Majors changes as Ireland’s ‘Top 20 most important rugby players’ list updated…

Significant Changes in the List of ‘Top 20 Most Influential Irish Rugby Players’ as Johnny Sexton Retires…

The longstanding top player has called it a day. When we first compiled our list of the ‘Top 20 Most Influential Rugby Players in Irish Rugby’ back in March 2021, Johnny Sexton held the number one position.

The objective was straightforward: to assess the Irish rugby landscape and identify the players who played a pivotal role for Ireland. Who were the linchpins driving Ireland’s success, and who were the players that Andy Farrell couldn’t afford to be without?

Our last list was published after Ireland’s victory in the 2023 Six Nations. Since then, Munster claimed the United Rugby Championship, Leinster faced heartbreak in the Champions Cup final, Ireland extended their unbeaten test run from 10 to 18 games, and were eliminated from the World Cup at the quarter-final stage. During this period, Keith Earls and Johnny Sexton retired.

The following is our ‘Top 20’ list (ranked from 20 to 1) of the best players and most influential figures in Irish rugby.

Notable Changes in the List of Top 20 Irish Rugby Players With Johnny Sexton’s retirement, we will naturally have a new number one.

In my view, Sexton was the most crucial player in Irish rugby for the majority of the past decade before his retirement. Although there were instances when Conor Murray and Tadhg Furlong played more pivotal roles for the Irish team or their game strategy, Sexton consistently remained in the top three.

Andy Farrell didn’t take long to place all his faith in Sexton as the leader and symbol of his team. He stuck with Sexton throughout the World Cup quarter-final, where Sexton delivered an exceptional performance. Sexton was one of Ireland’s standout performers throughout the tournament.

Jack Crowley is a new addition to the Top 20, but the new number one is an irreplaceable figure for Ireland. Bundee Aki and Andrew Porter, who had varying performances in the recent loss to New Zealand, have also seen a substantial rise in their importance to the team.

Top 20 Irish Rugby Players:

20. Jack Conan (down two)
21. Conor Murray (up one)
22. Jack Crowley (new entry)
23. Ryan Baird (up two)
24. Iain Henderson
25. Finlay Bealham
26. Peter O’Mahony (up one)
27. James Ryan (down two)
28. Jamison Gibson-Park
29. Garry Ringrose (down one)
30. Tadhg Beirne (up four)
31. James Lowe
32. Dan Sheehan (down one)
33. Josh van der Flier (down two)
34. Mack Hansen (up two)
35. Bundee Aki (up 12)
36. Andrew Porter (up two)
37. Tadhg Furlong
38. Caelan Doris (up two)
39. Hugo Keenan (up one)

Ireland may have players like Jimmy O’Brien and Mack Hansen who can cover the fullback position, but currently, Hugo Keenan stands in a league of his own. Providing stiff competition for the number 15 jersey will be a focus in the coming years.

Caelan Doris’s versatility in covering various back row positions and his undeniable quality have resulted in his climb in the rankings. Bundee Aki has surged 12 places, though Ireland has reliable center options, with James Hume showcasing his form early in the season for Ulster.

The importance of the two primary props remains unquestionable for the Irish team. While there may be concerns about the depth at loosehead behind Andrew Porter, potential loosehead prospects are emerging at Munster and Leinster. It may be worth extending Cian Healy’s Test career to provide backup for Porter.