2026 came too fast, and we have witnessed top performances across the English Premiership from top rugby stars. With the year moving fast, we have looked in detail and ranked the top 20 rugby players in England.
HOW WE RANKED THE BEST RUGBY PLAYERS IN ENGLAND
In this ranking, we have selected the best players based on their impact, defensive work rate, game influence, and outcome. When looking at impact, we looked at carries, metres covered, breaks, and defenders beaten. For defensive work rate, we looked at tackles and turnovers; for game influence, we looked at passes and lineout wins. Finally, we looked at tries and points as key factors to determine outcome metrics.
TOP 10 2026 BEST PLAYERS IN ENGLAND
10. Noah Caluori
Position: Wing
Noah Caluori is an English player currently with the Saracens. The talented Win was born on 22 September 2006 and will turn 20 in 2026. Indeed, the only teenager who made it into our top 10.
Noah made it into the list, thanks to his fine form, topping the tries in the premiership for the biggest part of the season. Caluori’s game is centred on his tough physicality, both in attack and defence. He is also a dynamic, high-energy player with significant impact. He ranked high among our players with the biggest outcome in our ranking.
Whilst waiting for his England national team debut, Noah Caluori has shown a lot of potential. Keep the name, one of the best of his generation, a future and present star.
9. Gabriel Oghre
Position: Hooker
Gabriel Oghre is an English professional rugby player, born on 25 May 1998 in London. The talented hooker currently plays for Bristol Bears and has been in his best form recently.
Arguably the best player when it comes to executing lineout wins, Gabriel has grown into the season as a force to reckon with. Indeed, there is a lot to come, and Gabriel is pushing hard for a place in the England team for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
Playing style
Known for his physicality, work rate, and effectiveness in both set-pieces and open play. He carries the ball strongly in tight areas, using his strength to gain metres and challenge defenders. Around the field, he shows good mobility, often supporting attacks and staying involved throughout the match.
Oghre also contributes well defensively with solid tackling and pressure at the breakdown. In set-pieces, he offers value through reliable scrum work and lineout throwing. His all-round game reflects the qualities of a modern hooker, consistently combining strength, energy, and technical ability.
8. Owen Farrell
Position: Fly-half
Owen Farrell is an English professional rugby player, born on 24 September 1991 in Higher End, Orrell, United Kingdom. Farrell plays for England and Saracens.
A powerful force in points scoring, fighting for the most points for the year with Henry Slade. Farrell is a well-known veteran who is enjoying his form in his last years playing the game.
Playing style
A composed and tactically intelligent fly-half known for his precise goal-kicking, strong leadership, and game management. He controls tempo effectively, using accurate passing and strategic kicking to position his team.
Defensively, he is aggressive and reliable, often making crucial tackles. Farrell’s competitive mentality and ability to perform under pressure make him a key playmaker for both club and country.
7. Stephen Varney
Position: Scrum-Half
Steve Varney is a Welsh-born star who currently plays for the Italy national team and Exeter Chiefs in the Premiership. The talented scrum-half was born on 16 May 2001 in Wales.
Arguably, the best passer in the Premiership, Steve led as the player with the most passes for the big part of the season. Indeed, a top player, with a lot to offer.
Playing style
A dynamic scrum-half with quick decision-making, sharp passing, and a high work rate. He plays with tempo, delivering fastballs from the base and keeping defences under pressure.
Varney is also effective around the fringes, spotting gaps and supporting attacking plays. His kicking game is reliable, and he shows strong defensive commitment despite his size.
6. Henry Slade
Position: Centre
Born on 19 March 1993, Henry Slade currently plays for Exeter Chiefs and the England national team.
Arguably one of the finest England has ever produced in his position, Henry Slade continues to shine. One of the best point scorers in the premiership, he takes number 6. Indeed, age is slowly catching up with him, but he has been maturing well.
Playing style
An intelligent playmaker known for his exceptional distribution and tactical kicking. Operating mainly at the centre, he reads the game well, creating space for teammates with precise passing and vision. His left-footed kicking adds strategic variety, especially in territorial play.
Defensively, he is reliable and well-positioned, while his calm decision-making under pressure makes him a key figure in structured attacking systems.
5. Fitz Harding
Position: Number 8
Fitz Harding is an English professional rugby player who plays as an eight for Bristol Bears.
