Usually, the best rugby players in the world only gather in one place every four years when the Rugby World Cup tournament begins, but as the international rugby season is underway, it's good time to get them together. 

At least in an article form.

FloRugby analyst and reporter Philip Bendon has seen quite a few Rugby World Cups and is as plugged into the sports as any reporter in the world. 

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Bendon recently undertook the daunting task of ranking the top 100 rugby players in the world. 

Here is Bendon's top rugby players from 41-60. Read the full series at FloRugby.com.

41. Andrew Porter – Ireland - Prop

Ireland’s loosehead is arguably his team’s most valuable player given the gulf in talent between himself at his backups. 

A dynamic ball carrier without a ridiculous work ethic, Porter has elevated himself to the status of world-class since making his debut in 2017.

42. Tom Curry – England - Backrow 

The more experienced identical twin, Tom, like his brother Ben, is a terminator on the pitch who operates with a seek-and-destroy mentality. 

His performance against the All Blacks in the 2019 World Cup semifinal is up there with the best individual showings of all time.

43. Robbie Henshaw – Ireland - Center

Joining his fellow Irish centers, Henshaw is a hybrid of Aki and Ringrose, with the ability to slot into both the 12 and 13 shirts seamlessly. 

While this has, at times, counted against him starting, his world-class ability has made him a British and Irish Lion, as well as a staple in the Irish match day 23.

44. Damian McKenzie – New Zealand - Utility Back 

The man most likely to wear the All Blacks No. 19 shirt, DMac has had to bide his time behind Beauden Barrett and Richie Mo’unga for both the 10 and 15 shirts. 

Shining whenever given the opportunity, the little magician will return the All Blacks attack to scarily good levels this season.

45. Damian De Allende – South Africa - Center

South Africa Rugby’s unheralded hero, De Allende is the go-forward generator for an otherwise silky and pacey Bok backline. 

While he is no slouch, De Allende is the first player to volunteer himself to run into a brick wall to create space for his flashy teammates.

46. Peter O’Mahony – Ireland - Backrow 

Irish Rugby’s Warrior, captain and spiritual leader, POM already is well-established as an Irish legend. 

Always the first to get stuck into the opposition, his famous line to All Blacks skipper Sam Cane ‘Who do you think you are? You’re just a s*** Richie McCaw’ will go down as possibly the greatest sledge in the sport’s history.

47. Julian Montoya – Argentine - Hooker

Argentina’s captain is a no-nonsense, blue-collar worker who does the dirty work so his teammates can shine. 

A rock-solid set-piece operator with a nose for a turnover, Montoya’s 95 test caps are a testament to his influence on Argentinean Rugby.

48. Lukhayno Am – South Africa - Hooker

A link player of the highest order, Am’s eye for a gap and top notch skills to either finish or put a teammate away has revolutionized Springboks Rugby from an attacking standpoint. 

49. Jack Willis – England - Backrow 

England’s lost soldier, and yet another Toulouse player, how Willis remains ineligible due to selection rules is one of the greatest travesties in rugby. 

A hard-hitting workhorse, Willis recorded 31 tackles in the most recent Champions Cup final. Yes, 31… Let that sink in.

50. Ange Capuozzo – Italy - Utility Back 

Italian Rugby’s crown jewel, Capuozzo is the sprinkling of magic dust that takes the Azzurri backline to another level whenever he is fit and firing. 

Slotting into a star-studded Toulouse backline, the diminutive dynamo is one of the most exciting attacking talents in the world.

51. Sam Underhill – England - Backrow 

England’s chop-tackling maestro is back to his best and has added another layer to his game as a game-changing carrier. Still just 27 years old, the 2019 Rugby World Cup star brings a nasty edge to an explosive England pack.

52. Gregory Alldritt – France - Backrow 

Captain of two-time European Cup-winning Stade Rochelais, Alldritt is a key leader for the French national side. 

Built like a fridge, he bowls over tacklers in the carry, but it is his rugby intelligence that sets him apart as one of the game’s truly elite backrow operators.

53. Mark Telea – New Zealand - Winger

Not since the great Joe Rokocoko has New Zealand Rugby had a winger who ties together immense physicality with guile to the level of Telea. 

