A shocking drop! Rugby fans are reeling as the 2025 RugbyPass Top 100 rankings begin to unfold, and a legendary All Black has taken a major tumble.
The countdown is on for the unveiling of RugbyPass's picks for the world's best men's rugby players in 2025. The initial reveal of players ranked 100 to 61 has already sent ripples through the rugby world, with some surprising results.
Beauden Barrett, a two-time World Rugby Player of the Year, has experienced a significant fall. After securing the 11th spot in the 2024 rankings, he has plummeted a staggering 66 places, landing at 77 this year. This dramatic shift has sparked considerable discussion among fans and analysts alike.
This year, Barrett, 34, has largely been the All Blacks' No. 10. However, Damian McKenzie was given the playmaking role by Scott Robertson on three occasions, resulting in victories.
The list is compiled by a team of 11 journalists, and it reflects a year of intense competition. Antoine Dupont of France, who currently holds the title from 2024, faces stiff competition.
France's Six Nations victory, South Africa's Rugby Championship win, and the British and Irish Lions' triumph in Australia have all shaped the rankings. Many players have emerged as contenders.
Last year, Dupont edged out Springboks duo Cheslin Kolbe and Pieter-Steph du Toit, who took the second and third spots, respectively. The world champions contributed five players to the top 10, including Eben Etzebeth, RG Snyman, and Ox Nche.
So far, the list includes players from 11 different nations. Notably, 11 players are making their debut appearances, including Wales wing Louis Rees-Zammit, who returned to rugby union in August after 18 months in the NFL.
While Barrett's fall is the most dramatic, Angus Bell of the Wallabies has shown the most significant improvement, climbing to 67 after ranking 89th last year.
The next 20 players will be revealed on Wednesday.
But here's where it gets controversial... Could Barrett's reduced role within the All Blacks have significantly impacted his ranking? Or is this a reflection of the evolving landscape of international rugby?
What do you think of Barrett's drop? Do you agree with the rankings so far, or are there players you believe have been unfairly positioned? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
