45 Premiership Rugby Best Players of All Time

John Rizzo

Premiership Rugby is an elite club rugby union competition in England, featuring some of the best players in the world.

The competition, which is operated by Premiership Rugby Limited, is made up of 12 of the top English teams, as well as one from Wales, competing for the title of Premiership Rugby champions.

Each season, the teams compete in a round-robin format, with the top four sides entering the play-off series to determine the champions.

Each year, the Premiership Rugby players put on a show of skill and athleticism that is truly remarkable, and it is no surprise that some of the biggest stars in rugby have come from the competition.

We will take a look at some of the best players in Premiership Rugby over the last decade and highlight the incredible talents that have graced the competition.

1. Tom Curry

Thomas Michael Curry is an English rugby union player who currently plays with the Sale Sharks.

Curry is a versatile rugby player who is primarily used as a flanker, however, he has proven to be a great asset to his team and has been selected to play in the Number 8 position for England.

This is an important position in the game of rugby as the Number 8 is usually the link between the forwards and backs, often carrying the ball from the breakdown and linking with the backs.

Curry has proven to be a great asset in this role, making the most of his versatility and showing his ability to adapt to different situations.

He is a great asset for the Sale Sharks and England, and his ability to adapt to different roles and positions has no doubt been a key factor in his success.

2. Billy Vunipola

Billy Vunipola is an international rugby sensation. He is currently playing at Number 8 for Saracens in the Gallagher Premiership and for the England national team.

Billy was born in Australia to Tongan parents, but he was raised and educated in Wales and England since he was a young child, which allowed him to qualify for England through residency. Vunipola is known for his strong ball-carrying skills and his powerful tackling.

He is highly effective in the lineout, often taking charge of the team’s set-piece plays. His ability to read the game and anticipate the opposition’s moves has made him one of the most influential figures in modern rugby.

His impressive performances have earned him praise from both fans and pundits alike. He was awarded the prestigious Player of the Year award at the 2017 Aviva Premiership Final and was also nominated for the European Player of the Year award in the same year.

His international career has been equally impressive, as he has been an ever-present figure in the England national team’s line up since his debut in 2013. Billy Vunipola is a remarkable talent and has certainly made a name for himself in the rugby world.

His hard work and dedication have enabled him to reach the top of the game and it looks like he still has a lot more to give.

3. Danny Care

Daniel Stuart Care is an English rugby union player who currently plays for Harlequins in the Premiership, as a scrum-half. He has been part of the England national rugby union team since 2008 and has earned a total of 89 caps.

Before his international career began, Care was already impressing on the rugby pitch, having played for England in various youth age groups, as well as for the England Sevens and England Saxons teams.

His impressive performances led him to be included in the England squad, and he has since gone on to become one of the most important players in the team.

Care’s skill, experience and leadership on the pitch have been invaluable in helping England to success over the years, and he is sure to remain an important part of the team for many more years to come.

4. Dave Ewers

David Peter Ewers is a professional rugby union player from Zimbabwe who currently plays for the Exeter Chiefs in the Aviva Premiership, one of the top divisions of professional rugby in the world.

He has previously played for the Cornish Pirates in the Championship, a lower division of professional rugby, on a dual registration.

This means that he was registered with both teams, allowing him to play for either club. Ewers is a versatile player, capable of playing both Flanker and Number 8 positions.

As a Flanker, he is expected to be a playmaker and a leader on the field, contributing to the attack by running with the ball, passing and kicking, as well as tackling and defending.

As a Number 8, he is expected to be a potent ball carrier and a formidable defender, capable of breaking through the opposition’s defensive line.

He has been praised for his strong work ethic, leadership skills and athleticism, which has enabled him to become one of the most talented players in the Premiership. Ewer is an excellent example of a professional rugby player who has worked hard to reach the top of his game.

5. Paddy Jackson

David Patrick Lindsay James Jackson, or “Paddy” Jackson, is an accomplished professional rugby union player who hails from Northern Ireland. He currently plays for Lyon OU in the Top 14 division of France’s premier rugby union league.

