RugbyDump's top five backrows in 2024

The year 2025 is almost upon us, so here at RugbyDump, we’ve decided to celebrate some of those who have transcended the sport in 2024. Compiling a list of the top five men’s players in each major position, our two editors, Jack Tunney and Philip Bendon, have provided their pick of the best talents worldwide.

With today’s players often able to play in multiple positions, we have combined the selections into nine separate lists. We have selected based on form, 2024 accolades, and historical pedigree.

These lists are as follows: Props, Hookers, Second Row, Back Rows, Scrum Halves, Fly Halves, Centres, Wingers and Fullbacks.

Today, we are focusing on the backrowers:

5 – Wallace Sititi

Wallace Sititi’s meteoric rise in 2024 has cemented his place as one of rugby’s most exciting young talents. The 22-year-old All Blacks backrower, standing 6’1” and weighing 113 kg, burst onto the global stage this season, delivering standout performances in the Rugby Championship and Autumn Nations Series. His dynamic play earned him the prestigious World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year award and a place in RugbyDump’s elite rankings as the fifth-best backrower in the world—a spot we believe he’ll top by this time next year.

Born in Apia, Samoa, Sititi’s path to stardom was anything but conventional. The son of Samoan rugby great Semo Sititi, Wallace’s upbringing spanned Scotland, Japan, and New Zealand, shaping his versatile and fearless style. After honing his craft at Auckland’s De La Salle College, he debuted for North Harbour in 2022, followed by an impactful stint with the Chiefs in Super Rugby.

But it was 2024 that catapulted Sititi into rugby’s elite. His performances in the Rugby Championship showcased his rare blend of power, speed, and tactical awareness. Against Argentina, his relentless tackling and breakdown work turned the tide, while his physicality rattled the Springboks. In the Autumn Nations Series, Sititi’s ability to dominate both in attack and defence against Tier 1 opposition proved he could thrive on the sport’s biggest stages.

With the potential to redefine the All Blacks’ backrow for years to come, Wallace Sititi isn’t just a star on the rise—he’s rugby’s next big thing.

New Zealand’s Wallace Sititi poses with a trophy as he receives the World Rugby Men’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year during the 2024 World Rugby Awards ceremony at the Sporting Monte-Carlo complex in Monaco, on November 24, 2024. (Photo by Frederic Dides / AFP) (Photo by FREDERIC DIDES/AFP via Getty Images)

4 – Jack Willis

At RugbyDump, we ranked Jack Willis as the fourth-best backrow in world rugby for a good reason. The 28-year-old Toulouse star has established himself as a dominant force, excelling in both the Top 14 and the Investec Champions Cup. Despite his ineligibility for England due to playing overseas, Willis continues to set the benchmark for backrow players globally, showcasing a unique blend of physicality, breakdown dominance, and leadership.

Since joining Toulouse in 2022 after Wasps entered administration, Willis has flourished in the ultra-competitive French Top 14. His relentless work rate and ability to win turnovers have made him arguably the best backrow player in the league. His match-winning performances in the Champions Cup, including a Player of the Match display against Ulster in December 2024, highlight his knack for delivering on the biggest stages.

Willis is not just a ball-hawk at the breakdown—he is a defensive juggernaut, consistently leading tackle counts and making crucial contributions in tight contests. This physical edge and technical prowess make him a complete player who would fit seamlessly into Steve Borthwick’s England team. His absence from the national setup is acutely felt, as England lacks a player with the ability to disrupt opposition possession and provide leadership in high-pressure moments.

With his pedigree and performance level, we at RugbyDump believe Jack Willis is the missing ingredient for England. His relentless consistency and world-class ability could transform them into a formidable side, making his continued omission a significant loss for Steve Borthwick and his team.

England , United Kingdom – 25 May 2024; Blair Kinghorn and Jack Willis of Toulouse after their side’s victory in the Investec Champions Cup final between Leinster and Toulouse at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England. (Photo By Harry Murphy/Sportsfile via Getty Images)

3 – Ardie Savea

we’ve ranked Ardie Savea as the third-best backrow in professional rugby, cementing his place among the game’s elite. While his 2024 season didn’t quite reach the staggering heights of his 2023 World Rugby Player of the Year campaign, Savea remained a talismanic figure for the All Blacks.

