Springboks star Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu has been named as the top men’s rugby player in the world right now, in this year’s RugbyPass Top 100. In addition, the annual list by the rugby news site – which is compiled by its global panel of expert rugby writers, and which was topped by France talisman Antoine Dupont in 2024 – has also been dominated by South Africa players.
Feinberg-Mngomezulu, who burst onto the scene last year has had a meteoric rise in the last 12 months. The fly-half – who has earned just 20 caps for his country – currently holds the record for most points in a single game for the Springboks (37), has a 2025 Rugby Championship title to his name and also recently took home the South Africa ‘Players’ Player of the Year Award’. His stellar performances have also seen him claim the iconic 10 jersey, and in the eyes of RugbyPass’ experts, subsequently do enough to claim the prestigious top place in their rankings.
One of the RugbyPass panel involved in the curation of the Top 100, seasoned rugby journalist Owain Jones, had this to say about Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s recognition as the number one player in the world right now:
“At 23, he is a proud Gen Z, unafraid to express himself and eschew tradition, who happens to possess magic in his feet and hands. Like a golfer who has perfected the formula between speed and power, Feinberg-Mngomezulu seems to strike the ball differently. Able to clear his lines with a 50m ‘driver’, or flat-foot a defence with a deft lob-wedge over the top, he has a cultured right boot that can find ravenous wide-men with pinpoint accuracy. In short, he can toy with defenders, unsure which club he’s going to pull out.
“What this writer likes about him, is his edge. Many tens are targeted to put them off their game, but Feinberg-Mngomezulu, who is 6ft 1in and 94kgs, has snarl. He doesn’t mind putting ‘shots’ on opposing players, regularly hits double-figures in the tackle stakes and stands his ground. Indeed, he revels in the niggle of a white-hot atmosphere. This temperament, if controlled, should stand him in good stead for the next decade.”
The Springboks dominate the overall list too, with six players in the top 10 and 17 overall – more than any other nation. The side’s formidable forward pack litters the top ten, flanker Pieter-Steph Du Toit, is third on the list, retaining his spot from last season’s Top 100, while Kubota Spears hooker, Malcom Marx, is fourth. Second rower, RG Snyman has again placed sixth, followed closely by prop, Thomas du Toit in seventh. Finally, veteran second rower, Eben Etzebeth has been placed ninth.
Looking beyond the top 10, other Springboks in the 100 include: loosehead prop, Ox Nche in 11th spot, with last year’s runner-up, Cheslin Kolbe, in 13th after an injury-hit year. Utility back, Damien Willemse, places 30th, Damien de Allende follows closely in 32nd place, while skipper, Siya Kolisi, is 49th. Centre, Jesse Kriel, is 53rd, backrower, Jasper Weise (57), Cobus Reinach (66), Kurt-Lee Arendse (71) and Wilco Louw (88), round off the rest of the Springboks contingent.
RugbyPass’ list reflects another strong season for the World Champions, with the side winning 13 out of 15 games this year, retaining its Rugby Championship crown, and remaining undefeated in the recently concluded Autumn Nations Series.
Former South Africa fullback and current pundit and broadcaster, Thinus Delport offered these comments about Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s development over the last year:
“He’s maturing into the complete player. He’s lethal on the attack and brave in defence. There are still some minor improvements to be made in his game around his kicking but ultimately he’s spearheading the dominant evolution of the Springboks.”
Delport went on to discuss on some of the other big South African names in the Top 100, giving his reasoning for why they’ve featured in such high positions:
“Peiter-Steph du Toit (3) has been a consistent high performer on a weekly basis. He has an unbelievable work rate and is a real tackle machine; he also backs that up with strong carries over the gain-line. Similarly, Malcolm Marx (4) – has had an immense year and is a big part of the conquering Springboks front row; he’s solid over the breakdown, is a big ball carrier and is undoubtedly the best hooker of the year.
“RG Snyman (6) always has an impact whenever he touches the ball. He makes unbelievable offloads in tackles and keeps the attacking intensity of the Springboks flowing. He also has impressive aerial skills in the lineout securing own possession and disrupting opposition balls. Thomas du Toit (7) has added huge bulk and power to the all-conquering Springbok scrum and maul. Him and Wilco Louw have become a nightmare for any loosehead packing down in the opposition.
Rounding off the top 10 representation is Eben Etzebeth (9). He’s an ever-present physical presence and a real leader on the field. He’s so mobile and fast for such a big man and he always offers another attacking threat.”
The full list of the 2025 Top 100 can be found here.