Jackson has been playing rugby union professionally since 2010 and is known for his versatility and skill on the field. He has played in a variety of positions, including fly-half, full-back, and center.

His impressive performances on the pitch have earned him numerous accolades, including selection to the Northern Ireland national team in 2012. Jackson is highly regarded in the rugby union community, and his impressive ability and athleticism have made him a fan favorite.

6. Will Evans

William Giles Evans is an English rugby union player who currently plays for Harlequins in Premiership Rugby. He is an openside flanker, meaning that he is usually the first player to break through the defensive line and make a tackle or a pass.

Prior to playing for Harlequins, Evans played for Leicester Tigers. He made his debut for the Tigers against Gloucester, having graduated from the Leicester Tigers academy.

Evans has thus developed a strong skill set and an impressive level of experience through his time playing for both Leicester and Harlequins. He has also been able to make a name for himself due to the successful teams he has been part of.

7. Owen Farrell

Owen Farrell is an English professional rugby union player who currently plays for Premiership Rugby club Saracens and captains the England national team.

He has been playing rugby since 2012 when he made his international debut for England. Farrell plays fly-half, which is a position that acts as a playmaker for the team. As a fly-half, Farrell is responsible for making decisions on the pitch and leading the team’s attack.

He also serves as the team’s point scorer, kicking conversions and penalties. Farrell has had a very successful career thus far. He has been a key player for Saracens and a leader for the England national team.

He has been instrumental in leading both teams to multiple Premiership and Six Nations titles. Farrell has also been recognized for his individual accomplishments.

He has been awarded the Premiership Player of the Season, the Six Nations Player of the Championship, and the European Player of the Year. He is widely regarded as one of the top fly-halves in the world and is respected by his peers for his leadership and talent.

8. Ben Earl

Ben Earl is a prominent figure in the world of professional rugby union. He currently plays as a back row for Premiership Rugby club Saracens, one of England’s leading professional rugby clubs.

Earl has established himself as one of the best players in his position and has earned a place in the England squad. He made his international debut during the 2020 Six Nations tournament and has since proved himself to be a valuable member of the team.

His outstanding performances on the field have earned him widespread recognition, and he is now seen as an important part of England’s rugby union setup. With his impressive form, Earl is sure to be a key figure in the years to come.

9. George Ford

George Thomas Ford is a professional rugby union player from England who currently plays at fly-half for Sale Sharks and England. Ford began his professional rugby career in 2009 when he made his debut for Leicester.

During the years 2013-2017, he played for Bath before returning to Leicester, where he stayed until 2021. That year, he signed with Sale Sharks for the 2022-23 Premiership season.

Ford has been a professional rugby player for over a decade, and his experience and skill have been integral in helping him establish himself as one of the best fly-halves in the game today.

He has represented England throughout his career, and he will no doubt continue to bring his presence and skill to the Sale Sharks team in the upcoming season.

10. Jasper Wiese

Jasper van der Westhuizen Wiese is a South African rugby union player who is currently playing for Leicester Tigers in England’s Premiership Rugby. He is a versatile player, able to play both number 8 and flanker positions.

Before joining Leicester Tigers, he had a long and successful career playing for several teams in his native South Africa. He began his professional rugby career playing for the Cheetahs in the Pro14, the highest rugby union division in South Africa.

He also played for the Free State Cheetahs in the Currie Cup, the oldest rugby union competition in the world, and the Free State XV in the Rugby Challenge. During his time in South Africa, he was an integral part of these teams and helped each of them to achieve success.

11. Mateo Carreras

Mateo Carreras is an Argentinian professional rugby union player who currently plies his trade for the Newcastle Falcons. On the 21st of November 2019, he was selected to be part of the Jaguares squad for the upcoming 2020 Super Rugby season.

His preferred playing position is on the Wing, where he is able to use his speed and agility to his advantage.

Carreras is a highly experienced player, having been part of the Argentinian National U20s side in 2016 and also being part of the U20s World Championship that same year.

He represented the Jaguares in the 2017 and 2018 Super Rugby seasons and also made multiple international appearances for the Argentinian senior side in the 2019 season.

