Picking a world XV always sparks debate, especially with so many players performing at an incredible level across both club and international rugby.
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Some selections are impossible to ignore, while others come down to form, influence, and consistency on the biggest stage.
From established World Cup winners to rising stars making their mark, this team reflects the players setting the standard in world rugby right now.
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15 Thomas Ramos
The scorer of the decisive penalty in the recent Six Nations, Thomas Ramos earns his place in this squad through the quality and consistency of his kicking game.
Even without that unforgettable moment in Paris, he stood out throughout the tournament. His goal kicking was remarkably accurate and his creativity from fullback gave France an extra attacking edge.
He also shifted to fly-half against Italy and looked completely at ease, further underlining his versatility. Performances like those make his selection fully deserved.
14 Cheslin Kolbe
Few players divide opinion like Cheslin Kolbe, but when the pressure is greatest, his influence is impossible to ignore.
Questions may still surround his club form in Japan, yet his performances for South Africa provide a much clearer reflection of his quality.
A two time World Cup winner, Kolbe has delivered in finals, troubled the British and Irish Lions, and produced defining moments on the biggest stage.
Whether attacking in space or defending under pressure, he consistently rises to the occasion. His upcoming move to the Stormers should also give him more opportunities to showcase his talent at the highest level.
13 Huw Jones
Huw Jones combines sharp pace with excellent timing, making him a constant danger in attack. His awareness and ability to exploit space have turned him into a key performer for both club and country.
Earlier in his career, he was recognised mainly for his attacking ability, but the improvements he has made defensively have added another dimension to his game.
His displays during the British and Irish Lions tour of Australia highlighted his class once again, as he regularly influenced matches through both his finishing and creative play.
12 Tommaso Menoncello
Italy will look back positively on their Six Nations campaign, despite the disappointment of slipping up against Wales in the final round.
Victories over Scotland and England, including their first ever win against the latter, highlighted the progress they made during the tournament.
At the heart of that improvement was Tommaso Menoncello.
Powerful carrying and physicality made him one of the standout midfielders in the competition. He ranked among the top five in several carrying statistics and finished fourth for total jackals, demonstrating both his attacking threat and defensive impact.
11 Louis Bielle-Biarrey
What more can be said about Louis Bielle-Biarrey? He looks like the brightest talent in world rugby right now.
With 34 tries this season, including two in the Champions Cup final and four in the Six Nations finale, he appears almost impossible to stop.
Still only 22, and already a back to back Six Nations Player of the Championship winner, there is no doubt about his place in this team. He has all the qualities to become one of the greatest players the sport has seen.
10 Finn Russell
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu may have a strong case here too.
Creative fly-halves rarely combine flair and control as effectively as Finn Russell. Once viewed purely as a maverick, he has developed into a composed and authoritative playmaker who balances imagination with leadership.
During the summer, he became the Lions’ primary creative force, directing their most dangerous attacks with clarity and ambition.
Whether guiding Bath or leading Scotland in high pressure Tests, Russell has the ability to change a game with a single decision.
9 Maxime Lucu
Following Bordeaux-Bègles’ recent Champions Cup triumph, Maxime Lucu has established himself as the standout scrum-half in world rugby.
A natural leader for his club, he has formed an outstanding partnership with Matthieu Jalibert. Lucu combines precise kicking with excellent tactical awareness and relentless defensive work.
He earned Player of the Match honours in the Champions Cup final victory over Leinster, helping Bordeaux-Bègles secure back to back European titles.
Earlier in April, he was also named Man of the Match against Dupont’s Toulouse, further reinforcing his world class form.