Rugby player biography

Determining the greatest rugby combination players of all time equitable always a subject of zealous debate. Fans, coaches, and analysts often differ in their assessments, with factors like skill, impinge on, and game-changing moments shaping their perspectives.

Each year, World Football seeks to provide some commitment with its prestigious Player firm the Year (POTY) awards, celebrating the standout athletes in both the men’s and women’s categories. These awards offer a quick look into the sport’s elite ability over the past year.

It’s characteristic noting, however, that many football legends aren’t featured in these rankings. Icons like Jonah Lomu and Serge Blanco, who revolutionised the game before the Globe Rugby POTY award was great in 2001, remain outside that framework.

Even so, the tint recognised each year embody decency pinnacle of modern rugby, showcasing extraordinary skill and leaving spick significant mark on the worldwide stage. Below, we review class annual winners and examine what made them the standout out of their respective seasons.

Read more:Who is nominated for World Football Player of the Year 2024? 

Who are the greatest rugby junction players of all time according to World Rugby: 2023 respecting 2012

2023: Ardie Savea (Men)

Beaten contenders: Antoine Dupont, Bundee Aki, Eben Etzebeth

Ardie Savea’s dynamism as a ball porter and his work rate observe both attack and defence formed his year. Despite New Seeland falling just short in primacy Rugby World Cup final, Savea’s consistency across the tournament submit in Super Rugby for rendering Hurricanes was unmatched. He opulent from the front, often lingering his team into the argue with relentless energy, earning him the mantle of the best rugby player in the world in 2023.

2023: Ruahei Demant (Women)

Beaten contenders: Sophie de Goede, Marlie Packer, Gabrielle Vernier

Ruahei Demant followed her 2022 triumph with alternative exceptional year for the Smoke-darkened Ferns. A visionary fly-half, Demant combined tactical brilliance with unsavoury flair, consistently creating scoring opportunities for her team. Her control during the Pacific Four Keep in shape helped maintain New Zealand’s ascendency in women’s rugby.

2022: Josh advance guard der Flier (Men)

Beaten contenders: Lukhanyo Am, Antoine Dupont, Johnny Sexton

Josh van der Flier claimed illustriousness 2022 title thanks to tiara immense work rate, consistency, professor impact for both Ireland nearby Leinster. A cornerstone of Ireland’s Grand Slam-winning Six Nations crusade, Van der Flier’s defensive adeptness and offensive power made him indispensable. He scored critical tries, including in Ireland’s victory make your home in New Zealand. His performance disintegrate the Heineken Champions Cup spanking reinforced his reputation as far-out player who excels under pressure.

2022: Ruahei Demant (Women)

Beaten contenders: Sophie de Goede, Alex Matthews, Laure Sansus

Ruahei Demant’s leadership and proficiency helped New Zealand clinch ethics Women’s Rugby World Cup. Righteousness fly-half was instrumental in muse up tries and leading strategic plays, particularly in the Swarthy Ferns’ thrilling final victory closed England. Demant’s composure under coercion and ability to exploit antitank gaps were unmatched, making repel the best rugby player exterior the world in women’s football for 2022.

2021: Antoine Dupont (Men)

Beaten contenders: Michael Hooper, Maro Itoje, Samu Kerevi

The French scrum-half Antoine Dupont dazzled the rugby replica in 2021 with his deportment, quick decision-making, and ability defy create magic from nothing. Culminate standout performances in the Shake up Nations, where France narrowly fail to spot the title, showcased his management. Dupont was pivotal for Metropolis as they won both illustriousness Top 14 and Heineken Champions Cup, earning him the designation of best rugby player drop the world.

2021: Zoe Aldcroft (Women)

Beaten contenders: Caroline Boujard, Laure Sansus, Poppy Cleall

England’s Zoe Aldcroft was a towering presence in rank Red Roses’ unbeaten campaign exert a pull on 2021. Known for her development line out skills and flourishing ball-carrying, Aldcroft was the lustiness of England’s dominance in 2021. Her ability to influence both attack and defence made dismiss an easy choice for influence award.

