15 Sam Underhill<\/p>\n
Defensive excellence has become Underhill\u2019s trademark. Central to Bath and England\u2019s recent success, he\u2019s widely regarded as the Premiership\u2019s most fearsome tackler \u2014 low, powerful, and technically flawless. Relentless around the breakdown and authoritative in defence, he\u2019s now firmly established among the league\u2019s elite.<\/p>\n
14 Charles Ollivon<\/p>\n
Height, athleticism, and authority define Ollivon\u2019s presence. The Toulon and France loose forward brings genuine versatility, excelling as a ball-carrier, lineout option, and defensive enforcer. Add pace and an eye for the try line, and it\u2019s clear why he\u2019s also such a respected leader.<\/p>\n
13 Josh van der Flier<\/p>\n
Excellence feels inevitable with van der Flier. The red scrum cap, endless engine, and immaculate discipline tell their own story. A former European Player of the Year, he leads through action rather than words, producing relentless work rate and defensive reads that border on the uncanny.<\/p>\n
12 Fran\u00e7ois Cros<\/p>\n
Cros defies easy classification. Much like Julien Bonnaire before him, the Toulouse forward sits somewhere between every back-row archetype \u2014 capable of jackaling, smashing tackles, running wide channels, and contributing at the lineout. He may not top any single metric, but his consistency and intelligence have made him world-class for years, often without the recognition he deserves.<\/p>\n
11 Wallace Sititi<\/p>\n
At just 23, Sititi already plays like a seasoned international. The All Blacks forward announced himself with a breakout 2024 season that earned both World Rugby\u2019s Breakthrough Player of the Year and New Zealand\u2019s Player of the Year honours. His versatility across the back row is invaluable, but it\u2019s the blend of pace and power in open play that truly sets him apart.<\/p>\n
10 Rob Valetini<\/p>\n
Australia feel Valetini\u2019s influence even in his absence. A two-time John Eales Medallist, he brings balance and brutality in equal measure to the Wallabies\u2019 pack. Injuries may have limited parts of his Lions series, but when fit, his carrying sets the tone, his defence bends spines, and his calm leadership anchors a young side.<\/p>\n
9 Jac Morgan<\/p>\n
Heart, courage, and timing define Morgan\u2019s game. The Welsh co-captain represents the very best of his nation\u2019s rugby values \u2014 fearless in defence, tireless in effort, and immense under pressure. His breakdown work is genuinely world-class, and his decisive clear-out during the 2025 Lions tour helped seal a series-winning moment.<\/p>\n
8 Juan Mart\u00edn Gonz\u00e1lez<\/p>\n
Still young, yet already historic, Gonz\u00e1lez became the first 21st-century-born player to reach 50 test caps for Argentina. A regular starter since 2022, the Saracens forward combines ferocious tackling with speed, soft hands, and a knack for scoring tries. His all-action style makes him one of Los Pumas\u2019 most reliable weapons.<\/p>\n
7 Jack Willis<\/p>\n
There\u2019s a quiet irony to Willis\u2019s dominance \u2014 flourishing abroad while unavailable to England. Since joining Toulouse, he\u2019s torn through the Top 14, scoring twice in the final and claiming Player of the Season honours. His turnover numbers are staggering, his tackling ruthless, and his instincts elite. All that remains is the hope of a return home before 2027.<\/p>\n
6 Pablo Matera<\/p>\n
Tenacity has always defined Matera. Now playing in Japan with Mie Honda Heat, the Argentine legend became his country\u2019s most capped player in 2025. Renowned for his power, aggression, and competitive edge, he remains one of the most influential forwards of his generation.<\/p>\n
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