RugbyDump's top five hookers 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 hooker position:

5 – Julian Montoya

Ranked as RugbyDump’s fifth-best hooker in the game, Julian Montoya has cemented himself as one of the premier players in international rugby. Hailing from Buenos Aires, Montoya launched his professional career with Club Newman in 2013 before stints with Pampas XV and the Jaguares, where he became a Super Rugby standout.

Montoya earned his first Argentina cap in 2014 and has since evolved into a leader both on and off the field. With 95 test caps and 11 international tries to his name, he’s been a fixture at three Rugby World Cups, including the 2023 tournament, where he captained Los Pumas to the semi-finals. As skipper, Montoya spearheaded historic wins over New Zealand in 2020 and 2024, adding to his growing legacy.

In club rugby, Montoya has been just as impactful. He joined Leicester Tigers in 2021 and helped guide them to a Premiership Rugby title in 2022, proving his ability to excel on the biggest stages.

It’s Montoya’s leadership that truly sets him apart. RugbyDump’s Jack Tunney said, “He’s world-class, not just because of his skill but for his leadership on the field.” Reflecting on Argentina’s tough semi-final loss to New Zealand in 2023, Tunney praised Montoya’s resilience, saying, “He had to pull his team along and really stand up.”

Fellow RugbyDump pundit Philip Bendon added, “Montoya gets through mountains of work. He’s among the chief poachers for the Pumas and was key in their turnaround this year.” Bendon also highlighted Argentina’s impressive year under coach Felipe Contepomi, which included wins over rugby giants New Zealand and South Africa.

With his relentless work ethic and unparalleled leadership, Montoya continues to be the beating heart of Los Pumas, a player every team wishes they had.

Julián Montoya of Argentina talks to the team following the Autumn Nations Series 2024 match between Italy and Argentina at Friuli Stadium on November 9, 2024 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Gaspafotos/MB Media/Getty Images)

4 – Jamie George

Taking fourth spot on our hooker rankings in 2024,  Jamie George has been a cornerstone of England and Saracens rugby for over a decade. Now 34-years-old George continues to show the rugby pedigree he inherited from his father, Ian, a former scrumhalf for Northampton Saints, London Welsh, and the Barbarians.

Educated at Haileybury, George showcased his talent early, rising through England’s U18 and U20 ranks before making his Saracens debut in 2009. Since then, he has been integral to the club’s dynasty, earning a reputation as one of the most consistent hookers in the sport. “Jamie George, part of the Saracens dynasty, has been one of the best hookers in the world for the past 10 years,” said RugbyDump editor Jack Tunney.

George earned his senior England debut in 2015 against France and made an immediate impact at the Rugby World Cup later that year. After 18 consecutive appearances off the bench, he secured his first start against Samoa in 2017. That same year, he started all three Tests for the British & Irish Lions in their iconic series against the All Blacks.

In the 2019 Rugby World Cup, George was a critical part of England’s journey to the final. With 97 caps and a try on his 50th, he remains a prolific scorer and a dependable leader. George captained England in the 2024 Six Nations and led Steve Borthwick’s squad in the Summer Series and Autumn Nations Series.

“His darts are simply superb, always on the money,” Tunney added. “He’s a natural leader, and England and Saracens wouldn’t have achieved the success they have without Jamie George.”

While England eyes the future with rising talent like Theo Dan, fellow RugbyDump editor Philip Bendon notes, “George gets in for his body of work—consistently excellent, still phenomenal.”

Jamie George of England during the Autumn Nations Series 2024 match between England and Japan at Allianz Stadium on November 24, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

3 – Peato Mauvaka

Coming in as the third-best hooker in professional rugby, Peato Mauvaka has become an integral figure for both Toulouse and France. The New Caledonia native comes in at  6-foot, 112kg powerhouse, which is the full package with elite pace, versatility, and the ability to operate a clinical work in the line-out.

Mauvaka has spent his entire senior career with Toulouse, where he’s amassed an impressive trophy cabinet, including three Top 14 titles and a Champions Cup victory. In January 2023, he reached a milestone 1of 00 matches for the club and remains under contract until 2026.

