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 start with the big men in the front row:

Props

5 – Uini Atonio

At 6 ft 5 in, there’s a reason why this man mountain was initially attributed as a fearsome second row in his earlier days. Weighing in at almost 24 stone, or 150 kg, the La Rochelle star is arguably one of the toughest players in the sport. After ten years at the top of the game, Antonio has been a huge part of the French resurgence to the top of world rugby. Despite now being 34 years of age, the giant prop is still at the zenith of his game, leading the French charge straight to the top.

4 – Andrew Porter

As part of one of the most impressive front rows in club and international rugby with his prop partner, Tadgh Furlong, Porter exemplifies what a modern-day prop should be. Able to squat over 350kg, Porter is one of the strongest props in world rugby, making him a devastating scrummager and a surprisingly athletic forward, renowned for an unnerving change of pace.

3 – Tyrel Lomax

Despite being born in Australia, Lomax dons the unmistakable All Black jersey with sheer passion and aggression, making him one of the most terrifying props to play against in both the international game and for club side Hurricanes. His resurgence from his dip in form during the 2022 season has been nothing short of incredible, forcing his way back into one of the world’s greatest international teams, and becoming such a key player in the process.

2 – Tadhg Furlong

The 32-year-old will likely go down as Ireland’s greatest-ever prop. Furlong has the hands of a 10, the step of a winger and all the capabilities that make him such a great prop. He was unfortunate not to have won any silverware in 2024 but will have been pleased with his individual performances.

1 – Ox Nche

Nche has proved time and time again that salads certainly don’t win scrums, and with that, the big unit has had yet another impressive campaign for the Sharks and Springboks. His low centre of gravity and immense strength make him a deadly scrummager and fully deserved of this number-one spot.

Tune in over the festive period where we will be listing the Top 5 Players of 2024 in each position – right here on RugbyDump and on our YouTube channel!