It’s a question often asked, but who is the fastest rugby player in the world?
We’ve checked the stats and simulated how a 100m race would finish based on their top speeds reached in matches during 2019 and 2020.
It’s fair to say it would be a VERY CLOSE finish.
7. VIRIMI VAKATAWA – France – 11.3 SECONDS
He truly is such a talented player. The Fijian-born French International has played at an unreal level for Racing 92 of late and will be a key part of Les Bleus World Cup campaign. His speed and power make him a unique player.
6. JACOB STOCKDALE – Ireland – 11.35 SECONDS
In March 2018, Stockdale received the 2018 Six Nations Player of the Tournament Award after setting a try-scoring record of 7 as Ireland claimed the title and won their first Grand Slam since the 2009 victory. Unplayable on his day.
5. ANTHONY WATSON – England – 11.2 SECONDS
Once ran a 100 metres in 11.2secs at a school sports day and his raw pace saw the 21-year-old have a trial for Premier League giants Chelsea. Helped England Under-20s beat Wales in the final of the 2013 Junior World Cup before making the step up to the Test side.
4. JONNY MAY – England – 10.71 SECONDS
The speedster clocked 10.71 for the 100 metres. With a strong argument to be England’s quickest wide man ever, May is gradually improving his finishing prowess and is now arguably the first name on the teamsheet for head coach Eddie Jones.
3. CHESLIN KOLBE – South Africa – 10.7 SECONDS
2. OLLIE THORLEY – England – 10.6 SECONDS
Lightning speed – he ran the 100m in 10.6 seconds aged 16 – and an eye for the try line. Thorley is also an eccentric character as highlighted in this recent interview by Sportsmail‘s Nik Simon. Still uncapped for England, but that can only be for a matter of time.
1. SBU NKOSI – South Africa – 10.59 SECONDS
Comes with a deceptive frame, which makes him a stocky 97kg, despite being 2cm shy of being 1.8m tall. Couple that with the speed that saw him clock 10.59 seconds over 100m and the footwork that make him almost impossible to defend against at times.