Men\u2019s Rugby World Cup 2027 will bring the best rugby players in the world to Australia, from stars of the Guinness Men\u2019s Six Nations to those who\u2019ve been tearing it up in The Rugby Championship, and beyond.<\/p>\n
What defines the best rugby player in the world is also the subject of much debate and conjecture. However, RugbyPass\u2019 expert team of rugby writers have pulled together a Top 100 list of players who they believe have made the most significant impact over the past 12 months.<\/p>\n
Mercurial Frenchman Antoine Dupont was named the best rugby player in the world in 2024, but it is not yet known if he has successfully defended his crown, as this year\u2019s top 10 won\u2019t be revealed until Monday, 15 December.<\/p>\n
One thing is certain – it will take someone special to topple him as Dupont played a significant role in France\u2019s Six Nations title win on his return from helping his country win gold in rugby sevens at the 2024 Paris Olympics.<\/p>\n
The first 90 names are now known, though, with a mixture of newcomers and returnees from 2024 included in the stellar line-up, as well as several international captains, such as Maro Itoje (England\/British & Irish Lions) and Sione Tuipulotu (Scotland).<\/p>\n
England sensation and British & Irish Lions bolter, Henry Pollock, has made it onto the list after making a stunning impact on and off the pitch in his first year of senior men\u2019s international rugby.<\/p>\n
One of the game\u2019s rising stars and charismatic individuals, the flanker was nominated for the World Rugby Men\u2019s Breakthrough Player of the Year award in November, which was won by All Blacks lock Fabian Holland, who is also present in the Top 100.<\/p>\n
So far, 12 different countries are represented in the Top 100, with New Zealand boasting a 15-strong contingent of players, closely followed by Ireland and England, each with 13, and South Africa, with 11. However, all that could change once the final 10 names are revealed.<\/p>\n