From having a slow start to his career, Fitz looked ready to go on and have his England debut, maybe forcing a seat at the World Cup.
Leading with tackles won and commanding a dominant presence in turnovers, he has forced himself into our top 5.
Playing style
A hardworking forward known for his physicality, leadership, and high work rate. He excels at the breakdown, winning turnovers and disrupting opposition play. Strong in ball carrying, he consistently gains meters and drives momentum for his team.
Defensively, he is reliable and aggressive, making crucial tackles. His versatility and engine allow him to influence both attack and defence throughout the match.
4. Freddie Steward
Position: Fullback
Born on 5 December 2000 in Dereham, United Kingdom, Freddie Steward plays for Leicester Tigers and the England national team.
In the past months, Freddie has proved to be one of the hardest-working players in the Premier League. He is among the best in distance covered and carries. Surely, he deserved a place in the top 5.
Playing style
Steward has exceptional aerial ability, positional awareness, and composure under pressure. As a fullback, he excels at fielding high balls and launching counterattacks. His strong kicking game helps England gain territory, while his defensive reliability makes him a last-line asset. Though not the fastest, his decision-making, timing, and physical presence make him highly effective in both attack and defence.
3. Kalaveti Ravouvou
Position: Centre, wing
Born on 9 June 1998, Kalaveti Ravouvou is a Fijian professional player currently with Bristol Bears.
Competing at the top with the most tries in the premiership, he is also one of the players with the most defenders taken, and leads in the metres covered. Undoubtedly, one of the hardest-working players in the country.
Playing style
Ravouvou is a powerful and explosive centre with pace, agility, and physicality. He combines strong ball-carrying ability with sharp footwork, allowing him to break defensive lines with ease.
His offloading skills and awareness make him dangerous in open play, while his defensive work rate and tackling ability add balance to his game. Ravouvou thrives in high-tempo, attacking rugby environments.
2. Tommy Freeman
Position: Wing
Born on 5 March 2001, Tommy Freeman currently plays for Northampton Saints and the England national team.
Undoubtedly, one of the most complete players in the Premiership, Tommy is challenging for the most tries, has the most breaks, and also covers the ground well. Surely, Tommy makes it to our second position.
Playing style
Freeman is a dynamic and versatile back known for his pace, aerial ability, and strong finishing. He excels under the high ball, making him a key asset in attacking kicks and defensive situations.
Freeman combines physicality with agility, allowing him to break tackles and create scoring opportunities. His work rate, positional awareness, and composure make him a reliable and impactful player for both club and country.
1. Tom Willis
Position: Number 8
Tom Willis was born on 18 January 1999 in Reading. Willis played as an 8 for the Saracens and the England national team.
Indeed, our best player in England so far this year, Tommy Willis, has the most defenders beaten and carries. He is also challenging for the most turnovers won, making him a complete star for the ranking.
Playing style
Willis is a powerful and dynamic back-row forward known for his ball-carrying strength and relentless work rate. He excels at breaking tackles, gaining valuable meters, and maintaining forward momentum. Defensively, he is a solid tackler with a strong physical presence. His ability to link play, support attacks, and compete at the breakdown makes him a well-rounded and impactful player.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
With the top 10 established, several players are having excellent seasons and might make it into the top 10 at the end of the year.
Below are some of the finest rugby players in England, pushing for a place in our top 10.
George Ford
Edoardo Todaro
Miles Reid
Who Is the Best Rugby Player in England Right Now?
Based on current form, impact, and overall performance in 2026, Tom Willis stands out as the best rugby player in England right now. His dominance in key performance metrics such as carries, defenders, beaten, and turnovers won highlights his all-around excellence and influence on the game.
Playing as a number 8, Willis has consistently delivered powerful performances for both Saracens and the England national team, combining physical strength with exceptional work rate. His ability to break tackles and gain crucial metres gives his team consistent forward momentum, while his defensive contributions make him equally valuable without the ball. What truly separates Willis from others is his balance—he is not only effective in attack but also highly reliable at the breakdown and in defensive situations.
In a highly competitive Premiership featuring talented players like Tommy Freeman and Kalaveti Ravouvou, Willis has outperformed many through consistency and impact. His performances reflect the modern demands of a complete forward, making him a standout figure in English rugby. If he maintains this level, he is likely to remain at the top and play a crucial role for England in upcoming international competitions.