Top 10 Fastest Rugby Players In The World Right Now
Speed has become one of the most valuable weapons in modern rugby, with GPS technology allowing teams to accurately record the fastest players on the planet.
From electric wingers to explosive full-backs, these players have reached astonishing top speeds while competing at the highest level of the sport.
1. Henry Arundell (England) – 41.40 km/h
England sensation Henry Arundell currently tops the list as the fastest rugby player in the world.
His blistering acceleration and elite finishing ability have made him one of the most dangerous broken-field runners in world rugby.
Top Speed: 41.40 km/h (11.50 m/s)
2. Christian Wade (England) – 39.96 km/h
Despite spending time in American football, Christian Wade remains one of rugby’s quickest athletes.
His incredible pace has made him a prolific try-scorer throughout his career.
Top Speed: 39.96 km/h (11.10 m/s)
3. Adam Radwan (England) – 39.06 km/h
Known for his explosive acceleration, Adam Radwan has consistently been one of the Premiership’s fastest players.
His ability to beat defenders in open space makes him a constant attacking threat.
Top Speed: 39.06 km/h (10.85 m/s)
4. Louis Rees-Zammit (Wales) – 38.62 km/h
Before pursuing opportunities in American football, Louis Rees-Zammit established himself as one of rugby’s premier speedsters.
His pace has troubled both club and international defences.
Top Speed: 38.62 km/h (10.73 m/s)
5. Will Jordan (New Zealand) – 38.52 km/h
The All Blacks star combines world-class finishing with exceptional top-end speed.
Jordan’s ability to exploit even the smallest defensive gap has helped make him one of New Zealand’s most dangerous attacking weapons.
Top Speed: 38.52 km/h (10.70 m/s)
6. Rieko Ioane (New Zealand) – 38.50 km/h
Whether playing on the wing or in midfield, Rieko Ioane remains one of the quickest players in international rugby.
His pace has been a key part of New Zealand’s attack for several seasons.
Top Speed: 38.50 km/h (10.69 m/s)
7. Louis Bielle-Biarrey (France) – 37.80 km/h
France’s young superstar continues to establish himself among the world’s elite.
His combination of pace, agility and finishing ability makes him one of the most exciting players in Test rugby.
Top Speed: 37.80 km/h (10.50 m/s)
8. Kurt-Lee Arendse (South Africa) – 37.50 km/h
The Springbok flyer has become renowned for his explosive counter-attacking ability.
Arendse regularly punishes defensive mistakes with his exceptional acceleration.
Top Speed: 37.50 km/h (10.42 m/s)
9. Cheslin Kolbe (South Africa) – 36.90 km/h
Although best known for his footwork and agility, Cheslin Kolbe also possesses elite pace.
Combined with his incredible balance, his speed makes him one of the hardest players in rugby to tackle.
Top Speed: 36.90 km/h (10.25 m/s)
10. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (England) – 36.72 km/h
England’s rising star rounds out the top ten.
Feyi-Waboso has quickly established himself as one of the country’s brightest attacking talents thanks to his power, acceleration and finishing instincts.
Top Speed: 36.72 km/h (10.20 m/s)
Top 10 Fastest Rugby Players
| Rank | Player | Country | Top Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Henry Arundell | England | 41.40 km/h |
| 2 | Christian Wade | England | 39.96 km/h |
| 3 | Adam Radwan | England | 39.06 km/h |
| 4 | Louis Rees-Zammit | Wales | 38.62 km/h |
| 5 | Will Jordan | New Zealand | 38.52 km/h |
| 6 | Rieko Ioane | New Zealand | 38.50 km/h |
| 7 | Louis Bielle-Biarrey | France | 37.80 km/h |
| 8 | Kurt-Lee Arendse | South Africa | 37.50 km/h |
| 9 | Cheslin Kolbe | South Africa | 36.90 km/h |
| 10 | Immanuel Feyi-Waboso | England | 36.72 km/h |
Final Thoughts
Modern rugby is faster than ever before, and these ten players represent the very best when it comes to outright pace. Henry Arundell currently leads the way with a remarkable recorded speed of 41.40 km/h, while England dominates the rankings with four players in the top ten.
As GPS tracking technology continues to improve and athletes become even more explosive, these records may continue to be challenged. For now, however, these players stand as the fastest men in world rugby.
