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 Phillip 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.

Next up, it’s the men in the midfield:

Centres

5 – Robbie Henshaw

Henshaw has to contend with a plethora of midfield riches for both Leinster and Ireland, fighting for the centre positions alongside Garry Ringrose, Bundee Aki and Jordie Barrett, but there is a reason that the 31-year-old is a two-time British and Irish Lion tourist. Able to slot in at fullback or either centre position, his versatility has allowed the talented Irishman a long and prosperous career. Although he did perhaps struggle defensively during his younger years, Henshaw has now become the defensive glue that keeps his sides together. Expect the ageing centre to fight for his spot on the tour to Australia in 2025.

4 – Sione Tuipulotu

It was an incredible 2024 for the Australian-born Scotsman. Confirmed as the captain of Scotland ahead of the Autumn Nations Series, he scored a vital try in their win over Australia in the Hopetoun Cup, for which his Greenock-born grandmother surprised him with a visit. Expected to be one of the first names on the plane to Australia for the Lions tour next year.

3 – Jordie Barrett

The biggest men’s transfer news of 2024 was when Barrett announced his move to Leinster, and his performances for the Irish capital side, in the short period since arriving, have been nothing short of mesmeric. Following his transition to inside centre, the youngest Barrett has followed in both his brother’s footsteps in becoming a true world-class player.

2 – Damian de Allende

Often overlooked by the media in favour of his outside partner in the centres, but de Allende possesses all the skills of a legacy twelve. Huge in the contact area and has the softest touches with the ball in hand. Will be remembered this autumn for reducing Ben Earl to dust as South Africa saw England off at Twickenham.

1 – Jesse Kriel

Just over a year ago, Kriel was considered a rotation Springbok player, but now the ruthless centre keeps even the former Men’s World Player of the Year, Lukhanyo Am out of the squad. The 30-year-old is arguably the greatest in the world at the basics, doing nothing majorly flashy but providing the most reliable and consistent midfield displays. A true great of the modern game, would make any side in the world.