The scrum-half role has always been the heartbeat of a rugby team — linking forwards and backs, dictating tempo, and often becoming the on-field general.
Across the history of the game, some No. 9s have stood out not just for their skill, but for their influence and leadership. Here’s a look at the top five scrum-halves to ever play the game.
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10 Will Genia – “The General”
Clubs: Queensland Reds, Stade Français, Melbourne Rebels, Kintetsu Liners
Country: Australia
Height: 1.74m
Caps: 110
Achievements: Super Rugby Champion (2011), Australian Super Rugby Player of the Year (2007, 2011), Wallabies Captain
Will Genia was one of the defining scrum-halves of the professional era, his crisp service and ability to control tempo making him indispensable for Australia. He was central to the Reds’ famous 2011 Super Rugby title and played over 100 Tests for the Wallabies, captaining his country and earning widespread acclaim. Known for his sharp sniping runs and calm leadership, Genia was described by many as the best scrum-half in the world at his peak.
9 Matt Dawson – “The Opportunist”
Clubs: Northampton Saints, Wasps
Country: England
Height: 1.79m
Caps: 77
Achievements: Rugby World Cup winner (2003), Triple Crown winner, 3× British & Irish Lions tourist
Matt Dawson was the heartbeat of England in the late 1990s and early 2000s, a scrum-half renowned for his quick thinking and opportunistic breaks. His decisive burst in extra time set up Jonny Wilkinson’s iconic drop goal in the 2003 World Cup final. A veteran of three Lions tours, he also captained England and became the first player to win both the Sevens and 15s World Cups. Charismatic both on and off the pitch, Dawson remains one of England’s most recognisable rugby personalities.
8 Agustín Pichot – “The Trailblazer”
Clubs: CASI, Richmond, Bristol, Stade Français
Country: Argentina
Height: 1.75m
Caps: 71
Achievements: Rugby World Cup bronze medalist (2007), 4× French Top 14 champion, Argentina captain
Fiery and inspirational, Agustín Pichot led Argentina into the global spotlight. His defining achievement as captain came at the 2007 Rugby World Cup, where Los Pumas stunned the world by finishing third. At club level, he enjoyed huge success with Stade Français, becoming the first foreigner to captain them to a French championship. Off the field, Pichot’s influence grew even greater, serving as World Rugby vice-chairman and pushing through reforms that gave Argentina a permanent place in elite competition.
🏉✨ Jugadores sudamericanos miembros del World Rugby Hall of Fame :
🇦🇷 Hugo Porta (2008)
🇦🇷 Agustín Pichot (2011)
🇨🇱 Donald Campbell (2012)
🇨🇱 Ian Campbell (2012)
🇦🇷 Felipe Contepomi (2017)
🇺🇾 Diego Ormaechea (2019)
🇦🇷 Juan Martín Hernández (2023) pic.twitter.com/2UXdxKYzVr
— Rugby Sur🧉🏉 (@RugbySur) August 15, 2024
7 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.
6 Nick Farr-Jones – “The Commander”
Clubs: Sydney University, New South Wales
Country: Australia
Height: 1.78m
Caps: 63
Achievements: Rugby World Cup winner (1991), Australia captain (36 Tests), Grand Slam winner (1984)
Nick Farr-Jones was the general behind Australia’s rise to world champions. Making his debut on the Wallabies’ 1984 Grand Slam tour, he later captained the side with authority, guiding them to victory in the 1991 Rugby World Cup. His half-back partnership with Michael Lynagh became legendary, and despite often being targeted by opponents, Farr-Jones’ resilience and leadership made him one of Australia’s greatest captains.
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