Carreras is an exciting player to watch, making use of his speed and agility to beat defenders and make explosive runs. He is also a very physical player and can make powerful tackles that can turn a game in his team’s favor.

With the 2020 Super Rugby season fast approaching, Mateo Carreras is sure to be a crucial part of the Jaguares squad and will be looking to make a lasting impact on the competition.

12. Adam Radwan

Adam Radwan is an exceptional rugby player, currently playing as a winger for Newcastle Falcons in Premiership Rugby. He is a native of England and has been playing professionally since 2016.

Radwan has earned a reputation as a hardworking and talented player, always giving his all to every game. He has a great eye for the ball, allowing him to make quick decisions on the pitch and capitalize on opportunities.

Radwan is known for his speed and agility, often being the first to get to the ball and cause havoc for the opposition. His presence on the pitch is often felt, as his quick thinking and strong technique can turn a game in a split second.

Radwan is an invaluable asset to the Newcastle Falcons and is sure to make a lasting impact on the Premiership Rugby.

13. Marcus Smith

Marcus Sebastian Smith is a talented English rugby union player with a long list of impressive accomplishments. He currently plays fly-half for Harlequins in the Gallagher Premiership, one of the top professional leagues in the world.

Smith has been praised for his ability to read the game and his tactical decision-making skills.

He has been a key player for the Harlequins over the years, helping them to win multiple championships. In addition to his club success, Smith has also represented England at the international level.

He made his test debut in 2021 against the United States and has since gone on to become a regular fixture in the team. Smith’s performances have been praised by both fans and pundits alike, and he is seen as a crucial part of the England squad.

His skills and experience make him one of the most valuable players in the squad, and he is sure to be a key figure for the team in the coming years.

14. Ollie Lawrence

Ollie Lawrence is an English professional rugby union player. He currently plays for Premiership Rugby club Bath. Lawrence began his professional career in 2016 when he was signed by Worcester Warriors, the English Premiership rugby team.

He went on to make his professional debut for the club in 2017. Since then, he has established himself as an important player for the team, and in 2020, he was signed by Bath, making the move to become a Premiership Rugby player.

Lawrence is a center, which means he is often found in the middle of the field, directing play and helping to create scoring opportunities.

He is an integral part of the Bath team, and his ability to read the game and make smart decisions have been a major factor in the team’s success.

15. Raffi Quirke

Raffi Quirke is an accomplished professional rugby union player from England. He currently plays for the Sale Sharks in the Premiership, a top-flight league in England’s rugby union system.

Quirke is a scrum-half, a position that requires a great deal of technical skill and awareness. As a scrum-half, Quirke must be able to make quick decisions on the field, execute precise passes, and effectively manage the team’s attack.

He must also be able to read the defense, anticipate their moves, and make sure his team is in the best position to succeed. Quirke’s athleticism and tactical knowledge have made him an integral part of the Sale Sharks team.

He is an important leader on the field and is respected by his teammates for his ability to get the team out of tough situations.

Quirke’s skill and experience have allowed him to become an important part of the Premiership, and he is sure to be a key player for the Sale Sharks in the years to come.

16. Lawrence Dallaglio

Lawrence Dallaglio is a retired English rugby union player who is highly respected in the sporting world. He was born Lorenzo Bruno Nero Dallaglio OBE and is a 2016 inductee of the World Rugby Hall of Fame.

Dallaglio is best known for being the former captain of the England Rugby Union team. Dallaglio began his rugby career as a teenager at Sudbury and only ever played for one club, London Wasps. During his time at Wasps, he played as either a flanker or number eight.

He was a key part of the team and was highly successful during his time. His commitment and loyalty to the club was rewarded with a place in the World Rugby Hall of Fame. Dallaglio was an inspirational figure in the rugby world, both on and off the field.

His commitment and determination to be the best are a lesson to all aspiring rugby players. His legacy will be remembered for many years to come.

17. Max Malins

Maxim Hugo Malins is a talented rugby union player from England. He currently plays wing for Saracens in the Gallagher Premiership, the top tier of rugby in England.

His skills and performances have been recognized by the English national team, and he made his debut in a test match against Georgia during the Autumn Nations Cup.

