As we approach the end of the 2025/26 season, it’s time to review who the very best in the world are, across the international men’s game.
Whilst it was not possible to include every player, who has enjoyed stand-out seasons across the various top club competitions and international campaigns, we have whittled down the most in-form stars to a 20-man short-list.
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From the Gallagher PREM to Super Rugby, the URC and out to Japan, we’ve pieced together our picks for the best in the world right now.
20. JORDIE BARRETT (NEW ZEALAND & HURRICANES)
The versatile All Blacks star has been in tremendous form for the Hurricanes throughout the current Super Rugby season, having led the Wellington side to the top of the table ahead of their home Qualifying Final.
We hand an honourable mention to the number 20 spot to Barrett’s Hurricanes’ teammate Fehi Fineanganofo, with the Newcastle Red Bulls linked man top the Super Rugby try-scoring charts this season. Barrett has spear-headed the offensive from the New Zealand capital city, with his tremendous blend of back-line pace and footballing prowess set to grace the Nations Championship in July.
19. FIN SMITH (ENGLAND & NORTHAMPTON SAINTS)
Whilst it was certainly an underwhelming 2026 Six Nations campaign for England as a collective, fly half Fin Smith stood tall with a series of impressive performances for Steve Borthwick’s side. Now with the Nation’s Championship coming in over the horizon, the 24-year-old will be eyeing up a strong end to the club season with Northampton Saints before leading England down to South Africa.
Smith has steered the cascading ship of green, black and gold this season, as the Saints have marched on to comfortable take the PREM Rugby top spot. With a home semi-final guaranteed at Franklin’s Gardens, the Saints can enjoy the final round of the regular season, with Smith in the drivers seat for silverware.
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18. HARRY WILSON (AUSTRALIA & QUEENSLAND REDS)
Next up is Australia captain Harry Wilson, who has transformed from a player fighting for Wallabies recognition into one of the most influential number eights in world rugby. The Queensland Reds talisman has become the heartbeat of Les Kiss’ side, combining relentless carrying, clever offloading and vastly improved leadership to drive the Reds into contention once again.
Wilson’s development over the past two seasons has been remarkable. Once viewed primarily as a powerful ball-carrier, he now dictates matches with his decision-making and work-rate around the park. His performances have made him one of the first names on the Wallabies team sheet heading into the Nations Championship, with many observers viewing him as the best No.8 in the southern hemisphere outside of Ardie Savea.
17. EMBROSE PAPIER (SOUTH AFRICA & BULLS)
Few players have enjoyed a better season than Embrose Papier. The Bulls scrum-half has been the driving force behind Pretoria’s charge to the latter stages of the URC, earning South African URC Player of the Season honours after a campaign packed with tries, assists and match-winning displays.
Papier’s speed around the fringes remains electric, but it is his game management that has elevated him into genuine world-class territory. The former Springbok has repeatedly dominated big matches, including a two-try Player of the Match performance against Munster in the quarter-finals. At 29, he is enjoying the finest rugby of his career and looks destined for an international recall this July.
16. TOMMY FREEMAN (ENGLAND & NORTHAMPTON SAINTS)
Tommy Freeman has developed into one of the most complete outside backs in the game. The Northampton Saints star has coupled his devastating aerial ability with an increasingly polished all-round skillset, making him a constant threat whether operating on the wing or at outside centre, with the strike rate to back this up in the Gallagher PREM.
Despite England’s frustrating Six Nations campaign, Freeman consistently delivered moments of quality and remains a key figure in Steve Borthwick’s plans. His ability to beat defenders, dominate kick-chases and finish opportunities has been central to Northampton’s outstanding season, with silverware now firmly in their sights as the Saints close in on the play-offs.
