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.

Fullbacks

5 – Juan Cruz Mallia

The versatile back had a dream season in both club and international colours, winning both the Top 14 and the Champions Cup with Toulouse and pulling off some terrific displays with Argentina, including a memorable individual try against Ireland at the Aviva Stadium this autumn. Toulouse are collecting fullbacks, meaning that Mallia spends most of his time on wing, but that’s just the sheer talent of the man, he can play anywhere.

4 – Blair Kinghorn

It’s wild to consider a couple of years ago that the giant fullback was sat behind Stuart Hogg in the Scotland ranks. Now, he makes up part of the most threatening backline in the world with Toulouse and is being tipped for the British and Irish Lions tour of Australia next year. Winner of both the Top 14 and Champions Cup in 2024, a superb year for the 27-year-old.

3 – Hugo Keenan

Part of a very secure Irish back three and being touted as a possible Lions tourist, Keenan has been the stand-out Irish fullback again this year, even taking time out to focus on SVNS. His fast feet, kicking game, and general rugby intelligence make him one of the most impressive and dangerous fullbacks in the world.

2 – Thomas Ramos

One of the smoothest and most versatile players on the planet, Ramos adapted to his positional changes well this year. He found his position at Toulouse taken by Kinghorn, causing the Frenchman to adapt instead to playing at flyhalf as he covered for Romaine Ntamack. His intense competitiveness and incredible ability to master the basics make him a key player in any team, helping Toulouse to win the Top 14 and Champions Cup this year, beating two teammates on this list.

1 – Will Jordan

The 26-year-old was moved to his preferred fullback position by Scott ‘Razor’ Robertson this year. Used to commanding the skies for the Crusaders, Jordan has slotted into the All Black 15 shirt with ease, tackling hard, running all the right lines, and displaying all the key factors required for a top-level last-man. Rocking a try a game in international rugby, Jordan is on track to become the All Blacks’ highest-ever try scorer – quite the achievement considering the quality of previous players and campaigns.