His appearance in the international stage highlights his talent and dedication to the sport, and he looks to continue to make a name for himself in the rugby world.

18. Charlie Hodgson

Charles Christopher Hodgson is a retired English rugby union player who had a successful career in both Sale Sharks and Saracens. He was a fly-half, a position that requires a combination of speed, agility and tactical awareness.

He is renowned for being the leading Premiership points scorer of all time, a testament to his skill and dedication to the game. Hodgson was also a highly regarded international player, having represented England on numerous occasions.

However, in 2012, he decided to announce his international retirement, marking the end of a distinguished career in the sport of rugby union. Throughout his career, Hodgson was praised for his commitment to the game and for his skillful displays on the pitch.

He was a true professional and his contributions to the sport will surely not be forgotten.

19. Anthony Watson

Anthony Watson is an English professional rugby union player. He has experience playing both as a wing and as a full-back. Currently, he is unattached, meaning he is not signed to any team.

His most recent team was Leicester Tigers in Premiership Rugby, which is one of the top divisions of English professional rugby. Watson has been playing rugby since his school days, and he has had plenty of success during his career.

He has represented England at both international and club levels, and he is known for his speed and agility on the field. He is a highly skilled player with a great understanding of the game, and he is sure to make an impact at any team he signs to.

20. Chris Ashton

Christopher John Ashton is a former professional rugby player and a unique athlete in the sports world. He is one of the few players to have competed in both rugby union and rugby league while representing England.

In rugby union, he was a wing, which is a position that typically plays on the outer edges of the field and requires speed and agility to be successful. Additionally, Ashton would also play fullback, a defensive position that requires strong tackling and defensive awareness.

His expertise in both of these positions enabled him to succeed in both rugby union and rugby league.

21. Semi Radradra

Semi Radradra Turagasoli Waqavatu is an incredible athlete with a unique background. He is a Fijian professional rugby union and rugby league footballer who currently plays rugby union for the English club Bristol Bears and the Fiji national team.

Radradra’s nickname, ‘Semi Trailer’, is a testament to his impressive size and strength. He is known for his powerful runs and ability to break tackles, making him an excellent wing player in both codes.

His skill and strength have made him a valuable asset to both the Bristol Bears and the Fiji national team. He is a versatile player who has the ability to make big plays in both rugby union and rugby league.

Radradra’s remarkable athleticism and unique skill set make him a force to be reckoned with in the world of rugby.

22. Alesana Tuilagi

Alesana “Alex” Tuilagi is a former Samoan rugby player who is now retired and currently resides in Fogapoa Savaii. Throughout his rugby career, he has represented Samoa on numerous occasions.

Before joining his national team, he played for the Italian club Parma and the English Aviva Premiership teams Leicester Tigers and Newcastle Falcons.

He had a long and successful career, highlighted by his achievements in the English Premiership with Leicester Tigers and Newcastle Falcons.

Tuilagi is now retired, but he has left a lasting legacy in the world of rugby union, having been one of the most prominent figures in the sport for many years.

23. Cadan Murley

Cadan Murley is an English professional rugby union player. He currently plays as a wing for the Premiership Rugby club Harlequins. Last season, the Harlequins finished in 6th place in the league. Murley has been a member of Harlequins since joining the club in 2018.

He is a versatile athlete, with the ability to play in a variety of positions. His primary role is as a wing, but he is also capable of playing as a center, fullback, or even as a scrum-half.

Murley has used his strong tackling and excellent speed to his advantage, playing a key role in the success of the Harlequins. He is an important member of the team and is likely to be a key player for the club in the upcoming season.

24. Maro Itoje

Oghenemaro Miles “Maro” Itoje is an English professional rugby union player, who has established himself as one of the best players in the game. He currently plays as a lock or as a blindside flanker for Gallagher Premiership club Saracens and the England national team.

Itoje began his rugby career in 2012 when he signed his first professional contract with Saracens. The following year, he made his debut for the club, and since then, his career has gone from strength to strength.

He has been a regular starter for Saracens ever since and has also become a key member of the England national team. In addition to his club and international commitments, Itoje has also won numerous individual awards, including the European Player of the Year award in 2016.