Yes, New Zealand Rugby pumps out exciting back-three fliers as frequently as Barry Bonds hit home runs, but Telea is something special and will be a key chess piece for new All Blacks boss Scott ‘Razor’ Robertson.

54. Peato Mauvaka – France - Hooker

A quasi backrow-cum-center in the front row, Toulouse star Mauvaka is a new hooker who would slot into any team in world rugby. 

Quick off the mark and powerful in the carry, Mauvaka has the skillset that would be the envy of top-class centers the world over.

55. Waisea Nayacalevu – Fiji - Center 

Fijian Rugby’s spiritual leader, Nayacelevu led his team to within an inch of a Rugby World Cup semifinal in 2023. 

A true headhunter on defense, the giant center smashes opponents with an unrelenting velocity, while in attack, he has the glint of the great Waisale Serevi about him.

56. Joe McCarthy – Ireland - Secondrow 

An enforcer of note, ‘Big Joe’ has been a revelation since bursting onto the scene in 2023. 

Offering a gnarly, rugged and muscular edge to the Irish engine room, McCarthy compliments Ireland’s stable of rangy secondrows. 

Renowned as a ‘mongrel,’, the 130-kilogtam lock blitzes opponents' rucks and generally is a menace who gets stuck into his rivals. 

57. Willie Le Roux – South Africa - Fullback 

South Africa’s wily old veteran is still doing the business more than a decade after making his debut. 

Shifting from a fizzing electric runner early in his career to a facilitator and master tactician in his senior years, Le Roux is the perfect fullback for this current Springboks setup that relies on brute force and a solid kicking game. 

His biggest strength is spotting space for those around him and letting them do the business.

58. Marcos Kremer – Argentina - Backrow 

Despite being in his 20s, Kremer is an experienced operator and is nearing his 60th cap for Los Pumas. 

Somewhat of a throwback in his style of play, Kremer is the enforcer in a gnarly Argentine pack that never takes a backwards step. 

His significant size in the backrow opens up a whole world of possibilities at set piece for Los Pumas - in particular, his explosive power getting off the ground quickly for lineouts and kickoff receipts. 

59. George Martin – England - Utility Forward

Surrounded by other young exciting forward talent in the new England setup, Martin is perhaps the most exciting of the lot. 

A physical specimen, the Leicester Tiger brings a rugged edge to a flashy English pack, with his side going to another level whenever he is available. 

Mixing in his versatility as an option, either in the back row or second row, offers Steve Borthwick’s side several tactical options to change the complexion of their lineup at a moment's notice.

60. Kwagga Smith – South Africa - Utility Player

Arguably only the second true utility player on this list alongside Levani Botia, former sevens specialty Smith is one of the best back row players in the world. However, if the occasion calls for it, he is a more-than-able option in the centers or on the wing, making him a prized asset to the South Africa setup. 

Wearing his various battles on his battered body, Smith is a titan who sticks his head in places that would never be advised by anyone with any sense of self preservation.

Top 100 Rugby Players In The World: Read The Player Breakdowns

• Best Rugby Players In The World 1-20
• Best Rugby Players In The World 21-40
• Best Rugby Players In The World 41-60
• Best Rugby Players In The World 61-80
• Best Rugby Players In The World 81-100

World Rugby Rankings On July 8

Here are the latest rankings from World Rugby: 

1. South Africa, 94.86
2. Ireland, 90.37
3. New Zealand, 90.12
4. France, 88.49
5. England, 85.66
6. Scotland, 82.82
7. Argentina, 80.10
8. Australia, 78.15
9. Italy, 77.99
10. Fiji, 77.44

Here are the full rankings.

Where To Watch Summer Rugby Internationals 2024?

In the USA, FloRugby will broadcast some of the best international rugby fixtures of 2024.

South Africa, Ireland, New Zealand and England will play matches on FloRugby and the FloSports app.

How To Watch International Rugby In USA?

FloRugby broadcasts dozens of international rugby matches throughout the year, including the summer rugby internationals from July to September. 

How To Watch Rugby Matches In the United States On FloRugby

The URC will stream all its matches on FloRugby and the FloSports app in the United States. FloRugby and FloSports also are the U.S. home to: 

• Investec Champions Cup
• EPCR Challenge Cup
• Currie Cup
• Top 14
• Super Rugby
• And more

FloRugby also is home to match archives and match replays. 

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