4. Beauden Barrett (New Zealand)
Barrett may not be the force of nature he once was during his back-to-back World Rugby Player of the Year campaigns, but he remains one of the most versatile and dangerous backs in the game.
Capable of playing at both fly-half and full-back, his pace and spatial awareness still give the All Blacks an attacking edge. Even as younger playmakers push through, Barrett’s experience, adaptability, and knack for delivering in big moments keep him firmly in the global conversation of elite No.10s.
Quirky Fact: Barrett grew up playing barefoot on his family’s farm in Taranaki, often racing his brothers across fields. He swears the habit helped develop the speed that would later terrorise defences worldwide.
3. George Ford (England)
England’s tactical commander is enjoying one of the finest stretches of his career. In 2025, Ford co-captained his country on their summer tour of Argentina and the USA, steering them to a perfect three-Test clean sweep.
Long regarded as a master of game management, Ford combines intelligent kicking, calm distribution, and sharp decision-making under pressure. Recently, former England fly-half Toby Flood hailed him as the “best in the world,” pointing out his consistency and leadership in a role that often goes underappreciated. At 32, Ford is proving that experience and composure can be just as valuable as raw flair.
Quirky Fact: Ford made his professional debut at just 16 years old — becoming the youngest player ever in English rugby’s top division at the time.
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