He’s also Scotland’s co-captain for their national squad and is a fly-half. In January, the wealthy French club Racing 92 made him an offer he couldn’t refuse. Russell had been making about $800,000 a year from Saracens, his home club since he was a teenager.
South Africa – Simply Unmatched
Clearly you don’t have the ability to feel shame, but dude know I feel sad for you. It’s a question every rugby fan has an answer for, but rarely are any two answers the same. Edinburgh have confirmed they expect to be without full-back Emiliano Boffelli for a large chunk of the season as the Argentine star prepares for further surgery on a longstanding back problem. Updates from the world of sport on TV, including news, views and how to watch it all live.
Super Rugby’s top 50 players in 2024, 20-11: All Blacks next generation shines through
Owen Farrell’s absence presents an important moment to one of the brightest talents in English rugby, who should now be given an extended run at fly-half. Smith shows an instinct for attack and courage to play beyond any of his rivals for the jersey, but he must also prove he can guide England through choppier waters. Here we take a look at five stars expected to grab the headlines when the tournament kicks off on February 2nd.
George Martin – England – Utility Forward
Check out more of our Sport coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what’s on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast. Fans will disagree on who they believe would make the top 10, with all manner of factors to consider – with trophies, scoring ability and leadership skills all involved. Others are preparing to represent their countries at the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris in the rugby sevens tournament.
25 Premiership Rugby
Born in Auckland and raised in Australia, Meafou has lived in France since 2018. Five years later, at the close of 2023, he was finally granted French citizenship. As a result, Meafou is now eligible to represent France on the international stage for the first time at the Six Nations. Sadly though, he may have to wait until after round one to make his debut. Unfortunately for him, he sustained an injury during Toulouse’s victory over Bath in the Champions Cup.
Wales
Wing Duhan van der Merwe is lethal with ball in hand and some space. Arguably his best try scored was against England in the 2023 Six Nations, where he beat five defenders and ran 55m. He backed up his good performance against the old enemy in the 2024 Six Nations, scoring a hat-trick – with each try coming from some individual brilliance. However, New Zealand are the last team to beat the Red Roses, with a dramatic comeback win in the Rugby World Cup final in 2022. Morwenna Talling, who can also play at second row, keeps her place at blindside flanker with Maddie Feaunati on bench. Ford is also coming to the end of his deal at Sale Sharks but director of rugby Alex Sanderson is confident the North West native will remain at the club.
- Not since the great Joe Rokocoko has New Zealand Rugby had a winger who ties together immense physicality with guile to the level of Telea.
- The towering second rower was at his physically confrontational best as he narrowed in on a century of test matches throughout 2021.
- Scott Robertson won’t be disheartened, though, as there were many positives.
- Last year, Smith held advanced talks with Racing 92 about a move to the Top 14, where he retains suitors but would render him ineligible for international selection.
- As the Barrett brothers have proven time and time again, it is hard to keep any of them down (especially when playing together).
- Followers of Reffell since his fledgling days with the U20s and Leicester will say it was ever thus, and won’t be surprised to see him atop the list of turnovers won.
England
Les Bleus are likely to win most of their games and Penaud is a shoo-in for top try scorer making him a very strong pick. One of the most exciting talents in the game, Russell is a magician of a fly-half with the skills to unpick any defence. Being named co-captain signals an end to his stormy relationship with head coach Gregor Townsend and he has been revitalised by his move to Bath, who are flourishing as a result of his arrival. A powerhouse winger, van der Merwe’s size and speed make him a lethal attacking threat. His ability to break tackles and finish tries, combined with his strong defensive efforts, adds a dynamic edge to Scotland’s backline.
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From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox. His leadership has brought about some of Italy’s best performances in their history and 2024 could be the year they take it to the next level. There are not many 31-year-olds who would be referred to as a rising star, but when you are the man who has to fill the shoes of Dupont, it really is the opportunity of a lifetime.
Andrew Porter – Ireland – Prop
His significant size in the backrow opens up a whole world of possibilities at set piece for Los Pumas – in particular, his explosive power getting off the ground quickly for lineouts and kickoff receipts. Not since the great Joe Rokocoko has New Zealand Rugby had a winger who ties together immense physicality with guile to the level of Telea. Captain of two-time European Cup-winning Stade Rochelais, Alldritt is a key leader for the French national side. England’s lost soldier, and yet another Toulouse player, how Willis remains ineligible due to selection rules is one of the greatest travesties in rugby.
England defence coach Felix Jones quits in another blow to Steve Borthwick
In short, NZ rugby did not take responsibility for the disrespect shown to Irish players, Irish supporters and Ireland. NZ are responsible and accountable for the conduct of their players. He obliquely referenced Sexton’s incident with Peyper seemingly unaware that Ioane was citable under the exact same offence.
There is plenty for Contepomi to build on with this Los Pumas side. The latest edition of the Six Nations is rapidly approaching with the 2024 championship getting underway in the first weekend of February. From the relentless pursuit of victory to the sublime mastery of skills, these athletes have left an indelible mark on the rugby landscape. In the ever-evolving landscape of rugby excellence, distinguishing the crème de la crème is no small feat. As the echoes of thunderous scrums and dazzling tries reverberate across the globe, RUCK proudly presents its definitive list of the 20 Best Rugby Players in the World.
