The scrum-half is rugby’s most influential position — the link between forwards and backs, the tempo-setter, the on-field decision-maker who dictates how a game is played.
In the professional era, that influence has only grown, with the best No.9s combining lightning-fast service, elite game management, defensive grit and relentless competitiveness.
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Since rugby went professional, the game has produced a golden generation of scrum-halves who dominated Test rugby and club competitions alike. World Cup winners, league legends and serial trophy collectors have all left their mark, redefining what it means to be an elite scrum-half at the highest level.
Ranking the greatest scrum-halves of the professional era is always subjective — styles differ, eras overlap and success comes in many forms. But taking into account longevity, influence, silverware and overall quality, we count down the greatest scrum-halves of the professional era, ranked from 5 to 1.
5 Antoine Dupont – “The Phenomenon”
Clubs: Castres, Toulouse
Country: France
Height: 1.74m
Caps: 59 (still playing)
Achievements: 2× European Champions Cup, 3× Top 14 champion, 3× Six Nations Player of the Championship, Olympic gold (Sevens, 2024)
Antoine Dupont has redefined what a scrum-half can be. With explosive speed, dazzling skill, and composure beyond his years, he has driven both Toulouse and France to major triumphs, including a Grand Slam in 2022.
A three-time Six Nations Player of the Championship, Dupont also etched his name into history by winning Olympic gold in rugby sevens. At just 28, he is already considered one of the greatest to play the position, with plenty more to come.
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