He continues to be one of the most exciting players in the game, and is sure to play a big part in Saracens and England’s future success.

25. Harry Randall

Harry Alan J. Randall is an English professional rugby union player currently playing for Bristol Bears in Premiership Rugby.

He is a scrum-half, a position of great importance in rugby union, as they are the link between the forwards and the backs. Harry Randall is the younger brother of Jake Randall, who is the Scarlets’ youngest ever player.

This makes him part of a family with a long history of rugby union, and he has certainly followed in his brother’s footsteps. Harry Randall has been a professional rugby player since 2014, when he debuted for Bridgend Ravens in the Welsh Premiership.

Since then, he has gone on to play for the Ospreys in the Pro14, as well as the Cornish Pirates in the Championship. In 2020, Harry Randall signed with Bristol Bears in Premiership Rugby. He had a successful first season with the club, becoming a key member of the squad.

His performances earned him a nomination for the Premiership Rugby Young Player of the Season award. Harry Randall is a talented rugby union player, with a lot of potential.

His brother’s legacy is certainly something that he can be proud of, and he is sure to have a successful career in the years to come.

26. Santiago Carreras

Santiago Carreras is a professional rugby union player from Argentina who currently plays for Gloucester. He is a multi-talented player, capable of playing at Fullback, Wing and Fly-half positions.

On 28 December 2018, Carreras was selected to join the Jaguares team for the 2019 Super Rugby season, a testament to his skill and talent. He has been highly praised for his ability to understand the game and make the right decisions on the pitch.

Carreras is a great asset to any team, and his selection to the Jaguares team was well-deserved. He is sure to be a valuable member of the team and help them reach their goals.

27. Ollie Chessum

Oliver Andrew Chessum is an English rugby union player who currently plays for Leicester Tigers in Premiership Rugby. His preferred position is lock, however, he also plays back row when needed.

On February 27th, 2022, he made his debut for England in the Six Nations against Italy. Since then, he has gone on to make nine appearances for the national team.

Chessum is highly regarded in England for his physicality and ball-winning abilities, and his presence in the Leicester Tigers team has been a major factor in their success. He has been praised for his commitment and passion for the game, as well as his ability to lead his team.

He is a vital asset to the England rugby team, and his influence on the game has been undeniable. Chessum’s career in rugby is still in its early stages, but it is clear that he has the potential to become one of England’s top players.

He is already making a name for himself as a force to be reckoned with, and he will continue to develop and grow into an important piece of England’s rugby future.

28. Tom Pearson

Tom Pearson is a talented and experienced English rugby union player, currently playing for the Northampton Saints in the Premiership Rugby club. He is a back-row specialist, having developed his skills and technique in the position over the years.

Pearson is a key member of the Saints’ squad, providing a strong physical presence in the back line and a reliable source of ball-carrying and defensive power. His ability to read the game effectively and make quick decisions have been instrumental in the team’s success.

He is also a strong leader on the pitch, often taking the initiative to organise play and direct teammates. With his experience, power, and leadership qualities, Pearson has become an invaluable asset to the team and a key component of the club’s success.

29. Val Rapava-Ruskin

Val Rapava-Ruskin is an experienced rugby union player who currently plays for Gloucester in the Premiership Rugby. Born in England, he began his rugby career at a young age and has since worked his way up the ranks to become an important member of the Gloucester team.

Rapava-Ruskin has been a part of the Premiership Rugby since 2014 and has made an impressive number of appearances for Gloucester. He is known for his strong tackling and defensive play, and is a reliable and integral component of the team.

His strong ball carrying and ability to break the defensive line have earned him a respected place in the Premiership Rugby. Val Rapava-Ruskin is a valuable asset to Gloucester and has been an influential player for the team over the years.

30. Jean-Luc du Preez

Jean-Luc du Preez is a South African rugby union player who currently plays for the Sale Sharks in the English Premiership. He was born on August 5, 1995 and made his debut for the South African national team in 2016.

His main playing position is flanker, but he also has the ability to play at the lock and number eight positions. He has established himself as one of the best players in the Premiership and has been a regular in the South African national team since his debut.

