Best Openside Flanker in the World (2025 Ranking)

The openside flanker position demands a unique combination of speed, breakdown expertise, and relentless work rate that few players possess. These athletes operate at the coalface of modern rugby, winning turnovers, disrupting opposition ball, and providing crucial link play between forwards and backs. As we evaluate the global landscape in 2025, several players have elevated themselves above their peers to define excellence in the number seven jersey.

#1 Pieter-Steph du Toit (South Africa)

The Springboks powerhouse remains the gold standard for openside play at international level. Du Toit’s unique physical profile defies traditional expectations for the position, yet his effectiveness is undeniable. Standing over six feet tall and weighing approximately 120 kilograms, he combines size with surprising agility and breakdown technique.

His impact extends far beyond statistics. Du Toit’s defensive organization and ability to influence games in crucial moments set him apart from contemporaries. His lineout proficiency adds another dimension, making him a complete forward who affects every phase. The South African’s consistency across multiple World Cup cycles demonstrates sustained excellence that few can match.

What truly distinguishes du Toit is his performance under pressure. In knockout rugby and decisive Test matches, he raises his game when it matters most, delivering match-winning interventions through turnovers, dominant tackles, and leadership.

#2 Josh van der Flier (Ireland)

The 2022 World Rugby Player of the Year continues to exemplify world-class openside play for Ireland and Leinster. Van der Flier’s technical precision at the breakdown is matched by exceptional fitness levels that allow him to maintain intensity for the full 80 minutes.

His defensive game is built on intelligent positioning and aggressive tackling technique. Van der Flier’s ability to read attacking structures allows him to disrupt plays before they develop. He has been a cornerstone of Ireland’s recent success, featuring prominently in their Grand Slam campaigns and consistently delivering match-winning performances.

The Leinster star also contributes significantly in attack, with excellent support play and offloading skills creating opportunities for teammates. His consistency across multiple competitions makes him indispensable to both club and country. At 32, he continues to perform at the highest level with no signs of decline.

#3 Tom Curry (England)

England’s premier flanker brings unmatched intensity and technical excellence to the breakdown. Curry was selected to start for the British and Irish Lions, demonstrating his proven pedigree at the highest level. His reading of the game allows him to arrive at rucks with perfect timing, forcing turnovers and slowing opposition ball consistently.

Curry’s fitness standards are exceptional, regularly covering ground that rivals back-three players. His defensive game features excellent positioning and aggressive line speed that disrupts attacking structures. The Sale Sharks captain recorded impressive tackle success rates in recent international tournaments.

His ability to perform under the brightest lights, including multiple British and Irish Lions Test appearances, proves his mental fortitude and technical reliability when stakes are highest. Curry’s leadership qualities have also developed significantly, making him a vocal presence in England’s pack.

#4 Fraser McReight (Australia)

McReight has emerged as one of the most exciting openside flankers in world rugby. The Queensland Reds star combines exceptional breakdown technique with outstanding link play that creates attacking opportunities. His performance against top-tier opposition has consistently improved, with standout displays against New Zealand and Ireland.

Following strong performances in Super Rugby Pacific, McReight has cemented himself as a crucial component of the Wallabies’ game plan. His ability to win turnovers at crucial moments has become a defining characteristic, while his tackling statistics regularly lead the Australian forward pack.

At 26 years old, McReight represents the future of the position. His combination with Wallabies captain Harry Wilson provides Australia with a formidable back row partnership. The flanker’s work rate and rugby intelligence make him one of the most watchable players in the Southern Hemisphere, with several major Japanese clubs reportedly offering lucrative contracts to secure his services.

#5 Caelan Doris (Ireland)

Ireland’s versatile back row star excels across multiple positions but shines brightest in the openside role. Doris combines power, skill, and exceptional work rate to create a unique profile among contemporary flankers. His ball-carrying threat makes him a genuine attacking weapon, regularly breaking defensive lines and generating quick ball.

The 26-year-old maintains impressive defensive statistics, making crucial tackles in wide channels and contributing heavily at the breakdown. Doris’s ability to play across the back row gives Ireland valuable tactical flexibility while his leadership qualities continue to develop with each international appearance.

His rugby intelligence and decision-making under pressure mark him as one of the most complete forwards in the modern game. When fully fit, Doris influences matches through sheer force of will and technical excellence. Many analysts predict he will captain Ireland in the near future.

#6 Ardie Savea (New Zealand)

The All Blacks dynamo brings electric pace and creativity to the flanker position that few can replicate. Savea’s attacking instincts are exceptional, with footwork and acceleration that allow him to exploit space other forwards cannot reach. His highlight-reel performances have made him a global favorite among rugby fans.

Beneath the spectacular moments lies a player with solid fundamentals. Savea’s breakdown work remains effective, his support play is intelligent, and his defensive contributions are significant. His ability to score tries from anywhere on the field makes him a constant attacking threat that opposition teams must plan specifically to counter.