His international career has been just as impactful. Mauvaka earned his first cap for France in 2019 against Scotland and was a crucial part of their 2022 Six Nations Grand Slam-winning squad. The 2023 Rugby World Cup marked Mauvaka’s debut in the tournament, where he stepped up in dramatic fashion, replacing Julien Marchand early in the opening match against New Zealand.

In 2024, Mauvaka played a pivotal role in Toulouse’s historic season double, which included a stunning Investec Champions Cup win over Leinster and a record-breaking Top 14 final victory over Bordeaux-Bègles. Rugby analyst Philip Bendon noted, “He is something else with the ball in hand… France has a brilliant one-two punch with him and Julian Marchand. They’re such different players, and it gives Toulouse and France a really interesting look.”

Bendon also emphasised Mauvaka’s dynamic style and ability to elevate his team, adding, “For me, it was nip and tuck between Mauvaka and New Zealand’s Cody Taylor for that spot, but I’m going to go with Mauvaka.”

Peato Mauvaka of France celebrates scoring a try during the Autumn Nations Series 2025 rugby match between France and Japan at Stade de France stadium on November 9, 2024 in Saint-Denis near Paris, France. (Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images)

2 – Malcolm Marx

A two-time Rugby World Cup champion (2019, 2023) and a cornerstone of South African rugby. Veteran Malcolm Marx is renowned for his powerful running, dominance at the breakdown, and unmatched versatility; Marx has redefined what it means to play hooker in the modern game.

Born and raised in Johannesburg, Marx attended the prestigious King Edward VII School, where his rugby journey began in the backline. Transitioning to the forwards during his senior school years at the suggestion of former Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer, Marx developed into a uniquely skilled hooker with the vision and agility of a backline player.

Marx made his professional debut for the Lions in 2015 and quickly became a force in Super Rugby, helping the team to the 2016 final. His Springbok debut followed later that year, and by 2017, he had cemented himself as a global star, winning SA Rugby Player of the Year and earning a World Rugby Player of the Year nomination.

Despite often coming off the bench primarily throughout the season as part of South Africa’s “Bomb Squad,” Marx’s impact is undeniable. “For me, he is the best breakdown hooker in the world,” Bendon said. His physical dominance and game-changing ability have made him indispensable to the Springboks, even in a non-traditional role.

Whether starting or finishing, Marx’s combination of skill, power, and adaptability continues to set him apart, solidifying his legacy as one of rugby’s all-time greats.

Malcolm Marx of the Springboks scores a try during the Castle Lager Rugby Championship match between South Africa and New Zealand at DHL Stadium on September 07, 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa. (Photo by Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images/Getty Images)

1 – Dan Sheehan

At 6-foot-3 and boasting remarkable mobility and strength, Dan Sheehan brings a unique blend of athleticism and skill to the hooker position. The Leinster and Ireland star has rapidly become one of the premier players in world rugby, thriving in both domestic and international competition.

Sheehan burst onto the scene with Leinster, helping the team secure the Pro14 title in his debut season as part of their dominant run of four consecutive championships. His talent quickly caught the eye of Ireland’s selectors, leading to his international debut in November 2021 against Japan. Just weeks later, he crossed the try line for his first Test score in a commanding performance against Argentina.

Elevated to Ireland’s starting hooker role during the 2022 Six Nations due to Ronan Kelleher’s injury, Sheehan delivered in spades. He started three matches, all victories, as Ireland clinched the Triple Crown.

Though injury side-lined Sheehan for much of 2024, his absence was keenly felt.  Bendon noted,  “The Irish line-out’s just been a disaster since pre-World Cup, but it always looked better when Sheehan’s there.” With Kelleher and rising star Gus McCarthy performing admirably, Sheehan will be eager to reclaim his spot as Ireland’s first-choice hooker ahead of the British & Irish Lions tour.

“When fit and firing again,” Bendon added, “you can just see how much Ireland miss him.” Many agree Sheehan remains the standard-bearer for hookers globally—an indispensable force for both Leinster and Ireland.

Dan Sheehan of Leinster breaks with the ball but is caught on the try line by Blair Kinghorn during the Investec Champions Cup Final match between Leinster Rugby and Stade Toulousain at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on May 25, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)