Savea’s hallmark is his unparalleled work ethic, earning him the respect of teammates and opponents alike. As the iconic Scottish coach Jim Telfer once said, “There are two types of rugby players. There are honest ones, and there’s the rest.” Savea epitomizes the honest player—a tireless worker who leads by example on and off the pitch. Whether dominating the breakdown, executing ferocious tackles, or carrying the ball with explosive power, Savea’s impact is undeniable.

Despite being deployed at Number 8 in recent seasons, the emergence of Wallace Sititi suggests a likely shift for Savea back to his favoured position of openside flanker. This tactical adjustment could allow him to further excel as a breakdown specialist and defensive lynchpin, areas where he is already world-class.

Savea’s move to Moana Pasifika for the 2025 season is monumental. It underscores his commitment to elevating Pacific Island rugby, both as a player and a leader. This decision has the potential to redefine Moana Pasifika’s trajectory while inspiring a new generation of talent.

With his humility, relentless drive, and exceptional skills, Savea remains the standard for what a professional rugby player should strive to be.

LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 2: New Zealand’s Ardie Savea celebrates at the final whistle during the Autumn Nations Series 2024 match between England and New Zealand All Blacks at Allianz Stadium on November 2, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Bob Bradford – CameraSport via Getty Images)

2 – Caelan Doris

Taking the silver in our rankings this year is Ireland skipper Caelan Doris. Dominating all before him in 2024, Doris stood tall as the only non-South African nominee for the prestigious World Rugby Player of the Year award, a testament to his elite standing among the sport’s greats.

Doris is a truly dynamic force, combining raw power with deft footwork that often leaves defenders grasping at air. His ability to generate momentum before and through contact is unmatched, making him a critical component of Ireland’s attack and defensive systems. His influence has been pivotal in Ireland’s back-to-back Six Nations triumphs and their historic series win over the All Blacks in New Zealand in 2022. More recently, his leadership and physicality shone during Ireland’s drawn 2024 series against the reigning World Champion Springboks, particularly in a brutal encounter in Durban where Doris was instrumental in outmuscling the Springboks on their home turf.

As captain of Ireland, Doris has shown maturity beyond his years, blending his psychological acumen—honed during his studies—with a relentless drive to improve. His performances elevate those around him, solidifying his reputation as a generational talent.

Doris’s career trajectory suggests he has the potential to go down as Ireland’s greatest-ever forward. His combination of athleticism, rugby intelligence, and leadership embodies the future of modern rugby. At just 26 years old, Doris is only beginning to etch his legacy, but already, he has become a player every aspiring backrower should strive to emulate.

Dublin , Ireland – 30 November 2024; Caelan Doris of Ireland during the Autumn Nations Series match between Ireland and Australia at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. (Photo By Seb Daly/Sportsfile via Getty Images)

1 – Pieter-Steph Du Toit

Far and away the best player in professional rugby in 2024, South Africa’s Pieter-Steph du Toit tops our list this year,  a decision grounded in his extraordinary impact on the game. A two-time World Rugby Player of the Year, including in 2024, du Toit exemplifies the pinnacle of backrow play with his unique combination of athleticism, skill, and relentless work rate.

Du Toit’s performances on the grandest stages cement his reputation as a generational talent. In the 2023 Rugby World Cup final against New Zealand, he delivered a masterclass, earning Player of the Match honours after a staggering 28 tackles. His defensive dominance and tireless effort were pivotal as the Springboks secured their second successive World Cup title. It’s no exaggeration to say that without du Toit, South Africa might not have achieved this historic feat.

One of du Toit’s defining attributes is his seemingly boundless stamina. Game after game, he tops the tackle charts, often leading the defensive effort for the Springboks. His ability to cover vast areas of the field while maintaining precision and power in every collision sets him apart from his peers. Offensively, he combines physicality with the finesse of a former lock, making him a threat in both the loose and set pieces.

Du Toit’s leadership and consistency have also been crucial. His presence in the back row has been a stabilising force for South Africa, allowing them to excel under immense pressure from an expectant and passionate fanbase.

South Africa’s Pieter-Steph du Toit poses with a trophy after he receives the World Rugby Men’s 15s Player of the Year prize during the 2024 World Rugby Awards ceremony at the Sporting Monte-Carlo complex in Monaco, on November 24, 2024. (Photo by Frederic Dides / AFP) (Photo by FREDERIC DIDES/AFP via Getty Images)