Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu is crowned the world’s best, according to RugbyPass editors, securing the top spot in the Top 100 for 2025. The Springboks claim a strong showing at the upper end of the list, with six players ranked in the top 10.
Feinberg-Mngomezulu previously starred for South Africa as they clinched the World Rugby U20 Championship in 2022, delivering a standout performance opposite England’s Fin Smith in a 30-22 victory. Now 23, many supporters already view him as a potential future greatest Springbok, hinting at a dynasty-defining career.
His ascent in the 2025 rankings is remarkable: a jump of 46 places after enjoying a career-best season in the green jersey. This year he appeared in 11 Tests, delivering memorable performances against France and Ireland during the Quilter Nations Series.
Video: South Africa also secured a second consecutive Rugby Championship title, finishing with four wins from six matches, followed by several high-impact displays in the November internationals. Feinberg-Mngomezulu earned Player of the Match honors in the clash with France at Stade de France.
RugbyPass notes that Feinberg-Mngomezulu leads Tier One players in two key metrics: a 57% tackle evasion rate and a 69% dominant carry rate. He has also become the most prolific Springbok No. 10 for tries, surpassing Morne Steyn and Handre Pollard.
Antoine Dupont, the 2024 World Rugby Player of the Year, drops one place after spending much of 2025 sidelined by a knee injury. Pieter-Steph du Toit remains a strong presence for South Africa, rounding out the top three after another impressive year.
Malcolm Marx, honored as World Rugby Player of the Year, sits in fourth, while Ardie Savea, the All Blacks’ Player of the Year, sits fifth. Springboks RG Snyman and Thomas du Toit occupy sixth and seventh; du Toit enters the Top 100 for the first time.
France’s Louis Bielle-Biarrey climbs 50 places to eighth, and rugby legend Eben Etzebeth slips a few spots to ninth. Finn Russell closes the top 10, moving up two places as Scotland and the British & Irish Lions’ playmaker holds steady in the upper echelon.
Feinberg-Mngomezulu ranks among the biggest climbers in 2025, sitting fifth in that category. Len Ikitau rockets up 66 positions, Cam Roigard up 51, and Bielle-Biarrey up 50, rounding out the top movers. Thomas Ramos of France jumps 48 spots to sit at 26th.
In total, 17 Springboks are featured in the Top 100, with the All Blacks well represented by 16 players. England and Ireland each have 13 players, France 10, and the Wallabies eight.
