Imagine a rugby lineup so electrifying that it captures the essence of a year packed with high-stakes drama, breathtaking tries, and unforgettable comebacks. As we wrap up 2025, Planet Rugby has assembled their ultimate Team of the Year, a squad that blends raw talent from global stars who've shone at both club and international levels. But here's where it gets controversial – the Springboks have absolutely dominated the picks, while the British and Irish Lions have snagged a solid representation. Dive in with me as we break down this elite XV, position by position, and explore the stories behind the selections that might just spark a heated debate among fans.
Starting at the back, our fullback is Thomas Ramos from France and Toulouse. This was a nail-biting decision, with Will Jordan of the All Blacks putting up a fierce challenge, but Ramos edges ahead for his pivotal contributions. Throughout 2025, he stepped up massively for Les Bleus and Toulouse, filling the void left by Antoine Dupont, and played a starring role in France's Six Nations victory and Toulouse's Top 14 triumph. For beginners wondering about the Six Nations, it's an annual rugby championship involving six European nations – think of it as a mini-World Cup where strategy and skill collide.
On the wing at 14, Cheslin Kolbe from South Africa and Tokyo Sungoliath continues his reign of terror. He's outperformed Tommy Freeman to secure this spot, proving once again why he's a global standout. This compact dynamo led the charge for the Springboks and Sungoliath, racking up an astonishing 15 tries in 26 matches and powering South Africa to Rugby Championship glory. And this is the part most people miss – his ability to deliver in high-pressure situations makes him a game-changer, often turning potential losses into wins with sheer pace and precision.
Center at 13 is Huw Jones, representing Scotland, the British and Irish Lions, and Glasgow Warriors. The selection team wrestled with tough contenders like Jesse Kriel and Joseph Suaalii, but Jones, who also made the World Rugby Dream Team, clinched it. He dazzled for Scotland in a challenging Six Nations, then became a cornerstone of the Lions' Test squad, appearing in all three matches against Australia. At club level, he was instrumental in Glasgow's deep run into the United Rugby Championship play-offs, showcasing his versatility in attack and defense.
Len Ikitau takes the inside center position for Australia, the Brumbies, and Exeter Chiefs. Following a promising 2024, this Wallaby star had a breakout year, anchoring Australia's efforts, especially in the Lions series, which earned him the prestigious John Eales Medal – a tribute to Australia's best player, akin to a MVP award. His club form was equally impressive, leading the Brumbies' attack and adapting quickly to Exeter. Competitors like Damian de Allende and Jordie Barrett had strong campaigns, but Ikitau's consistency stood out.
At 11 on the wing, Louis Bielle-Biarrey from France and Bordeaux-Begles steals the show. Ethan Hooker, who shone for the Sharks and Springboks, might feel overlooked, yet Bielle-Biarrey's explosive performances were undeniable. He was on fire during France's Six Nations win and Bordeaux's Investec Champions Cup success, even earning a World Rugby Player of the Year nod. For those new to rugby, the Champions Cup is Europe's top club competition, where teams battle for continental supremacy – it's like the Champions League of rugby.
Fly-half at 10 goes to Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu of South Africa and the Stormers. In a crowded field including Finn Russell's stellar work with the Lions, Scotland, and Bath, Feinberg-Mngomezulu claims the jersey. At just 23, he was unstoppable, building on a solid 2024 by dominating for the Boks and Stormers, and playing a central role in their Rugby Championship title. It's a shame he wasn't nominated for World Rugby Player of the Year, but his progress hints at even greater things ahead.
Scrum-half at 9 is Cam Roigard from New Zealand and the Hurricanes. Antoine Dupont dazzled despite a serious knee injury, and Cobus Reinach had a fine year, but Roigard surges forward. After battling injuries early in his career, this was Roigard's breakout season, embedding himself as a key All Blacks figure. For newcomers, a scrum-half acts as the team's quarterback, directing plays and ensuring smooth ball distribution – Roigard's growth here signals a new era for New Zealand.
Now, into the back-row, where Ardie Savea from New Zealand and Moana Pasifika anchors at 8. His versatility is legendary, excelling wherever he lines up. He lit up Moana Pasifika, snagging Super Rugby MVP honors, and provided steady brilliance for the All Blacks in a mixed year under Scott Robertson. Runners-up like Ben Earl and Harry Wilson were close, but Savea's all-round game sets him apart.
Flanker at 7 is Tom Curry of England, the British and Irish Lions, and Sale Sharks. Narrowly beating Juan Martin Gonzalez and Marcos Kremer, Curry proved he's a Test match beast. Despite a rocky Lions tour start, he was phenomenal in the three Australia Tests and could have been Player of the Series. For England, he featured in all Six Nations matches and the autumn internationals, earning a spot in the 'Pom Squad' – a nod to top performers. His Sale form was typically excellent, making him a poster boy for tenacity.
At 6, Pieter-Steph du Toit from South Africa and Toyota Verblitz is a no-brainer, having topped Planet Rugby's 2025 ratings. At 33, he led the pack, nominated for World Rugby Player of the Year, and was instrumental in the Boks' Rugby Championship win and undefeated November. His defensive prowess was game-defining. Pablo Matera shone for Argentina, and Francois Cros supported France and Toulouse's successes, but du Toit's dominance is unrivaled.
Shifting to the tight five, lock at 5 is Eben Etzebeth of South Africa and the Sharks. South African locks had a strong year, with RG Snyman and Ruan Nortje excelling, but Etzebeth takes the nod. His physical presence enabled the Boks' innovative attacking playbook, and he excelled in crucial Tests. Locks are the linchpins in the scrum, providing power and stability – Etzebeth's role exemplifies this.
Maro Itoje claims lock at 4 for England, the Lions, and Saracens. Competing against Tadhg Beirne's solid season, Itoje stepped into leadership, guiding the Lions to an Australia series win and England to 11 straight victories. As captain, his game reached new peaks. For beginners, locks are often the tallest and strongest, dictating scrums and lineouts – Itoje's captaincy evolution is a masterclass.
Tighthead prop at 3 is Thomas du Toit from South Africa and Bath. His year was transformative, helping Bath secure a historic treble (winning all major trophies) and establishing himself as the Premier League's top tighthead. Internationally, he anchored the Boks' formidable scrum in the Rugby Championship. He earned a World Rugby Dream Team spot, with Wilco Louw as a near miss. Props are the front-line warriors in scrums, and du Toit's form showcases pure dominance.
Hooker at 2, Malcolm Marx of South Africa and Kubota Spears, crowned World Rugby Player of the Year, elevated his game. His set-piece mastery built platforms for Boks' success, with notable growth elsewhere. Dan Sheehan also thrived, but Marx's influence was paramount. Hookers throw the ball in lineouts and stabilize scrums, making Marx's contributions vital.
Finally, loosehead prop at 1, Ox Nche from South Africa and the Sharks, redefined front-row excellence, earning a historic World Rugby Player of the Year nod. He was ruthless in scrums, disrupting opponents and improving his all-around game. Ellis Genge was close, but Nche's aggression sets a new standard.
There you have it – Planet Rugby's Team of the Year for 2025, a testament to incredible performances across the globe. But here's the controversy: With the Springboks dominating so many positions, is this a true reflection of the year's best, or does it overlook hidden gems from other nations? And is leadership like Itoje's more valuable than sheer athleticism? What do you think – does this squad align with your favorites, or would you swap in players like Jordan or Dupont for a different flavor? Share your thoughts in the comments below; I'd love to hear agreements, disagreements, and your own dream teams!