He is known for his physicality, speed, and ball handling skills. He is also an excellent lineout operator and has become a leader within the Sale Sharks side. He has become a key part of the South African set-up and is one of the most reliable players in the team.

31. Nick Schonert

Nicholas Peter Schonert is a South African rugby union player who plays the position of prop. He currently plays for Sale Sharks in the English Premiership, a professional rugby union club.

Before joining the Sharks, Schonert played rugby with them early in his career and made a single appearance for them during the 2012 Vodacom Cup.Rugby union is a popular sport in South Africa and Schonert is one of the many players who have found success in the game.

He is known for his strength and power on the field, which has allowed him to thrive as a prop.

His experience with the Sharks has also helped him to develop and hone his rugby skills.Having found success in the English Premiership with Sale Sharks, Schonert’s career is an example of how a talented South African player can make it in the professional rugby union world.

His ability to perform at a high level, combined with his experience with the Sharks, have allowed him to take his game to the next level.

32. Taulupe Faletau

Toby Faletau, formally known as Taulupe Faletau, is a professional rugby union player from Wales. He currently plays for Cardiff Rugby in the United Rugby Championship.

Faletau has been playing for the Wales national team for over a decade now, demonstrating his impressive longevity in the sport. He is renowned for being one of the most consistent players in the Welsh team, being a key contributor to their success in the past decade.

Faletau’s impressive skill set has seen him become one of the most sought-after rugby union players in the world. He has been a crucial part of the Welsh team’s success over the last 10 years and will continue to be in the coming years.

33. Henry Arundell

Henry Arundell is a professional rugby union player from England. He currently plays for Racing 92, a French club in the Top 14, the highest level of the French rugby union.

Arundell’s primary position is full back, where he is responsible for defending the team’s line of scrimmage and kicking the ball back to the opposing team when it is kicked back to him by the opposition.

As a full back, he is also responsible for helping start attacks by passing the ball downfield to teammates in attacking positions. Arundell has enjoyed success while playing for Racing 92, helping the team reach the semi-finals of the 2016–17 Top 14 season.

He has become a key player for Racing 92, and his performances have earned him recognition from both fans and his peers. Arundell is an example of a player who has used his talents and determination to reach the highest level of professional rugby union in France.

34. Courtnall Skosan

Courtnall Douglas Skosan is a professional rugby player from South Africa. He is currently playing for the Northampton Saints. He began his career in 2013 with the Golden Lions in the Currie Cup and Vodacom Cup.

He was selected for the South African Under-20 side in 2013 and played for the South African Sevens team in the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

In 2015, he joined the Lions for the Super Rugby season and has gone on to represent the Golden Lions in the Currie Cup and Vodacom Cup for the last five years. In 2019, he signed with the Northampton Saints and joined their squad for the 2020/21 season.

Skosan is known for his speed and agility and has become one of the most reliable members of the Northampton Saints squad. He is one of the few South African players to have made the move to Europe, and his experience and skill have made him a valuable asset to the team.

35. Charles Piutau

Charles Salesi Tu’ipulotu Piutau is a professional rugby union player who currently plays for the Gallagher Premiership club Bristol Bears. Born in New Zealand, he has Tongan ancestry and thus was able to qualify to represent the Tongan international rugby team.

A fullback, Piutau is known for his strong defensive abilities as well as his speed and agility when attacking. He has a great eye for gaps in the defense and frequently finds space to break the line and create try-scoring opportunities.

Piutau has been a key component of the Bristol Bears squad since joining the club in 2018 and has been instrumental in helping them achieve success in recent years. Piutau has been a part of the Tongan national team since 2017, and has played a vital role in their efforts to qualify for the Rugby World Cup in both 2019 and 2021.

His skill and leadership have been invaluable to the team, and he is widely respected throughout the rugby community. Overall, Charles Salesi Tu’ipulotu Piutau is a talented and respected rugby union player who has impressed on both the club and international stage.

His skill and experience have been vital for both Bristol Bears and Tonga, and he will undoubtedly continue to be a key contributor for both teams in the future.

