Caelan Doris and Ardie Savea stand as the undisputed elite at position 8 globally, dominating rugby’s most demanding back-row role through exceptional all-around performances. This ranking synthesizes expert opinions, World Rugby recognition, and comprehensive performance data from the 2024 Rugby Championship, 2025 Six Nations, club competitions across both hemispheres, and individual accolades.
The 2024-2025 season confirmed that modern number eights must excel as ball carriers, breakdown specialists, defensive organizers, and tactical decision-makers. Ireland’s Caelan Doris earned selection to World Rugby’s Dream Team 2024 at number 8, while New Zealand’s Ardie Savea was named 2023 World Rugby Player of the Year and continues to influence games at the highest level. Meanwhile, France captured the 2025 Six Nations title with Gregory Alldritt anchoring their pack, and South Africa’s depth at the position remains formidable despite personnel changes.
Elite tier: The untouchable duo
#1 Caelan Doris (Ireland, Leinster)
The 26-year-old Irishman has reached the pinnacle of world rugby at number 8, selected in World Rugby’s Dream Team 2024 and widely regarded as the Lions captain elect for the 2025 Australia tour. Born in Ballina, Co Mayo, and educated at Blackrock College, Doris combines exceptional carrying with elite-level tackling, dynamic footwork, and match-influencing moments that define greatness.
Planet Rugby ranked him #8 in their Top 50 players of 2024, describing him as having “footwork around carries from the highest drawer” with try-scoring as “prolific as ever.” His ability to time poaches effectively, make defense-splitting passes (like the assist for Garry Ringrose’s try), and maintain consistently high tackle and carry numbers makes him indispensable.
Statistics and achievements: 49 caps for Ireland (9 tries), captains both Leinster and Ireland, holds a degree in psychology. Despite being a year younger than France’s Gregory Alldritt, Doris has played 140 games for province and country while managing his workload effectively (1,031 minutes in 14 games during the 2024-25 season). His head-to-head record against All dritt stands at 5 wins to 4 losses across 9 meetings.
Playing style: At 193cm/109kg, Doris brings complete game management skills—exceptional ball-carrying with precise timing, dominant tackling, breakdown effectiveness, and the tactical intelligence to lead two world-class teams. Benefits from Ireland’s elite system and managed workload, allowing him to peak consistently for major tournaments.
#2 Ardie Savea (New Zealand, Moana Pasifika/Hurricanes)
New Zealand’s 31-year-old superstar celebrated his 100th Test cap in September 2025, cementing his status as one of the greatest number eights in All Blacks history. Named 2023 World Rugby Player of the Year and ranked #4 in Wales Online’s top 30 players of 2024, Savea’s influence transcends statistics—he elevates every team he joins.
FloRugby’s comprehensive 2025 analysis ranked Savea as the #1 player in world rugby, describing his impact as “on par with the great Richie McCaw.” His transfer to Moana Pasifika for the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season proved historic—taking a team that finished 11th in 2024 to within one win of the knockout stages. Named 2025 Super Rugby Pacific Player of the Year, Savea’s leadership transformed the struggling franchise into a competitive force, highlighted by an upset victory over the champion Crusaders.
Career achievements: 100 Test caps (74 starts, 72 wins, 73% win rate), most tries by any All Blacks forward in history (30 tries), two Rugby World Cup finals (2019, 2023—winning in 2023), 10 Rugby Championship campaigns. Has started 52 times at #8, 17 times at #7, and 5 times at #6, demonstrating his back-row versatility.
Playing style: At 188cm/104kg, Savea possesses exceptional speed, athleticism, and tackle survival skills. Whether carrying, tackling, or jackaling, his work-rate is relentless. Planet Rugby noted his “mesmeric” milestone match performance against South Africa at Eden Park (100th Test), where he was “sublime” in all facets. His ability to play openside flanker at elite level while mastering number 8 makes him uniquely valuable.
Character: Former Rongotai College head boy, captain of New Zealand Schools, and Wellington provincial captain, Savea’s leadership qualities have been apparent throughout his career. Refreshingly open about mental health and work-life balance, he emphasizes that “downtime is just as important as being on” to maintain peak performance.
World-class tier: International difference-makers
#3 Gregory Alldritt (France, La Rochelle)
France’s 27-year-old number 8 combines colossal work-rate with natural leadership, captaining both La Rochelle and France. Born in Toulouse with Scottish roots (father Terence moved to Stirling from Kenya), Alldritt regularly visited Scotland as a child and is qualified for both nations.
Ranked #18 in Planet Rugby’s Top 50 players of 2024 (recovering from post-World Cup fatigue), Alldritt bounced back strongly in 2025. The Irish Times’ March 2025 head-to-head analysis with Caelan Doris highlighted his winning record against Leinster and ever-present 80-minute performances in all 11 matches against Leinster (6 games) and Ireland (5 games).
Career statistics: 54 France caps (6 tries), captained La Rochelle to European Champions Cup success, and led France in multiple Six Nations campaigns. At 27 years old, he has played 188 games for club and country (48 more than Doris) with 1,355 minutes accumulated in the 2024-25 season (324 more than Doris)—demonstrating his incredible durability.
Playing style: At 191cm/113kg, Alldritt is an ever-willing direct carrier and powerful tackler who thrives in the coalface. His ability to play huge minutes for both club and country without quality drop-off defines his game. Won three man-of-the-match awards in the 2020 Six Nations and has been France’s first-choice number 8 since displacing Louis Picamoles in 2019.
