The 50 best rugby players of the year, part four: 20-11

Lawrence Nolan
Argentina's Marcos Kremer, Springboks winger Cheslin Kolbe and Ireland's Dan Sheehan in action during the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

Argentina's Marcos Kremer, Springboks winger Cheslin Kolbe and Ireland's Dan Sheehan in action during the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

The penultimate part of our look at the standout performers of 2023, with the top ten to follow next week!

Last week saw the likes of Thomas Ramos and Franco Mostert named, down the list from Siya Kolisi and Ben Earl the week before.

Our list will culminate on the eve of the new year, so without further ado, this is Planet Rugby’s next segment of the world’s best performers from this year.

20. Frans Malherbe

Without wanting to give too much away, Malherbe is the top prop in the review. A Stormers’ centurion and now a double World Cup-winner, Malherbe has had as props often can do a career year in his early thirties, culminating in a series of immovable performances in the World Cup.

19. Damian de Allende

Another double World Cup-winning Springbok, De Allende actually had a quieter World Cup than his stellar effort in Japan four years ago but was no less critical up the middle, making hard yard after hard yard and tackle after tackle.

18. Finn Russell

Remarkably, had Finn Russell and coach Gregor Townsend not managed to patch up a complicated tiff a few years ago, the talented playmaker might not have even been in a Scotland jersey over the past few years. Fortunately, sense prevailed, and Russell has come to be one of the finest instinct players the game has seen and one playing almost constantly with a smile on his face.

17. Cheslin Kolbe

Like De Allende, not as all-conquering as four years ago, but no less crucial at some key moments, not least the wherewithal and daring to charge down that kick from Thomas Ramos, as well as a constant threat on the counter.

16. Greg Alldritt

The all-action number eight’s season featured a European title, a Top 14 runners-up berth and a superlative World Cup which ended in heartbreak against South Africa. Totemic work-rate for La Rochelle.

15. Richie Mo’unga

Possibly the most underestimated fly-half in World Rugby, Mo’unga’s quiet assurance has seen him keep out the more flamboyant but less pragmatic talents of Damien McKenzie from the All Black number ten jersey. His display against Ireland in the World Cup quarter-finals was the peak of a superlative year.

14. Marcos Kremer

It’s remarkable to think that, despite the battered look and monstrous beard, Kremer is only 26 and still with his best years ahead of him. Surely set to be a centurion one day, Kremer has been instrumental to the renaissance of the Argentina pack over the past two or three years.

13. Dan Sheehan

It’s not just his line-out throwing; it’s the open-play prowess, not least the scorching pace, which can frequently leave those not in the know that they’re watching a winger arrowing for the corner. From his try brace, which helped Ireland clinch the Grand Slam, to a superlative World Cup, the 25-year-old is on course to be mentioned in the same breath as Keith Wood.

12. Hugo Keenan

Another worldie unearthed in Ireland’s back-line, Hugo Keenan has added a layer of defence and positioning awareness to go with his indisputable attacking qualities, which has seen him enjoy his best-ever year in a green shirt.

11. Scott Barrett

Long touted as a future All Black captain, Barrett is the physical leader of an imposing New Zealand pack. Occasionally guilty of one bosh too many, but undoubtedly the winner of the All-Black-you-least-want-to-meet-at-the-bottom-of-a-ruck award and has been a terrific servant in New Zealand’s slightly inconsistent run this year.

READ MORE: The 50 best rugby players of the year, part three: 30-21

Argentina Cheslin Kolbe Damian de Allende Dan Sheehan Finn Russellnan Frans Malherbe Greg Alldritt Hugo Keenan Marcos Kremer

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