Speed is key in modern rugby. Whether it be defenders recovering to win a last-ditch tackle or attackers hitting teams on the counter, we are constantly told that 'there is no substitute for pace'.
Check out the top five from the Gallagher Premiership below…
5. CHARLES PIUTAU (BRISTOL BEARS) – 11.7 SECONDS (100M)
The highest paid player in the Gallagher Premiership, the speedster has been with the Bears since 2018. The 16-cap All Black signed a two-year extension at the club in December 2019 and has dazzled the crowds at Ashton Gate again this season.
4. STUART HOGG – EXETER CHIEFS – 11.6 SECONDS (100M)
Hogg broke Glasgow's club record by hitting a top speed of 36.8kmh (just under 23mph) in training. In contrast, the Greater Roadrunner bird can only hit 20mph, while, back in the human realm, the top speed ever clocked by Usain Bolt was 27.8mph in the Berlin World Championships of 2009 when he set the still-standing 100m record of 9.58 seconds.
3. ANTHONY WATSON - England - 11.2 SECONDS (100m)
Once ran a 100 metres in 11.2 seconds at a school sports day and his raw pace saw the 21-year-old have a trial for Premier League giants Chelsea. Helped England Under-20s beat Wales in the final of the 2013 Junior World Cup before making the step up to the Test side.
2. JONNY MAY – England – 10.71 SECONDS (100M)
The speedster clocked 10.71 for the 100 metres. With a strong argument to be England’s quickest wide man ever, May is gradually improving his finishing prowess and is now arguably the first name on the teamsheet for head coach Eddie Jones.
1. OLLIE THORLEY – GLOUCESTER RUGBY – 10.6 SECONDS (100M)
Lightning speed - he ran the 100m in 10.6 seconds aged 16 - and an eye for the try line. Thorley is also an eccentric character as highlighted in
this recent interview by
Sportsmail's Nik Simon.