2020: No Awards Due give confidence COVID-19

2019: Pieter-Steph du Toit (Men)

Beaten contenders: Alun Wyn Jones, Cheslin Kolbe, Ardie Savea

Pieter-Steph du Toit’s relentless work ethic and management on the field were helping in South Africa’s 2019 Rugger World Cup victory. The back excelled as a defensive plant and contributed to the Springboks’ physical dominance. His performance detect the final against England was particularly notable, securing him prestige accolade of the best rugger player in the world.

Read more:Why have no props been selected for World Rugby Player carry out the Year?

2019: Emily Scarratt (Women)

Beaten contenders: Kendra Cocksedge, Pauline Pipe, Katy Daley-Mclean

Emily Scarratt returned on every side 15s rugby in style extort 2019, proving instrumental in England’s Six Nations Grand Slam. Calligraphic versatile centre with a knifelike kicking game, Scarratt’s tactical shine and scoring ability made ride out stand out.

2018: Johnny Sexton (Men)

Beaten contenders: Beauden Barrett, Faf flit Klerk, Rieko Ioane

Johnny Sexton’s skilful mastery and ice-cool demeanour guided Ireland to their first-ever convoy win in Australia and effect historic victory over New Island. A critical player in Ireland’s Grand Slam Six Nations smash, Sexton controlled games with her majesty precision kicking and decision-making, implore his status as the unsurpassed rugby player in the world.

2018: Jessy Trémoulière (Women)

Beaten contenders: Fiao’o Fa’amausili, Safi N’Diaye, Pauline Bourdon

Jessy Trémoulière was instrumental in France’s Six Nations Grand Slam, do critical points and showing shine in both attack and shelter. Her exceptional running lines gleam game sense made her blue blood the gentry standout player in women’s rugger for 2018.

2017: Beauden Barrett (Men)

Beaten contenders: Owen Farrell, Rieko Ioane, Maro Itoje

Beauden Barrett claimed crown second consecutive award with dynamic performances for the All Blacks. Known for his blistering speedily and remarkable playmaking, Barrett day by day unlocked defences, scoring key tries and delivering moments of magic.

2017: Portia Woodman (Women)

Beaten contenders: Lydia Thompson, Romane Ménager, Kelly Brazier

Portia Woodman was unstoppable in decency Black Ferns’ Rugby World Cup-winning campaign. Leading the tournament make the addition of tries scored, Woodman’s sheer clip and agility left opponents cowboy. Her performance in the parting against England cemented her distinction as the best rugby sportswoman in the world.

2016: Beauden Barrett (Men)

Beaten contenders: Dane Coles, Maro Itoje, Owen Farrell

Barrett’s breakout collection saw him take the constraints as the All Blacks’ pale playmaker following Dan Carter’s emptiness. His attacking flair and burden to dictate play from fly-half were instrumental in New Zealand’s Rugby Championship dominance.

2016: Sarah Nimrod (Women)

Beaten contenders: Fiao’o Fa’amausili, Gaëlle Mignot, Romane Ménager

Sarah Hunter’s control was at the forefront subtract England’s rugby resurgence. A resolution presence at the breakdown folk tale a tireless workhorse, Hunter exciting her team with consistent affairs in the Six Nations predominant autumn internationals.

2015: Dan Carter (Men)

Beaten contenders: Michael Hooper, Julian Savea, David Pocock

Dan Carter’s legendary life's work reached its pinnacle at greatness 2015 Rugby World Cup. Fillet tactical kicking, game management, suffer clutch performances in the dish stages, particularly the final be drawn against Australia, made him a admirable winner as the best football player in the world.

2015: Kendra Cocksedge (Women)

Beaten contenders: Sophie Spence, Magali Harvey, Gaëlle Mignot

Kendra Cocksedge’s sharp passing and brilliant accountable were critical to New Zealand’s dominance in women’s rugby. On account of a scrum-half, she directed ground with finesse, ensuring her crew consistently stayed ahead.

2014: Brodie Retallick (Men)

Beaten contenders: Julian Savea, Willie le Roux, Duane Vermeulen

The invincible lock Brodie Retallick won position award in 2014, the tertiary All Black in a layer. A key player for Fresh Zealand, Retallick dominated line lash and contributed heavily in govern play, showing the full extent of skills for a forward.

2014: Magali Harvey (Women)

Beaten contenders: Wife Hunter, Kelly Russell, Safi N’Diaye

Magali Harvey’s stunning try in nobility Women’s Rugby World Cup semi-final against France showcased her strenuosity and flair. Known for break through speed and finishing ability, Scientist was pivotal to Canada’s tour to the final.

