngomezulu looks destined to shape the international game for years to come.

His record 37 point display against Argentina, the most by a Springbok in a single Test, remains one of the standout performances of recent seasons.

Few players represent consistency and commitment better than Pieter-Steph du Toit.

His incredible 28 tackle performance in the 2023 Rugby World Cup final remains one of the greatest individual displays in recent memory.

Now a two time World Rugby Player of the Year at 33, du Toit continues to set the standard with his defensive work rate, physicality and rugby intelligence. Despite making only limited club appearances recently, his place among the world's best remains beyond doubt.

After Bordeaux Bègles' Champions Cup triumph, Maxime Lucu has strengthened his case as the world's best scrum-half.

A natural leader, he has built a superb partnership with Matthieu Jalibert, combining tactical intelligence, accurate kicking and tireless defensive work.

Lucu was named Player of the Match in the Champions Cup final against Leinster after producing a commanding display that helped Bordeaux Bègles retain the European title.

He has also impressed throughout the summer for France, playing a key role in two victories from three Nations Championship matches and showing the team can thrive even without Antoine Dupont.

Malcolm Marx continues to set the benchmark for the modern hooker.

Powerful in contact, relentless around the field and outstanding at the breakdown, he remains one of the most complete forwards in world rugby.

After winning the World Rugby Player of the Year award, Marx became only the second hooker, after Keith Wood, to receive the men's 15s honour and the first to do so since 2001.

Few fly-halves blend creativity with control as effectively as Finn Russell. Once regarded purely as an unpredictable maverick, he has matured into a composed and influential playmaker who combines flair with authority.

During the summer, he became the Lions' primary attacking organiser, directing their most dangerous moments with confidence and precision.

Whether representing Bath or Scotland, Russell has the ability to transform a game with a single decision, something he demonstrated once again against South Africa.

Although fitness issues interrupted his Nations Championship, he remains firmly among the best players in the world.

What more can be said about Louis Bielle-Biarrey? Right now, he looks like the brightest young talent in world rugby.

He scored 34 tries this season, including two in the Champions Cup final and four in the Six Nations finale, further cementing his reputation as one of the game's most devastating attacking threats.

Still only 23 and already a back to back Six Nations Player of the Championship winner, his place at the top of this ranking is beyond question. He has all the qualities needed to become one of rugby's all time greats.

Although he did not feature in the Nations Championship, he comfortably retains the number one spot.