The world of rugby is a fascinating one, with its own unique set of skills and personalities. Among the players, the flankers are often the unsung heroes, working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure their teams' success. In this article, I'll delve into the top 10 flankers in the world right now, according to Planet Rugby, and explore what makes each of them so exceptional.
The Top 10 Flankers
Pieter-Steph du Toit (South Africa): Du Toit is a force to be reckoned with, defined by his sheer physicality and thunderous work rate. He's a machine that the Springboks are built on, and his versatility as a lock, blindside, and openside flanker makes him an invaluable asset. With two World Cups under his belt and multiple Player of the Year awards, Du Toit is undoubtedly one of the greatest Springboks of the professional era.
Ardie Savea (New Zealand): Savea completes the skill set with his exceptional jackaling, carrying, and try-scoring abilities. He can play both openside and number eight, and his understanding of what it means to be an All Black is unparalleled. Savea's performance in the win over Ireland at Eden Park showcased his ability to direct the game's flow, making him a key player for the All Blacks.
Tadhg Beirne (Ireland): Beirne is the most awkward forward to prepare for, and his versatility in playing six and lock in the same season is remarkable. His turnover work and lineout skills are exceptional, and he carries and tackles without giving away penalties. Beirne's impact on Ireland's success cannot be overstated, and he's a strong contender for the Lions Test starter role.
Fraser McReight (Australia): McReight is a genuine second receiver with exceptional handling skills and speed. His ability to be in the right place at the right time, coupled with his serious rugby brain, makes him a standout player. McReight's consistent performance in a difficult few seasons for Australia has earned him a place among the top flankers.
Jack Willis (England): Willis is a complete flanker at the club level, excelling in both carrying and passing. His physical resilience and lineout detail have improved under Ugo Mola, making him a more well-rounded player. However, Willis's frustration stems from his limited Test rugby opportunities, as he's been overlooked for the England squad despite his prowess at Toulouse.
Charles Ollivon (France): Ollivon is a scoring machine with a try every 2.6 Tests, a rate unmatched by any other back-five forward. His ability to pick his lines like an elite center and his class-leading lineout steals make him a valuable asset. Ollivon's versatility in playing both flank and number eight has earned him a regular spot in Fabien Galthié's team.
Jac Morgan (Wales): Morgan is a willing worker who tackles until the job is finished and carries into traffic. Despite not being the biggest or quickest, his determination and willingness to do the ugly work make him a standout player. Morgan's performance in the 2026 Nations Championship, including his tackle count and passing accuracy, earned him the role of young captain for Wales.
Pablo Matera (Argentina): Matera is the heartbeat of Argentina's team, and his emotional play has been a driving force for the side. His physicality and intensity on the field are unmatched, and he's arguably the finest back-rower Argentina has produced. Matera's leadership and performance in the match against South Africa showcased his importance to the team.
Rob Valetini (Australia): Valetini is Australia's primary carrier and the forward around which their attack is built. His athletic profile and consistency match his exceptional skills, and he's been a reliable set-piece ball provider. Valetini's performance against the Wallaby opponents has earned him a place among the top flankers.
Siya Kolisi (South Africa): Kolisi is the most underrated great in the game, and his ability to make players around him better is remarkable. His work rate and decision-making in contact are excellent, and he's a cultural and emotional heart of the South African squad. Kolisi's performance against Argentina in Buenos Aires demonstrated his importance to the team.
Personal Commentary
In my opinion, the top 10 flankers list showcases the diverse skills and personalities that make rugby such an exciting sport. From the physicality of Du Toit to the emotional leadership of Matera, each player brings something unique to the field. What makes this list particularly fascinating is the balance between physical prowess and emotional intelligence, as well as the versatility of players who can adapt to different roles.
One thing that immediately stands out is the importance of work rate and decision-making in contact. Flankers who excel in these areas, like Kolisi and Valetini, tend to have a significant impact on their team's performance. Additionally, the list highlights the value of versatility, with players like Beirne and Ollivon showcasing their ability to adapt to different positions.
What many people don't realize is the emotional and cultural impact that flankers can have on their teams. Players like Kolisi and Matera bring a sense of unity and purpose to their squads, which can be just as important as their on-field performance. This aspect of the game often gets overlooked, but it's what makes rugby such a special sport.
If you take a step back and think about it, the top 10 flankers list raises a deeper question about the role of leadership and emotional intelligence in rugby. While physical prowess is essential, the ability to inspire and motivate teammates can make all the difference. This is what sets the great flankers apart from the good ones.
A detail that I find especially interesting is the balance between physicality and technical skills. Players like Ollivon and McReight showcase their ability to score tries and steal lineouts, while also being excellent carriers and tacklers. This combination of skills is what makes them stand out and earn their place among the top flankers.
What this really suggests is that the role of a flanker goes beyond the statistics and highlights. It's about the intangible qualities that make a player a leader and a team player. This is what makes rugby such a complex and fascinating sport, and it's what keeps fans coming back for more.
