RugbyDump's top five flyhalfs of 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 chief playmakers, the flyhalfs. 

5 – Damian McKenzie

Damian McKenzie’s 2024 season cemented his place as a cornerstone of the All Blacks, edging out Beauden Barrett in the battle for the coveted number ten jersey. With Barrett side-lined during crucial moments of the season, McKenzie seized the spotlight, delivering a string of outstanding performances that showcased his dynamic playmaking and precision goal-kicking.

Notable performances included a 14-point effort against England on July 13, where his composure under pressure and ability to control the game earned widespread praise. Against Fiji a week later, McKenzie’s kicking accuracy was on full display, slotting six penalties to secure victory. During the Rugby Championship, despite a challenging run against South Africa, McKenzie’s resilience and creativity shone, particularly in a 15-point display against Argentina on August 10.

The Autumn Nations Series saw McKenzie rise to new heights. His dazzling six-penalty, 18-point masterclass in a hard-fought win over Ireland on November 8 epitomized his ability to thrive under pressure. His tactical kicking and attacking flair kept the Irish defence on edge in a performance that felt like a true coming of age for the Chiefs star.

McKenzie’s electric running, vision, and exceptional goal-kicking provided the All Blacks with a dynamic edge, while his ability to manage games with poise demonstrated his maturity. Though the competition with Barrett remained fierce, McKenzie’s consistency and versatility saw him emerge as the All Blacks’ preferred flyhalf just ahead of former World Player of the Year.

Damian McKenzie of New Zealand removes his gumshield during the Autumn Nations Series match between Italy and New Zealand at Allianz Stadium on November 23, 2024, in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images)

4 – Tomás Albornoz

The Benetton and Los Pumas flyhalf firmly established himself in the spotlight of international rugby in 2024. Albornoz began the year as a second-choice option behind Santiago Carreras in the Los Pumas’ flyhalf pecking order, but by the conclusion of The Rugby Championship, the Tucumán native had earned the coveted number ten jersey through a series of decisive performances.

After starting the Rugby Championship as a bench option, often deployed at fullback, Albornoz seized his opportunity to lead from the front. His standout performances included a try and the winning penalty in Argentina’s historic victory over South Africa, which marked the first time Los Pumas defeated all three Rugby Championship opponents—Australia, New Zealand, and the Springboks—in a single campaign. Despite a heavy loss in the final match against South Africa, Albornoz scored his team’s only points, further demonstrating his value to the squad.

Under the guidance of legendary Argentina playmaker and current head coach rugby Felipe Contepomi,  history, Albornoz thrived in an attacking system that emphasized quick decision-making and relentless exploitation of space. “He wants us to think about attacking all the time, no matter where we are on the field,” Albornoz explained, crediting Contepomi’s mentorship for his growing confidence and tactical awareness.

Albornoz was ready to embrace new challenges as the Autumn Nations Series approached. Facing Italy in Udine—a familiar setting given his Benetton roots—he relished the opportunity to test himself against a squad of friends and competitors. Matches against Ireland and France followed, offering Albornoz the chance to showcase his skills on some of rugby’s grandest stages.

With his blend of attacking flair, reliable goal-kicking, and versatility across positions, Albornoz is poised to continue his ascent in the Contepomi set-up, carving out his place in the storied lineage of Los Pumas flyhalves.

Tomas Albornoz of Argentina kicks a conversion during the Autumn Nations Series 2024 match between France and Argentina at Stade de France on November 22, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Franco Arland/Getty Images)

3 – Finn Russell

Finn Russell’s 2024 campaign showcased both the highs and challenges of his mercurial talent. The Scottish playmaker was pivotal in his nation’s successes, delivering moments of brilliance while facing periods of inconsistency, particularly during the Six Nations Championship.

Russell endured a mixed Six Nations, where defensive lapses and an underperforming Scottish pack often dulled his playmaking spark. Despite his struggles, he still managed to tally 24 points across five matches, keeping Scotland competitive in a fiercely contested tournament.

However, in November’s Autumn Nations Series, Russell reminded the rugby world why he remains one of the sport’s most exciting talents. His dominant display in Scotland’s signature victory over Australia showcased his full repertoire of skills: pinpoint kicking, silky distribution, and an unerring ability to read the game. He contributed crucial points with his boot in that match and orchestrated Scotland’s attack with finesse.

Russell’s influence remains undeniable, with 93 points scored across 11 matches for Scotland in 2024. Heading into 2025, he is poised as the likely starting flyhalf for the British and Irish Lions, albeit he faces challenges from Marcus Smith and the Irish pairing of Jack Crowley and Sam Prendergast.

NOVEMBER 24: Finn Russell of Scotland dives in to score his team’s fourth try during the Autumn Nations Series 2024 match between Scotland and Australia at Scottish Gas Murrayfield on November 24, 2024, in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

2 – Marcus Smith

Marcus Smith’s 2024 season was a turning point in his career, as the dynamic Harlequins flyhalf flourished in the absence of former England captain Owen Farrell. Embracing the mantle of England’s primary playmaker, Smith delivered scintillating performances that solidified his status as one of rugby’s rising stars.

Smith ended the 2024 Six Nations in fine form, particularly in England’s matches against Ireland and France, where his creativity and vision sparked England’s attack. Building on that momentum, he was England’s standout performer during their two-Test tour of New Zealand. His sharp decision-making and tactical brilliance gave the All Blacks headaches, though England narrowly fell short in both matches. Smith’s exclusion late in the games drew criticism, with many believing England might have clinched victories had head coach Steve Borthwick trusted him to close out.

In the Autumn Nations Series, Smith again shone despite England’s overall struggles. His attacking flair and composure under pressure highlighted his class, even as England failed to deliver consistent team performances.

Heading into 2025, Smith appears poised as a strong challenger to Finn Russell for the British and Irish Lions’ starting flyhalf role. With his blend of creativity, confidence, and poise, Smith remains England’s brightest hope for the future.

NOVEMBER 24: Marcus Smith of England successfully kicks a conversion after Ben Earl of England (not pictured) scores his team’s first try during the Autumn Nations Series 2024 match between England and Japan at Allianz Stadium on November 24, 2024, in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

1 – Handré Pollard

Handre Pollard continued to cement his legacy in 2024 as one of rugby’s greatest flyhalves. RugbyDump voted him the best flyhalf in professional rugby, highlighting his unmatched ability to deliver in clutch moments. Despite fierce competition from rising stars Manie Libbok and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu for the Springboks’ number 10 jersey, Pollard remained Rassie Erasmus’ go-to man when the stakes were highest.

While Tony Brown’s innovative attacking structures brought a fresh dynamic to the Springboks, which many felt would be more suited to his rivals, Pollard demonstrated his versatility and intelligence, seamlessly adapting to a higher-tempo running game. He proved he’s more than capable of orchestrating expansive play while maintaining his trademark ability to manage territory, control the tempo, and make game-winning decisions.

Pollard’s performances in crucial matches underscored why he remains indispensable to the Springboks. Whether slotting decisive kicks under immense pressure or calmly guiding his team through tense moments, his composure was unrivalled. His ability to balance attacking flair with pragmatism ensured South Africa remained a force on the world stage.

As debates around the Springboks’ evolving style continue, one thing is certain: Handre Pollard will always make the right call to put his team in the best position to win, which will keep him as a key contributor in the Boks’ pursuit of a third successive Rugby World Cup title in 2027.

NOVEMBER 16: Handre Pollard of South Africa in action during the Autumn Nations Series 2024 match between England and South Africa at Allianz Stadium on November 16, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)