Sri Lanka win Asia Rugby Men’s Championship Division 1 title
It wasn’t a campaign to hang in the Louvre but, collectively, these players can feel pleased with what they achieved. Now, if he impresses new head coach Gonzalo Quesada, Varney could be the danger man as Italy look to fire in attack like they never have before to challenge the likes of Wales, England, and Scotland. When England played to his style at the latter end of the World Cup it worked wonders and his kicking game could be pivotal in the Six Nations.
- Another pair of players that are unsurprisingly right up near the top of the most valuable list given how significantly they influence the clashes they feature in.
- And being named co-captain with Rory Darge signals an end to his previously stormy relationship with head coach Gregor Townsend.
- Not only can he display his skills on a 15s stage, but he has also started his 7s career with a bang, scoring a try on his debut for France.
- As a goal-kicker, there are few more reliable than the versatile playmaker who will not only create tries.
- Some of the changes he made, like the elevation of Tomás Albornoz, gave the team more control in terms of game management, resulting in major improvements.
- A versatile and powerful forward who is comfortable in the second row, at blindside flanker or number eight, Cunningham-South will make his debut at the upcoming tournament.
- Head coach Warren Gatland believes he can grow into an Alun Wyn Jones-style of leader- the highest of compliments for the young man.
- It was a brave call to go to the back of the line within striking distance, but it worked and Wales won a penalty try from the subsequent maul.
A good friend of newest NFL recruit Louis Rees-Zammit, Varney has been a consistent player in Italy’s squad since 2020. There has been a lot of change in the Italy camp heading into this tournament and so Michele Lamaro will want to be the consistent, guiding force as they look to try and finally avoid the wooden spoon. With Louis Rees-Zammit making the shock decision to leave rugby and pursue a career in the NFL, there is no better time for Rio Dyer to cement himself as Wales’ fast man. With Owen Farrell opting to take a break from international duty and then signing for French side Racing 92, the time came for England to turn to someone new as their full-time captain. The current line-up is missing many of the team’s biggest names, with Leigh Halfpenny, Dan Biggar, Alun Wyn Jones and Justin Tipuric retiring in the last 12 months. Not to mention Louis Rees-Zammit, who has departed the squad for a career in the NFL.
- Away from the Rugby World Cup, he was named World Rugby’s Player of the Year in 2019 and won the Rugby Championship the same year.
- Five-eighth Arabella McKenzie, who missed last week’s victory after suffering a concussion during training, remains sidelined and will be monitored ahead of the side’s final game of the year against Scotland.
- A powerful duo assume the responsibility of being the top-ranked players in 2024 with Antoine Dupont unavailable.
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- Potentially the best scrum-half in England at the moment after an incredible season with Northampton, Alex Mitchell could really come into his own at this tournament.
- Stephen Varney was brought up in Wales but opted to represent Italy to honour his grandparents.
- What was most remarkable was how, despite rotating and changing the team almost weekly, their efficiency remained incredibly high.
We are the leading rugby union news and content network delivering you the latest news, views and all the moves in Rugby Union. A tenacious openside flanker, van der Flier’s work rate and breakdown prowess are his standout traits. His relentless tackling and ability to secure turnovers make him a vital component of Ireland’s defensive efforts and breakdown strategies. Join us as we celebrate the extraordinary talents that have elevated the sport to new heights, making this exclusive ranking a testament to their prowess, resilience, and enduring impact on the game. As for Ireland, “there was and is something brutally mechanical” about them, said The Telegraph. For a time they were ranked number one in the world and after the heartbreak of their dramatic quarter-final exit to the All Blacks at the World Cup, they will be looking to prove themselves again.
The once-intimidating aura of the All Blacks seems to have faded.They are by no means in crisis like the Wallabies, but at the moment, they aren’t performing at a level that puts them among the elite. The emergence of young loose forwards like Carlo Tizzano and Fraser McReight was a huge plus, while the growth of Harry Wilson was impressive. The return of Len Ikitau also provided much-needed defensive strength and attacking creativity. The Wallabies finished last, with only a last-minute win against Argentina in South America to their name.
Add to that the fact that this team has now won nearly everything available to them, and they become even more impressive. Their most impressive performance was their win in New Zealand, closely followed by their dominant victory over Australia. Winning away from home against a team that hadn’t lost up to that point was mighty impressive from Felipe Contepomi’s side. On the other hand, France star Ramos is a strong contender for the top-point scorer in the Six Nations as he is in almost every competition he plays in.
Certainly, there were moments of good, but in reality, Farrell’s presence as both the alpha and leader for England meant Ford was more of a distributor than a decision-maker. Like his clubmate, Costelow, Ioan Lloyd possesses a strong running game and a clever short- to mid-range kicking game that could work a treat with the dangerous Welsh backs. Historically, Ireland has steered clear of rushing players onto the international stage, but the 6’4” Prendergast is an exception. Taking to the international stage like a duck to water, Crowley already has featured in several significant test matches. The back-row bruiser also expressed his satisfaction with his evolving role as a ball-carrier in the wider channels, a tactic that has proven effective for the Boks this season.
Quite possibly, the most talented 20-year-old in professional rugby, Sam Prendergast dominated the U20 circuit for the past few seasons. Like Crowley, Cian Frawley is a versatile operator who can play fly-half, center and fullback to a high standard. However, he has looked best https://becric.co.in/ when wearing the No. 10 shirt and has been in Andy Farrell’s thinking regarding the fly-half berth. Ordinarily, Ross Byrne would have been the choice here, but the rock-steady Leinster stalwart picked up an unfortunate early-season injury and has yet to return to action.