The 10 best locks in the world right now (Ranked 10-1)

Here we rank the best locks in world rugby right now, based on form, influence, consistency, and impact at the highest level in the international game today.

The quiet operator of the All Blacks engine room, Vaa’i doesn’t chase headlines—but serious rugby people know his value. With silky hands, a huge work rate, and real bite in the tight exchanges, he’s developed into a top-class lock who thrives on doing the unseen work.

He made his Test debut on 11 October 2020 against Australia, becoming the first player born in the 21st century to represent New Zealand. Since then, he’s steadily built a reputation as one of the game’s most reliable and well-rounded second-rowers.

Composed beyond his years, Holland plays with maturity, control, and authority in the tight five. A natural organiser, he brings stability at lineout time, defensive steel, and calm decision-making under pressure.

He debuted in Round 1 of the 2025 Rugby Championship against Argentina and grew with each Test, producing 14 tackles and key recoveries against Australia by Round 6. Born in the Netherlands and based in New Zealand since 2019, he featured across the 2025 France tour and end-of-year Tests, and was crowned World Rugby Men’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year.

Tall, athletic, and supremely versatile, Chessum is equally effective in the second row or back row. Renowned for his relentless engine, dominant tackling, strong ball-carrying, and lineout excellence, he combines brute strength with rare mobility.

He captained Leicester Tigers early in the 2024–25 season, earned an RFU Elite Player contract, and returned to England’s starting XV in the 2025 Six Nations. Selected for the 2025 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia, he played in all three Tests, starting the series-clinching second Test, and was later named Leicester captain for the 2025–26 season.

Elegant, mobile, and deceptively athletic, Flament brings a basketball-like bounce to the French pack. His offloading skills, footwork, and ability to break defensive lines make him a unique attacking weapon from lock.

He debuted for France in November 2021, scoring a try against Argentina, and quickly established himself at Test level. In 2022, he played a key role in France’s Six Nations Grand Slam, cementing his place as one of the most modern and dynamic locks in world rugby.

Built for confrontation, McCarthy thrives on physical dominance. His powerful ball-carrying, aggressive defence, and presence at set piece make him a destructive force in the tight exchanges.

He debuted for Ireland in 2022 and became a core figure ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup. His standout performance in Ireland’s 2024 Six Nations opener against France earned him Player of the Match, confirming his status as one of the most influential enforcers in Test rugby.

When fit, Skelton is simply overwhelming—an enormous frame paired with surprising agility and soft hands. His presence alone warps defensive structures, making him one of the most difficult forwards in the game to contain.

He debuted for Australia in 2014 against France, scoring in his first Test, and later returned after injury setbacks. In 2023, he captained the Wallabies at the Rugby World Cup, symbolising their physical edge and leadership in the forward pack.

Relentless, disciplined, and immensely durable, Nortje is the embodiment of Springbok consistency. He excels in the unseen areas—ruck work, restarts, tight exchanges—while providing rock-solid lineout security and tireless defence.

Throughout the Rugby Championship, he delivered dominant performances against Australia, New Zealand, and Argentina, contributing key turnovers and physical control. His unselfish, high-impact style has made him a first-choice lock in South Africa’s biggest matches.

The ultimate utility forward, Beirne blends the skillset of a flanker with the physicality of a lock. His breakdown work, handling, and tactical awareness set him apart as one of the smartest forwards in the game.

A standout on the 2021 Lions tour, he was again selected in 2025, starting all three Tests in the series win over Australia and earning Player of the Series. Central to Ireland’s rise to the top of world rugby, Beirne remains one of the most valuable players in the global game.

Still the heartbeat of England’s pack, Itoje combines explosive athleticism, fierce competitiveness, and elite lineout mastery with a sharp rugby brain. When fully switched on, few forwards can match his impact.

A multiple Premiership and European champion with Saracens and a key figure on three British & Irish Lions tours, he has also claimed a Grand Slam with England. In July 2025, he reached 100 international caps, underlining a career of sustained excellence at the highest level.

The undisputed king of the locks, Etzebeth is the physical and emotional heartbeat of the Springboks. Brutal in contact, dominant in the lineout, and an intimidating presence for any opponent, he defines modern forward power.

He earned his 100th cap in 2022 and in 2024 surpassed Victor Matfield to become South Africa’s most-capped player while winning the Rugby Championship. Fearsome, iconic, and still setting the standard, Etzebeth remains the benchmark for the position. A recent ban for an eye-gouge is very on-brand for one of the scariest players in rugby.