Rugby is a very popular sport internationally. Not only do millions of people across the globe play the sport, but there are several professional leagues and two different versions of the sport that have rabid followings. No doubt, it is a sport that draws a lot of passion.

Great Action from Across the Globe

One of the things that makes rugby so popular is that it is a grueling game. At its best, this is a physical battle, with players being tackled, fighting for the ball, and attempting to cross the goal line.It takes skill and a fierce competitive spirit to compete in football.

For fans, it is also a great sport to watch and use Powerplay live bets. They get to enjoy the action by not only  watching their favorite players compete but also looking at rugby betting odds to place wagers on their favorite teams. This grants rugby a loyal and consistent audience that gets excited for every game – whether it’s the one of rugby leage or rugby union.

Passion for the Players

Not only is rugby enjoyable to watch and place a wager on, but fans also enjoy the great athletes who compete in the sport. It takes a certain kind of talent to succeed and thrive in rugby, and this makes fans passionate about the players they love the most.

No doubt, fans have their favorite players. In fact, you can be sure that they will be ready to argue vehemently for their position. So, here are the top six rugby players on the planet, which should definitely draw some support and ire.

Roman Ntamack

The Frenchman is just 23 years old and has established himself as one of the rising young stars in the rugby world. France has been looking for a bit of a rejuvenation in international rugby, and Ntamack is leading the way to making that a reality. He competed for Toulouse in the European Rugby Champions Cup in 2020–21 and has continued to do so in each of the last two seasons, including this year.

Maro Itoje

Itoje was born in North London but is a descendant of Nigerian parents. He was first introduced to the sport at the age of 11 and excelled almost from the moment he took to the pitch. He began his international career in 2013-14 with the English U-20 team and was named the European Player of the Year in 2016.

He has been listed among the nominees for the World Rugby Player of the Year in 2016, 2017, and 2021. He is definitely one of the most dominant players on the planet.

Eben Etzebeth

The South African Etzebeth is one of the older players considered among the elite, but he has still proven himself to be one of the very best. He turned 31 in October, and has continued to dominate, not only playing for the South African national team but also playing in the United Rugby Championship.

He began his career in 2009 with the Under-18 team and has continued to establish himself as one of the leading players. During his senior career, Etzebeth dominated as a number 4 lock. While he may have slowed in recent years, he is still refusing to show his age.

Siya Kolisi

Kolisi is another member of the South African team and has been seen over the past two years as one of the best players on the planet. He has proven himself to be a great leader as well, being named the first black captain of the Springboks, the national rugby team of South Africa.

The South African is also getting up there in years, turning 31 in June, but continues to dominate at the highest levels in the world. Since 2021, he has 19 appearances and five points for the Sharks. He has competed internationally since 2010.

Lukhanyo Am

Lukhanyo is not only a great rugby player but is considered the most popular rugby player in the world, according to a study performed by Sportsradar. He also plays for the South African national team, but is only 29, a couple of years younger than his famous teammates. Combined, these three have helped to make South Africa one of the most dominant countries in the world when it comes to rugby.

Antoine Dupont

One more star to consider is Antoine Dupont. The Frenchman turned 26 in November and has been a major fixture for Toulouse since 2017, recording 90 appearances and 190 points. He began his career with the U-22, 016 team and started in the tournament, scoring 36 points, including five tries.

DuPont is a ruggedly handsome man who has become a popular player among the ladies. He is quite successful academically as well, earning his master’s degree in sports management in 2019.

It does not matter in what order you take these six; they are truly among the elite of the international rugby world. They will likely continue to be so throughout 2023.