The Nations Championship has wrapped up for the summer, providing another opportunity to assess the world’s leading rugby stars.
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While the tournament reshaped the cases of several players, others retained their places despite not featuring through injury, selection or eligibility.
From established greats to rising superstars, here are our updated rankings of the 10 best rugby players in the world following the summer international window.
10 Matthieu Jalibert
Few fly-halves play with the attacking freedom and confidence of Matthieu Jalibert.
The Bordeaux Bègles playmaker has developed into one of rugby’s most entertaining talents, regularly breaking open defences with his footwork, vision and creativity. He was instrumental in the club’s successful Champions Cup title defence.
As Bordeaux have cemented their place among Europe’s leading sides, Jalibert has thrived as their chief playmaker.
His ability to create chances from the most unlikely situations makes him a constant threat and strengthens his case as France’s long term solution at fly-half. His appearances at fullback this summer have also shown the depth of his talent.
9 Jack Willis
Jack Willis may have missed the Nations Championship because he remains ineligible while playing in France, but his absence has only highlighted how important he is to England.
Widely regarded as one of the best back row forwards in the world, Willis is known for his outstanding work at the breakdown, relentless defence and ability to perform across the back row.
Winning the Top 14 Player of the Season award in 2025 reinforced his standing among the game’s elite, and he has continued to produce outstanding performances at club level.
England are clearly without one of their most influential players.
8 Will Jordan
Will Jordan’s recent form is impossible to ignore.
Jordan scored a hat trick in New Zealand’s 47 to 17 win over Italy in Wellington to become the All Blacks’ record Test try scorer. His 50th Test try took him beyond Doug Howlett’s mark of 49, which had stood for 19 years.
Another against Ireland this weekend extended his lead at the top, and it looks like he is going to take some beating.
With his clinical finishing and extraordinary strike rate, Jordan has firmly earned his place in the top 10.
7 Cam Roigard
The All Blacks and the Hurricanes have both enjoyed a remarkable resurgence, with New Zealand winning all three Nations Championship matches and the Hurricanes lifting the Super Rugby title. Roigard has been central to both successes.
The scrum-half is renowned for his explosive running, physical presence and eye for the try line. At just 25, he still has plenty of room to improve and is quickly establishing himself as one of the world’s leading players in his position.
6 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu
Although injury kept him out of the Nations Championship, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu has established himself as one of rugby’s most exciting young stars and is rapidly becoming the leading candidate to inherit South Africa’s number 10 jersey.
The fly-half has combined fearless attacking instincts with impressive composure, while his record breaking performances for the Springboks have accelerated his rise to the highest level.
Already selected in the World Rugby Dream Team, Feinberg-Mngomezulu looks destined to shape the international game for years to come.
His record 37 point display against Argentina, the most by a Springbok in a single Test, remains one of the standout performances of recent seasons.