36. Ellis Genge

Ellis Genge is a highly regarded English professional rugby union player who has been playing for Premiership Rugby club Bristol Bears since 2016.

He has quickly developed into one of the top prop players in the league and has attracted the attention of the England national team. In 2016, Genge made his debut for England and has since gone on to become a key part of the team.

He has established himself as one of the most reliable and hardworking players on the field and is a popular figure among rugby fans.

His impressive performances for Bristol Bears and England have seen him become one of the most sought after players in the league and he is sure to be a mainstay in the national team for years to come.

37. Nic Dolly

Nic Dolly is an impressive professional rugby union player with a bright future ahead of him. Born in Australia, Dolly is English qualified through his mother, and this has allowed him to represent the England national team.

He has had great success in the youth level, having represented the Under 20 side at the 2019 World Rugby Under 20 Championship.

This great success has continued into his senior career, having made his debut for the senior England team in 2021. Dolly currently plays as a hooker for Leicester Tigers in Premiership Rugby. His role in the team is crucial, and he has proven his worth in the sport.

He has a great work rate and is a reliable player. His versatility is also an asset, and he is able to handle different positions on the field. With his dedication and talent, there is no doubt that he has the potential to become one of the best players in England rugby.

38. Lewis Ludlow

Lewis Ludlow is an English professional rugby union player who currently plays for Gloucester in the Aviva Premiership.

Ludlow is a flanker, a position which involves being a dynamic and powerful presence on the field, with the task of making tackles as well as providing support for the team when attacking.

The flanker is also responsible for winning back possession for the team and ensuring that the ball is moved into an advantageous attacking position. Ludlow began his career as a junior in the Gloucester academy system, and was part of the first team squad in the 2013-14 season.

During his time at Gloucester, he has made a number of impressive performances, earning him praise from both fans and pundits alike.

He has also been selected for the England Under 20 and England Saxons squads. Despite his young age, Ludlow has already established himself as one of the best flankers in the game.

His ability to read the game and make key tackles, combined with his impressive ball handling skills, make him an invaluable member of the Gloucester team.

As a flanker, he has the potential to be one of the top players in the Premiership, and could one day represent his country at the highest level.

39. Schalk Brits

Schalk Burger Brits is a renowned South African former rugby union player. He was an integral part of South Africa’s national team and the Bulls in Super Rugby. He was renowned for his hooking skills and was considered one of the best in the sport.

He was a crucial part of the South African team that won the 2019 Rugby World Cup, and his contribution was invaluable. He was known for his commitment and dedication to the game and was an inspirational figure for younger players.

His presence on the field was always felt and his influence was undeniable. His contributions to the game will never be forgotten and he will always be remembered as one of the greatest players in the history of South African rugby.

40. Brad Barritt

Bradley Barritt is a former rugby union player who was born in South Africa. He is best known for his prowess at the position of centre, which is one of the most important roles on a rugby team.

Primarily, the role of a center is to act as an attacking threat, allowing the team to spread the ball wide and create space for other players to make the most of.

At the same time, the center is expected to be a defensive specialist, using their speed and agility to nullify the opposition’s attack. Bradley Barritt was excellent at playing this position and was often relied upon to be the main attacking threat for his team.

He had the ability to read the game and make the most of his opportunities, which made him a valuable asset to any team he played for. He was very versatile too, being able to take on the role of an attacking or defensive center, depending on the game situation.

In addition to his on-field abilities, Barritt was also a leader off the field. He was well respected by his teammates and was often seen as an inspiration for the younger players.

He would take the time to mentor and advise them and was an example of how to be successful and work hard. Overall, Bradley Barritt was a great rugby player who excelled at the position of centre.

His ability to read the game, combined with his leadership qualities, made him a valuable asset to any team he played for. He is remembered fondly by all who were lucky enough to have the privilege of playing alongside him.

41. Jonny May

Jonathan James May is a talented rugby player who plays for both Premiership Rugby’s Gloucester team and the England national team. He is known for his exceptional speed and his ability to score tries.

May began his professional career at Gloucester and also had a loan spell at Moseley. He is a winger, which allows him to use his speed to take on opponents and break through the defensive line.

