The RugbyPass Top 100: A Tale of Rising Stars and Falling Legends
In the world of rugby, where legends are made and rankings can shift dramatically, the 2025 RugbyPass Top 100 has unveiled some surprising results. One of the most notable stories is the significant drop experienced by All Blacks legend Beauden Barrett. But here's where it gets controversial...
Barrett, a two-time World Rugby Player of the Year, has seen his ranking plummet from 11th in 2024 to a staggering 77th this year. Despite largely holding onto the All Blacks' No.10 jersey, the playmaking role was occasionally handed to Damian McKenzie, resulting in three victorious matches under the guidance of Scott Robertson. This raises the question: is Barrett's decline a sign of changing dynamics within the All Blacks, or is it an indication of a broader shift in the rugby landscape?
Compiled by a team of 11 journalists, the Top 100 list reflects an eventful 2025. France's scrum-half, Antoine Dupont, currently holds the crown, but the past year has seen France win the Six Nations, South Africa retain the Rugby Championship, and the British and Irish Lions triumph in Australia. These achievements have created a highly competitive environment, with numerous players vying for recognition.
And this is the part most people miss: the Top 100 list showcases a diverse range of nations, with 11 countries represented so far. Among the newcomers is Wales' wing, Louis Rees-Zammit, who made a remarkable return to rugby union in August after an 18-month stint in the NFL. Rees-Zammit's inclusion highlights the global appeal and talent pool of rugby.
While Barrett's fall is the most dramatic, the biggest climber on the list is Wallabies loosehead Angus Bell, who has soared from 89th to 67th. Bell's rapid ascent is a testament to the unpredictable nature of rugby rankings and the potential for players to rise to the top with consistent performance.
The next 20 players will be unveiled on Wednesday, leaving us with a tantalizing wait to see who will make the cut and who will continue to rise or fall in the rankings. Will Barrett's decline be a temporary blip, or is it a sign of a lasting impact on his legacy? And what about the other players on the rise? These questions and more will be answered as the RugbyPass Top 100 unfolds. So, rugby enthusiasts, what are your thoughts on these rankings? Do you agree with the journalists' choices, or do you have your own picks for the top players of 2025? Feel free to share your opinions and predictions in the comments below!