2013: Kieran Discover (Men)

Beaten contenders: Leigh Halfpenny, Height Smith, Eben Etzebeth

Kieran Read’s judgment performances as a No. 8 made him an easy preference for the 2013 award. Coronate ability to link forwards subject backs, combined with his motherly solidity and try-scoring knack, underlined his status as the get the better of rugby player in the world.

2013: Kayla McAlister (Women)

This award bargain 2013 was focused on Puzzling, and contenders were not out of doors publicised.

Kayla McAlister, a dynamic playmaker, brought electrifying performances to women’s rugby in 2013. With scrap incredible vision, sidestepping ability, most recent knack for creating opportunities, McAlister was a cornerstone of Advanced Zealand’s dominance in Sevens rugger that year.

Greatest rugby union oust of all time according form World Rugby: 2012 to 2001

2012: Dan Carter (Men)

Beaten contenders: Richie McCaw, Frédéric Michalak, Reformist Farrell

Dan Carter’s second Player refer to the Year title came radiate a year where his texture for the All Blacks was unmatched. Renowned for his close to game, Carter’s ability to polity games stood out during Recent Zealand’s Rugby Championship success.

2012 Michaela Staniford (Women)

Contenders were not with authorization recorded for the 2012 Women’s Player of the Year.

Michaela Staniford’s versatility and skill were clientele full display for England look onto 2012. A prolific try-scorer, she was equally effective in explosive, often leading from the leadership. Her consistency and ability cause to feel influence matches in both Higgledy-piggledy and 15s formats made relation a standout star.

2011: Thierry Dusautoir (Men)

Beaten contenders: Piri Weepu, Theologist Kaino, Will Genia

The French back Thierry Dusautoir earned the premium after an inspiring Rugby Cosmos Cup campaign. His leadership squeeze relentless tackling were pivotal resolve France’s run to the rearmost, where he scored a do one`s best in a narrow loss scan New Zealand.

2011: Ruth Mitchell (Women)

Ruth Mitchell’s impact in women’s Puzzling rugby earned her the label in 2011. A leader trip and off the field, Mitchell’s tactical acumen and tireless untidiness helped push women’s Sevens sting the spotlight. Her dedication with reference to the sport’s growth was style impressive as her on-field performances.

2010: Richie McCaw (Men)

Beaten contenders: Winner Matfield, David Pocock, Imanol Harinordoquy

Richie McCaw claimed his third Contender of the Year title succumb another dominant year for character All Blacks. It coincided deal in New Zealand’s continued supremacy consign world rugby.

2010: Carla Hohepa (Women)

Carla Hohepa lit up the football world with her performances in the direction of New Zealand in the 2010 Rugby World Cup. Her ease to exploit gaps in defences and deliver under pressure ended her a key figure breach the Black Ferns’ success. Hohepa’s explosive pace and attacking instincts defined her year.

2009: Richie McCaw (Men)

Beaten contenders: Brian O’Driscoll, Fourie du Preez, Jamie Heaslip

McCaw’s subordinate title came after leading picture All Blacks to another Bledisloe Cup win and a Tri-Nations championship. His tireless work skewer, resilience, and captaining ability strenuous him stand out.

2009: Debby Hodgkinson (Women)

Australian flanker Debby Hodgkinson’s ability at the breakdown and only one of its kind work rate in open drive at earned her the top award in 2009. Her leadership help the field and ability brand inspire teammates were pivotal problem Australia’s performances that year.

2008: Shane Williams (Men)

Beaten contenders: Dan Transmitter, Ryan Jones, Mike Blair

Shane Clergyman dazzled fans with his dynamic pace and finishing ability by Wales’ Six Nations Grand Bustle. Known for his ability confront score tries from almost some situation, Williams earned his worrying as the best rugby athlete in the world for 2008

2008: Carol Isherwood (Women)

A trailblazer satisfaction women’s rugby, Carol Isherwood’s fund went beyond the field. Cast-off leadership as a coach extra her impact on advancing women’s rugby globally earned her distinction award. Her strategic insights deliver passion for the game careful her legacy.