Impact: Rated 9/10 in France’s 2023 Rugby World Cup opener against New Zealand for his “immense effort of carrying, tackling and breakdown excellence.” France coach Fabien Galthie considers him the first name on any team sheet, ahead of even Antoine Dupont in some assessments.
#4 Jasper Wiese (South Africa, Urayasu D-Rocks)
The 28-year-old Springbok enforcer brings raw power and physicality that few can match. Part of South Africa’s 2023 Rugby World Cup-winning squad, Wiese’s 115kg frame makes him a “wrecking ball” in contact while developing improved soft skills and distribution.
Moved to Japan’s Urayasu D-Rocks for the 2024-25 season after establishing himself with Leicester Tigers in the English Premiership. With 27+ Test caps for South Africa, Wiese provides the brutal physicality that complements the Springboks’ “Bomb Squad” approach, though disciplinary issues (served a six-week ban in 2024) occasionally derail his impact.
Playing style: Collisions with Wiese are “rarely dominant for anybody other than Jasper Wiese,” as demonstrated in high-profile clashes with Caelan Doris. His carrying into contact is ferocious, his tackle technique devastating, and his presence at the breakdown disruptive. Used as a hybrid player capable of packing down at flanker when needed.
Development: While historically known purely for physicality, Wiese has consciously improved his handling and defensive organization under Springbok coaching. His game intelligence continues to mature, making him more than just a physical specimen.
#5 Pablo Matera (Argentina, Crusaders)
The 31-year-old Argentine captain represents leadership, work-rate, and tactical intelligence. Ranked #6 in World Rugby’s Dream Team 2024, Matera anchored Argentina’s historic 2024 Rugby Championship campaign—their best-ever performance with three victories.
Currently playing for the Crusaders in Super Rugby Pacific after successful stints with Stade Français and other clubs, Matera brings championship-winning experience and captaincy expertise. His leadership elevated Los Pumas to unprecedented heights, including victories over New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa in 2024.
Playing style: At 188cm/105kg, Matera combines intelligent ball-carrying with exceptional defensive organization and breakdown effectiveness. His tactical reading of the game allows him to position himself perfectly for turnovers and support play. A complete number 8 who sacrifices individual statistics for team success.
#6 Sikhumbuzo Notshe / Evan Roos (South Africa)
South Africa’s depth at number 8 remains extraordinary, with multiple world-class options competing for the starting role. The Springboks’ “next generation” at the position includes several players capable of wearing the #8 jersey at Test level, maintaining the physicality and skill that defines South African rugby.
Established international tier
#7 Charles Ollivon (France, Toulon)
The 30-year-old former France captain provides versatility, leadership, and consistent performance. Seamlessly shifts between flanker and number 8, taking over captaincy duties when needed and delivering in high-pressure moments. His all-round skill set and experience make him invaluable to France’s Six Nations 2025 championship.
#8 Alex Dombrandt (England, Harlequins)
Made his England debut in 2021 against Canada, the creative number 8 brings unusual flair and handling skills to the position. At 195cm/118kg, Dombrandt offers a different style—less about brutal physicality, more about link play, offloading, and footballing skills. Cardiff Metropolitan University graduate who qualified through residency.
#9 Duane Vermeulen (Retired, Legacy Player)
Though retired from international rugby, Vermeulen’s legacy looms large over the position. Two-time Rugby World Cup winner (2019, 2023), named Man of the Match in the 2019 final, and South African Player of the Year with 76 Test caps. His physical dominance and leadership in high-pressure situations set the standard for modern number eights.
#10 Billy Vunipola (England, Saracens)
The English powerhouse, at his best, remains one of the most destructive ball-carriers in world rugby. However, form and fitness inconsistencies have plagued recent seasons. When healthy and motivated, Vunipola’s carrying ability and offloading game are world-class, but he no longer features in the absolute elite tier.
Rising stars and specialists
Taulupe Faletau (Wales, Cardiff Rugby)
The Tongan-born Welsh legend remains one of the most skilled number eights in world rugby despite being 34 years old. With 90+ Wales caps and British & Irish Lions tours, Faletau’s intelligence, handling, and work-rate continue to shine. Nicknamed “Toby” by schoolmates who struggled with his Tongan name, he’s in a long-term relationship with Charlotte Rhys Jones (sister of Emma Bale, wife of footballer Gareth Bale).
Wallace Sititi (New Zealand, Chiefs)
The young All Black has seized his opportunity in the 2025 Rugby Championship, starting at #8 with confidence. His emergence provides New Zealand with succession planning as Savea approaches career twilight. Athletic, aggressive, and eager to learn, Sititi represents the next generation.
Francois Cros (France, Toulouse)
The versatile Toulouse forward considers himself a number 8 rather than flanker despite playing across the back row. His well-rounded game makes the switch to #8 seamless, as demonstrated when replacing the injured Alldritt. Intelligent, technically sound, and tactically astute.
Playing style evolution
Modern number eights must excel in multiple phases:
Attack: Powerful ball-carrying with footwork to beat first contact, offloading skills, support play timing, and tactical kicking when required.
Defense: Dominant tackling across the park, breakdown counter-rucking, lineout disruption, and defensive organization.
Set-piece: Controlling the ball at the scrum base, providing an option in lineouts, and executing tactical picks.
Leadership: Reading the game, communicating with referees, making split-second tactical decisions, and inspiring teammates through actions.
The position has evolved from pure power runner (early 2000s) to complete athlete (2010s) to tactical fulcrum (2020s). Doris and Savea epitomize this evolution—equally comfortable making hard yards in traffic, orchestrating phase play, or executing precision passes under pressure.
