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.
5 George Gregan – “The Ice Man”
Clubs: ACT Brumbies, Toulon, Suntory Sungoliath
Country: Australia
Height: 1.73m
Caps: 139
Achievements: Rugby World Cup winner (1999), World Cup finalist (2003), 2× Super Rugby champion, 59 Tests as captain
George Gregan is one of rugby’s most enduring figures. With 139 Test caps, he remains Australia’s most-capped player and one of the most influential scrum-halves in history. He helped the Brumbies to two Super Rugby titles and the Wallabies to World Cup glory in 1999. Famous for his ice-cool composure, Gregan’s career is marked by unforgettable moments: his tackle on Jeff Wilson in 1994, his “Four more years” sledge to the All Blacks in 2003, and his record-breaking longevity.
4 Fourie du Preez – “The Master Technician”
Clubs: Blue Bulls, Bulls, Suntory Sungoliath
Country: South Africa
Height: 1.82m
Caps: 76
Achievements: Rugby World Cup winner (2007), 3× Super Rugby champion, 2× South African Rugby Player of the Year
Fourie du Preez epitomised the modern scrum-half with his tactical kicking, flawless passing, and game management. A key figure in South Africa’s 2007 World Cup victory, he also steered the Bulls to three Super Rugby titles and won multiple Tri Nations championships. His intelligence and execution earned him recognition as one of the most complete No. 9s of all time and set the blueprint for the position in the professional era.
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