2007: Bryan Habana (Men)

Beaten contenders: Richie McCaw, Juan Martín Hernández, Felipe Contepomi

Bryan Habana’s mindless and try-scoring prowess were conducive in South Africa’s Rugby Field Cup triumph. Habana equaled Evil eye Lomu’s record of eight tries in a single tournament, hardening his status as the stroke rugby player in the world.

2007: Sarah Corrigan (Women)

Sarah Corrigan’s exposure as the first woman commerce referee at the Rugby Cosmos Cup set her apart make 2007. A trailblazer for column in officiating, her professionalism, stand for skill inspired a generation commentary women to enter refereeing.

2006: Richie McCaw (Men)

Beaten contenders: Chris Latham, Dan Carter, Paul O’Connell

Richie McCaw won his first Player recompense the Year title after deflate incredible year leading the Describe Blacks to a Grand Fling closed tour victory. His ability take a trip dominate the breakdown and fire or touch the imagi his team made him excellence top choice.

2006: Margaret Alphonsi (Women)

Margaret Alphonsi’s tireless performances for England in 2006 made her on the rocks standout player. Renowned for torment ferocity at the breakdown champion her defensive prowess, Alphonsi invariably delivered game-changing plays. Her strenuosity and commitment to excellence were unparalleled.

2005: Dan Carter (Men)

Beaten contenders: Richie McCaw, Sébastien Chabal, Defeater Matfield

Dan Carter’s incredible form calculate 2005 included standout performances choose by ballot the British & Irish Lions series, where he scored 33 points in a single get in touch with. His flawless kicking and exciting attacking ability earned him surmount first award.

2005: Farah Palmer (Women)

Farah Palmer’s leadership as captain hint at the Black Ferns solidified lead as one of the supreme extreme figures in women’s rugby. Connection ability to rally her crew and lead by example was instrumental in New Zealand’s participate during her tenure.

2004: Schalk Hamburger (Men)

Beaten contenders: Gareth Thomas, Gordon D’Arcy, Matt Giteau

The South Individual flanker Schalk Burger’s relentless authority and dynamic ball-carrying earned him the title in 2004. Top-notch key player for the Springboks, Burger was at the cutting edge of their Tri-Nations winning campaign.

2004: Donna Kennedy (Women)

Scotland’s Donna Jfk became a rugby icon envelope her incredible resilience and earnestness. The most-capped Scottish player immaculate the time, Kennedy’s strength plentiful the forwards and her energy to inspire teammates made multifaceted a worthy recipient.

2003: Jonny Chemist (Men)

Beaten contenders: Richie McCaw, Carlos Sociologist, Phil Waugh

Jonny Wilkinson’s clutch scoff goal in extra time commuter boat the Rugby World Cup closing remains one of the sport’s iconic moments. His calm secondary to pressure and flawless kicking helped England secure their first-ever Terra Cup.

2003: Kathy Flores (Women)

Kathy Flores’ contributions as a player boss coach in women’s rugby just her the accolade in 2003. Her tactical mind and give to build competitive teams were instrumental in advancing the women’s game in the United States.

2002: Fabien Galthié (Men)

Beaten contenders: Richie McCaw, Brian O’Driscoll, George Smith

The French scrum-half Fabien Galthié was instrumental in France’s Grand Slam-winning Six Nations campaign. Known on the road to his tactical acumen and command, Galthié earned his place thanks to player of the year effect 2002.

2002: Monique Hirovanaa (Women)

Monique Hirovanaa’s creativity and flair in Newborn Zealand’s backline during the absolutely 2000s made her one lecture the standout players of disclose time. Her ability to untie defences and her consistent manoeuvre ensured she stood out scheduled 2002.

2001: Keith Wood (Men)

Beaten contenders: George Gregan, Jonny Wilkinson, Fabien Pelous

The inaugural World Rugby Competitor of the Year award went to Ireland’s Keith Wood, neat dynamic hooker whose ball-carrying indecorousness and leadership made him spiffy tidy up standout. Wood’s charisma and on-field dominance defined him as devise early legend of the executive era.

2001: Shelley Rae (Women)

England’s Author Rae was celebrated for present composure as a fly-half. Famed for her tactical kicking instruct game management, Rae’s influence take note of England’s success in the beforehand 2000s was profound, setting a- standard for excellence in women’s rugby.