5 Ardie Savea (New Zealand)

Ardie Savea’s move to Moana Pasifika carried enormous symbolism — but he backed it up with world-class performances. His presence lifted the entire squad, inspiring landmark victories and earning him the Super Rugby Pacific Player of the Year award well before the season’s end.

Explosive, relentless and a natural leader, Savea remains indispensable to the All Blacks. Others may have surged ahead this year, but his quality and influence remain beyond debate.

4 Pieter-Steph du Toit (South Africa)

Pieter-Steph du Toit doesn’t chase headlines — he earns them through work rate and resolve. His 28-tackle performance in the 2023 World Cup final stands as one of the great individual efforts in rugby history.

A two-time World Rugby Player of the Year, du Toit is still setting the standard at 33. Intelligent, relentless and ferociously competitive, he embodies everything that has made South Africa so hard to beat. His legacy is already secure, built on effort, sacrifice and consistency at the very highest level.

3 Louis Bielle-Biarrey (France)

At just 22, Louis Bielle-Biarrey is redefining what’s possible for a winger. Bordeaux’s all-time leading try scorer and the record holder for tries in a single Six Nations campaign, he’s producing numbers usually reserved for seasoned veterans.

His rise has been meteoric — from a hat-trick on his Champions Cup debut at 18 to spearheading Bordeaux’s first European title and claiming Six Nations Player of the Tournament honours. Blistering pace, fearless instincts and remarkable maturity have made him France’s brightest light, even during a turbulent autumn. A World Player of the Year nomination felt inevitable.

2 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (South Africa)

The fly-half has taken a significant leap in 2025, establishing himself as one of the most influential playmakers in the game. For the Stormers, he was the driving force behind their campaign, controlling matches with authority and imagination. His command of tempo, accuracy off the tee and ability to unlock defences saw him recognised as South Africa’s URC Player of the Season — a reflection of his consistency as much as his flair.

That form carried seamlessly onto the international stage. During the Rugby Championship, Feinberg-Mngomezulu delivered a statement performance against Argentina, amassing a Springbok-record 37 points in a single Test, including a hat-trick of tries. It was the clearest indication yet that he not only belongs at the highest level, but can dominate it.

Across the season, he has shown a rare blend of composure and ambition. Trusted with responsibility, he has repaid it by shaping games for both club and country. In 2025, Feinberg-Mngomezulu hasn’t just arrived — he has announced himself as a central figure in the Springboks’ present and future.

1 Antoine Dupont (France)

Even with months lost to an ACL injury, Antoine Dupont remains rugby’s gold standard. His achievements are unparalleled: World Rugby Player of the Year in 15s (2021) and Sevens (2024), three-time Six Nations Player of the Tournament, Olympic gold medallist, and serial domestic and European champion.

He is the only player in history to win both of rugby’s major global awards — a reflection of his rare versatility and dominance across formats. Five Top 14 titles, two European Cups and a glittering sevens résumé underline his complete mastery of the sport.

Late November marked his long-awaited return after eight months out, and the impact was immediate. Dupont guided Toulouse to a 48–24 bonus-point win over Racing 92, extending their lead at the top of the Top 14 — a reminder that when he’s on the field, rugby feels sharper, faster and richer for it.

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