He has been praised for his agility and his ability to find gaps in the defensive line. He is also a reliable finisher, consistently scoring tries and helping his teams to win.

May is an experienced player and has been a key part of both Gloucester and England’s teams for many years. His skill and knowledge of the game have been instrumental in helping his teams reach success.

42. Steven Luatua

Dolph Steven Luatua is a professional rugby union player from New Zealand. He plays in the Premiership Rugby club Bristol Bears as a flanker, which is a position that focuses on both defense and attack.

He is eligible to play for the Samoa national rugby union team due to his ancestry. Luatua has been a part of the international rugby scene since he was selected to play for the New Zealand Under-20 team in 2012.

He has since gone on to represent Samoa at the 2019 Rugby World Cup and continues to be an important part of the team. Luatua is an excellent player and is highly respected both on and off the field.

He has earned a reputation for being a hardworking and dedicated athlete, and has been a key part of Bristol Bears’ success in recent years.

43. Ruan Ackermann

Ruan Ackermann is a professional rugby union player from South Africa who is currently playing for the English Premiership team Gloucester.

He plays in the position of flanker, which is one of the two positions on the back row of the scrum. Flankers are responsible for the most physical part of the game, as they are required to carry, tackle, steal, and protect the ball from the opposition.

They also have to be able to read the game and make quick decisions on the fly. Ackermann has shown himself to be an exceptional player in this position, making huge impacts both on and off the field.

He is known for his strong physical presence, his formidable tackling ability, and his ability to read the game. Off the field, Ackermann is an active member of his community, often taking part in charity work and speaking engagements.

He has been an advocate for player welfare, particularly in his home country of South Africa, and has been vocal in his support of the sport in the region.

Ruan Ackermann is an excellent example of a modern professional rugby player, combining his on-field talent with off-field community engagement. His commitment to the sport and to the people of South Africa is an inspiration to all.

44. Agustín Creevy

Agustín Creevy is a well-respected Argentine rugby union player. He is currently part of both the national Argentina team The Pumas, as well as Sale Sharks in the Gallagher Premiership.

Creevy holds the record for the most-capped Argentine rugby player of all-time, having made a total of 99 appearances in tests, 51 of which were as captain from 2014-2018.

His impressive career spanned four years and his achievements have earned him great respect in the rugby world. Creevy’s leadership abilities have been particularly noteworthy, as he was chosen to lead the team 51 times throughout his career.

His experience and knowledge of the game are invaluable assets that have helped Argentina perform better on the pitch and make them a strong contender in international competitions.

Furthermore, he has also contributed significantly to Sale Sharks’ success in the Gallagher Premiership, being an integral part of the team since his arrival.

Overall, Agustín Creevy is an incredibly talented rugby union player who has earned a great deal of recognition for his impressive career and leadership skills.

His commitment to the sport and his determination to succeed have made him a role model and an inspiration to many aspiring rugby players.

45. Thomas Waldrom

Thomas Waldrom is an accomplished former rugby union player. He began his career in his native New Zealand, where he was born in Lower Hutt. In 2012, he was recruited by the English Premiership side Exeter Chiefs.

Waldrom’s career with the Chiefs was incredibly successful, and he went on to represent England from 2012 to 2014. His eligibility for the English national team was due to his grandmother, who was an English citizen.

During his time on the national team, Waldrom managed to win four caps, an impressive feat for any young player. Overall, Thomas Waldrom is a highly decorated former rugby union player who has represented two nations with distinction.

Conclusion

The best players in Premiership Rugby are those who consistently display excellent technical skills, physicality, and mental strength.

These players are the cornerstones of any successful team and it is clear that they are able to make an impact on the game in a variety of ways. As the Premiership continues to grow, these players will be the ones that will be looked upon to lead their teams to victory.

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John Rizzo

I am a professional rugby player in the Washington DC-Baltimore area. I have been playing rugby for over 10 years and have had the opportunity to play in many different countries. I am also a coach for both youth and adult rugby teams. I graduated from Johns Hopkins University with a degree in Sports Management and Marketing. I am currently working on my MPA from American University and plan to pursue this career path after graduating next year. LinkedIn