The world’s very best.

Who belongs in a list of the top 10 best rugby players in the world right now? It’s more difficult than you think. While the same 5 or 6 players will make it onto most people’s list, the remaining spots aren’t so easy.

It’s purely down to personal opinion, so we’d love to hear yours in the comments on social. Anyway here’s our list.

The Top 10 Best Rugby Players in the World.

10. Jonathan Davies
The Lions player of the series played some of the best rugby of his career in New Zealand this summer, catapulting him back into the limelight. Recently struck down with another unfortunate injury, he could be much higher on this list only for his unlucky record.

9. Kurtley Beale
A wonderful season at Wasps has seen him elevate his game to another level. Has been Australia’s best player alongside Folau this season. His influence on games is incredible.

8. Brodie Retallick
The former World Player of the Year has been the one of the best locks in the game for some time now. Scary to think he’s still only 26.

7. Rieko Ioane
What an incredible rise for this young winger. In less than 12 months he has emerged as the best winger in world rugby. So quick, with unrivalled finishing ability.

6. Maro Itoje
Showed Gatland what he was missing after being left out of the first Test against New Zealand with two incredible games in the remaining two Tests. Words cannot describe how good he was in the third. He’s still only 23 and will only get better, that’s the scary part.

5. Israel Folau
Disappeared for a couple of seasons, but returned with a bang this year. Has been incredible for Australia, and recently nominated for World Player of the Year.

4. Owen Farrell
The European Player of the Year was in fine form in New Zealand, kicking the Lions to a series draw. Whether he’s at 10 or 12, the England playmaker is option any team would love to have, the All Blacks included.

3. Conor Murray
Proved to everyone once again this summer that he’s the world’s best nine. His box kicks are almost unstoppable and his ability to control the game is unrivalled. He’s also a brilliant cover in defence and boasts an impressive try-scoring record.

2. Kieran Read
The All Blacks captain’s form dipped a bit last season bur since returning from injury he’s been back to his old incredible self. Some big games against the Lions, he truly is one of the world’s very best.

1. Beauden Barrett
The mercurial playmaker has been in fine form for both club and country once again this season. His place-kicking needs to improve, but his playmaking skills are simply mesmerising. One of the all-time great creative players.