Here we go, then: kicking off RUCK’s 100 Best Rugby Players in the World 2017 with an England powerhouse, a serious Irish talent and the Premiership’s Mr Reliable.
100. Sam Underhill – England & Bath
Position: Flanker Age: 21
The youngster made a flying start to his England career. A ferocious tackler who has mastered the art of going low, his technique should be shown up and down the country to all aspiring young rugby players. Still only 21-year-old, he looks like he could cement his place in Eddie Jones side in 2018 and has unlimited potential. It’s disappointing Underhill’s year was prematurely ended by a concussion he suffered against Australia, but he’ll be hopeful of being fit for the Six Nations.
Highlight: A shuddering tackle on Santiago Gonzalez Iglesias early-on in England’s win against Argentina this Autumn at Twickenham
99. James Davies- Scarlets
Position: Flanker Age: 27
James ‘Cubby Boi’ Davies has been one of the most influential players in Welsh rugby in recent years and played a starring role in the side’s Guinness PRO12 title triumph last term. Despite numerous man-of-the-match awards and widespread acclaim for his performances, Davies is still to earn international recognition, controversially missing out on a place on Wales’ Tests against Tonga and Samoa this summer. Nevertheless, he still makes our list.
Highlight: Playing a starring role alongside his brother, Jonathan, as Scarlets won the Guinness Pro 14.
98. Bundee Aki – Ireland & Connacht
Position: Centre Age: 27
Joe Schmidt hailed the impact of Bundee Aki after the Connacht centre put in an impressive shift on his Ireland debut against South Africa in November. Aki was hugely aggressive in defence and set the tone with an early shuddering hit on Coenie Oosthuizen. Playing alongside his former team-mate Robbie Henshaw, the New Zealand-born powerhouse has all the attributes to become a world-class operator.
Highlight: Receiving his first Ireland call-up
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97. Marcos Kremer – Argentina & Jaguares
Position: Lock/Flanker Age: 20
It’s not hard to see why Argentina fans love Kremer. Still aged just 20, the 1.96m, 115kg lock has the frame to impose himself against any opposition, even at Test level. He won his first three caps for the pumas off the bench during last year’s Rugby Championship and has since taken his total to 11 caps, scoring one try.
Highlight: Scoring his first international try during the Pumas 31-15 win against Italy
96. Stuart McInally – Scotland & Edinburgh
Position: Hooker Age: 27
McInally has found himself back on the international scene and in the later stages of 2017, the Scottish hooker was as big an asset to Gregor Townsend and Scotland as Finn Russell or Stuart Hogg. The 27-year-old, who revealed he considered retirement in 2016, has come from somewhat nowhere to be number one choice hooker, providing stable lineout throwing, a strong scrummage and devastating ball carrying. He’s also been very consistent for Edinburgh in the Guinness Pro 14 in the year that he stepped up from promising talent to top-level star.
Highlight: An imperious showing against Samoa on his first start for Scotland at Murrayfield, scoring two tries in their 44-38 win.
95. Chris Robshaw – England & Harlequins
Position: Flanker Age: 31
No frills – when are there any with Chris Robshaw? – but typical industry, and lots of it. A wholehearted and committed player, the back-rower has been consistent without being outstanding for club and country in 2017. Helping England to a second consecutive Six Nations and a 2-0 summer tour triumph against Argentina, Robshaw continues to be a stalwart under Eddie Jones and will likely play a crucial role for his country once again in 2018.
Highlight: Probably playing a starring role as England overcame Australia for a fifth straight win against the Wallabies.
94. Jacob Stockdale – Ireland & Ulster
Position: Centre/Wing/Fullback Age: 21
With quick feet and a spectacular turn of pace, the 21-year-old has become the new showman at the Kingspan. His highlight reel features two great tries in a man of the match performance against Argentina during the Autumn Internationals as well as numerous stunning scores in Ulster colours.
Highlight: Making his senior debut for Ireland when he started against the United States in May
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93. Ardie Savea – New Zealand & Hurricanes
Position: Flanker Age: 24
No forward made more clean breaks (19) or beat more defenders (50) than Ardie Savea during the 2017 Super Rugby campaign with the back-rower being named in the official team of the season. He also made a significant contribution to the blacks All Blacks this year, making 10 appearances, which includes featuring in all three test against the British & Irish Lions.
Highlight: When he and his brother Julian both scored tries against South Africa, it made them the first All Black brothers to ever do so in the same test.
92. Schalk Brits – Saracens
Position: Hooker Age: 36
When he retires at the end of this season, Schalk Brits deserves to be acclaimed as the greatest import in the history of the Premiership. In 2017, he helped Sarries to a second consecutive Champions Cup trophy, playing a very controlled half an hour when he replaced Jamie George. Capped just ten times by South Africa, Brits must be recognised as one of the most talented rugby players to ever take the field. It’s unfortunate that we never saw more of him in World Cups and in big Test matches.
Highlight: His man of the match performance as Saracens beat Northampton Saints 55-24 at Twickenham in September
91. Samu Kerevi – Australia & The Reds
Position: Centre Age: 24
After making his debut against England in 2016 summer series, Kerevi soon established himself as the premier centre in the country with a series of electric performances before a cruel ankle put him on the sidelines for a while. However, back firing on all cylinders he’s had a superb 2017, making the official Super Rugby team of the season before stamping his name on the Wallabies’ No 13 jersey. If he gets his defence in order, Kerevi will be a mainstay in the Wallabies’ side for years to come.
Highlight: His superb brace of tries against Argentina during The Rugby Championship
RUCK’s 100 Best Rugby Players in the World 2017: 90-81
