South Africa’s Handré Pollard and Thomas du Toit have been named among the top 10 best players in the United Kingdom, according to a recent ranking by The Telegraph. The prestigious list recognizes the 30 best players currently playing for domestic teams in Britain, with several South African stars featuring prominently.
Pollard, the Leicester Tigers fly-half, and du Toit, the Bath prop, both earned spots near the top of the list, highlighting their significant impact in the UK rugby scene. While the duo didn’t clinch the top spot, their performances have solidified their positions as some of the most formidable players in the domestic leagues.
Pollard and Du Toit Impress in the Top 10
Handré Pollard, ranked third overall, has been lauded for his composure and skill, with Telegraph writer Charlie Morgan praising him as “a serial winner with an ice-cool mentality on the biggest occasions.” Pollard’s precision in distribution, including his cross-kicks and expertly executed passes, has made him an invaluable asset to Leicester Tigers.
Du Toit, ranked second, has enjoyed a remarkable tenure at Bath since his move from South Africa. The powerful front-rower’s impressive try-scoring form—securing 12 tries in his debut season—has drawn widespread acclaim. Morgan described Du Toit as “one of the best Premiership signings in recent years” and emphasized his crucial role at Bath, despite South Africa’s deep front-row talent limiting his opportunities with the Springboks. At Bath, Du Toit is a standout figure, and his performances continue to impress.
Other South African Players in the Top 30
Several other South African-born players also feature prominently in the list, demonstrating the continued influence of Springboks talent in the UK. Juarno Augustus, who is set to join Ulster from Northampton Saints, is ranked 26th overall. Scotland internationals Duhan van der Merwe and Pierre Schoeman, both of whom were born in South Africa, are ranked 15th and 14th, respectively.
Benhard Janse van Rensburg, who has been a key player for Bristol Bears since his move from London Irish, earned the fifth spot in the rankings. The dynamic midfielder has impressed with his consistency and is seen as a potential future international, once he qualifies through residency.
Top 10 Players in the UK Right Now
Here is the full list of The Telegraph’s top 10 players in the UK:
- Sione Tuipulotu (Glasgow Warriors)
- Thomas du Toit (Bath)
- Handré Pollard (Leicester Tigers)
- Finn Russell (Bath)
- Benhard Janse van Rensburg (Bristol Bears)
- Marcus Smith (Harlequins)
- Juan Martín González (Saracens)
- Maro Itoje (Saracens)
- Darcy Graham (Edinburgh)
- Rory Darge (Glasgow Warriors)
Springboks Impact in the UK
The ranking highlights the growing presence of South African players in the UK, particularly in the Premiership and United Rugby Championship. With top-class performances from the likes of Pollard, Du Toit, and other Springboks, it’s clear that South African rugby continues to have a significant influence on the global stage.
As these players continue to shine in the UK, their performances further solidify the strength of South African rugby and their pivotal roles in both domestic and international competitions.
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