While questions about consistency have occasionally emerged, Savea at his peak remains one of the most impactful players in world rugby. His combination of speed, skill, and power creates matchup problems that few defenses can consistently solve. His experience and leadership also provide invaluable guidance to New Zealand’s younger forwards.

#7 Pablo Matera (Argentina)

The Argentine captain brings a unique blend of physicality and skill that makes him central to the Pumas’ success. Matera’s carrying ability sets him apart from traditional opensides, regularly breaking tackles and gaining crucial meters in contact. His powerful running style forces defenses to commit multiple players, creating space for teammates.

His work rate across 80 minutes is phenomenal, appearing in both defensive and attacking situations with remarkable consistency. Matera’s leadership has transformed Argentina into genuine contenders at world level, with his combative style setting the tone for his team’s performances in every match.

The defensive side of his game has improved significantly over recent seasons, with his tackle technique and positioning becoming more refined. He’s equally comfortable operating at blindside when tactical situations demand flexibility, showcasing his versatility and rugby understanding.

#8 Jac Morgan (Wales)

Wales’s openside flanker has established himself as one of the most technically proficient players in the position. Morgan’s breakdown work is exceptional, with an uncanny ability to win turnovers at crucial moments. His smaller frame allows him to get under jackallers and disrupt opposition ball effectively.

Morgan’s defensive work rate is tireless, regularly making double-digit tackles while maintaining excellent technique throughout matches. His fitness levels allow him to be involved in more phases than almost any other forward, providing constant support in both attack and defense.

The Ospreys captain has developed into a genuine leader, guiding Wales through challenging periods with maturity beyond his years. His performances for the British and Irish Lions demonstrated his ability to compete at the highest level, earning respect from coaches and players across multiple nations.

#9 Siya Kolisi (South Africa)

The South African captain and 2019 Rugby World Cup winner remains a formidable presence at international level. Kolisi’s leadership transcends rugby, making him one of the sport’s most recognizable figures globally. His on-field contributions remain significant, with strong breakdown work and excellent defensive organization.

Kolisi’s tackle count consistently ranks among the highest in Test rugby, with his physicality and technique setting standards for his teammates. His ability to read defensive patterns allows him to position himself perfectly to make crucial interventions. The Springbok captain also contributes in attack, with powerful carrying and intelligent support play.

While he may have shifted slightly from his peak physical years, Kolisi’s experience and rugby intelligence compensate for any marginal decline in raw athleticism. His presence in the Springbok squad provides invaluable leadership and stability that extends beyond individual statistics.

#10 Charles Ollivon (France)

France’s former captain brings power and dynamism to the openside position that reflects the modern French approach to rugby. Ollivon combines excellent breakdown technique with aggressive ball-carrying that consistently breaks the advantage line. His physicality in contact makes him a handful for opposition defenses.

Ollivon’s defensive game is built on dominant tackling and intelligent positioning. He regularly makes hits that drive ball carriers backward, disrupting opposition momentum and creating turnover opportunities. His work rate remains impressive, appearing across the field to support teammates and contest breakdowns.

After recovering from injury setbacks, Ollivon has reclaimed his position as one of France’s key forwards. His experience in big matches, including Six Nations campaigns and Rugby World Cup tournaments, provides France with crucial leadership and composure in pressure situations.

What Makes an Elite Openside Flanker

The modern openside flanker must excel in multiple areas simultaneously. Breakdown expertise remains fundamental, requiring split-second decision-making about when to contest for turnovers and when to secure possession. Defensive organization and tackling technique are equally crucial, as opensides often make more tackles than any other forward.

Fitness levels must be exceptional to maintain effectiveness across 80 minutes. The position demands constant involvement, appearing at rucks, making tackles, and supporting ball carriers throughout the match. Link play between forwards and backs has become increasingly important, with the best opensides demonstrating excellent handling skills and rugby intelligence.

Leadership has also become a defining characteristic of elite opensides. Many of the world’s best flankers captain their national teams, organizing defensive lines, communicating tactical adjustments, and leading by example through relentless work rate.

The Evolution of the Position

The openside flanker role has evolved significantly over the past decade. While traditional skills like jackaling and turnover-winning remain vital, the modern game demands greater versatility. Today’s elite opensides must contribute more in attack, with ball-carrying and link play becoming increasingly important to their overall value.

Physical profiles have also diversified. While many top opensides maintain the smaller, quicker build traditionally associated with the position, players like du Toit prove that size and power can be equally effective when combined with technical excellence and rugby intelligence.

The rankings above reflect current form, consistency, and impact at the highest levels of international rugby. Each player brings unique strengths to the position while maintaining the core attributes that define excellence in the openside flanker role. As the game continues to evolve, these athletes set the standard for what it means to wear the number seven jersey in modern rugby.