The five best scrum-halves in the world right now - Ranked

With the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour now in the rear-view mirror and a new season approaching, the battle for supremacy at nine is fierce. We rank the five best scrum-halves in world rugby right now, from elite operators to generational talents.

Age has done little to slow Cobus Reinach down, with the 36-year-old continuing to provide a genuine attacking threat whenever he takes the field.

His pace remains one of his biggest weapons. Explosive acceleration, intelligent support lines and an instinct for spotting gaps allow Reinach to punish defences, particularly when the game opens up.

Although Faf de Klerk was often preferred for the biggest Tests in his prime, Reinach has continued to prove his quality at the highest level.

Did you know: Reinach holds the record for the earliest hat-trick in Rugby World Cup history, scoring his third try in just the 21st minute against Canada in 2019.

Few scrum-halves are better at dictating tempo than Jamison Gibson-Park. His lightning-quick distribution allows Ireland to maintain momentum, while his decision-making gives attacking systems a reliable platform from which to operate.

A particularly impressive aspect of Gibson-Park’s game is the understanding he develops with his fly-half. Whether playing alongside Johnny Sexton previously or Ireland’s current options, he consistently helps bring those around him into the game.

Since becoming eligible for Ireland, Gibson-Park has established himself as one of the country’s most important players. Recognition has followed, including selection in the World Rugby Dream Team.

Did you know: Despite becoming one of Ireland’s most important players, Gibson-Park was actually born in New Zealand and represented the Māori All Blacks before switching his international allegiance to Ireland.

Power, pace and athleticism make Cam Roigard a particularly dangerous proposition around the fringes. The New Zealand scrum-half possesses the physicality to break tackles while also having the acceleration to turn half-chances into genuine opportunities.

Still relatively young in international terms, Roigard has already built an impressive résumé, including involvement at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

His performances against South Africa during the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour only strengthened his standing. Across the series, Roigard looked comfortable operating against one of the world’s most formidable sides and showed why he belongs among the elite scrum-halves.

Did you know: Before becoming an All Blacks star, Roigard was also a speedway racer.

Maxime Lucu’s stock has never been higher. After helping Bordeaux-Bègles retain the Champions Cup, the France international has firmly established himself as one of the finest scrum-halves in the game.

Leadership has become a defining feature of his performances, with Lucu also forming an outstanding partnership with Matthieu Jalibert. His game combines metronomic kicking, excellent tactical awareness and an impressive defensive work rate.

He was named Player of the Match in Bordeaux-Bègles’ Champions Cup final victory over Leinster, helping secure back-to-back European titles.

Earlier in the season, Lucu also claimed Man of the Match honours against Antoine Dupont’s Toulouse, further highlighting the consistency of his form.

Did you know: Lucu became only the second Bordeaux Bègles player to win Player of the Match in a Champions Cup final, doing so in the 2025 final.

There is still no more complete scrum-half in world rugby than Antoine Dupont. His passing, kicking and running ability are all exceptional, but it is his vision, intelligence and ability to influence almost every phase that truly separates him from the competition.

Physicality adds another dimension to the Toulouse and France star’s game, with Dupont more than capable of making an impact at the breakdown as well as in open play.

The trophy cabinet tells its own story, with major honours collected for both club and country alongside a long list of individual awards.

Even while working his way back towards his best following injury, Dupont remains the benchmark for the position and arguably the greatest scrum-half of the modern era.

Did you know: In 2024, he switched to rugby sevens and led France to Olympic gold at Paris 2024, helping his country win its first gold medal of those Games.