Top Try Scorers in Premiership Rugby History (2026)
Scoring tries is what wins matches — and in Premiership Rugby, some players have made a legacy out of consistently crossing the line.
Using the latest data, here are the Top 10 all-time try scorers in Premiership Rugby history.
1. Chris Ashton – 101 Tries
Clubs: Northampton Saints, Saracens F.C., Wasps RFC, Worcester Warriors, Leicester Tigers
Chris Ashton remains the all-time leading try scorer in Premiership history.
Why He Was So Good:
- Elite support lines (“the Ashton line”)
- Incredible anticipation
- Consistent finishing over many seasons
2. Christian Wade – 93 Tries
Club: Wasps RFC
Wade’s pace and footwork made him one of the most dangerous attackers the league has ever seen.
3. Tom Varndell – 92 Tries
Clubs: Leicester Tigers, Wasps RFC, Bristol Bears
One of the fastest players in Premiership history, Varndell was a pure finisher.
4. Mark Cueto – 90 Tries
Club: Sale Sharks
A club legend, Cueto combined intelligence with consistency to reach 90 tries.
5. Danny Care – 85 Tries
Club: Harlequins
A rare scrum-half on this list, Care’s support play and attacking instinct set him apart.
6. Jonny May – 78 Tries
Clubs: Gloucester Rugby, Leicester Tigers
Known for his pace and finishing, May has been one of the most consistent modern wingers.
7. Steve Hanley – 75 Tries
Club: Sale Sharks
One of the early stars of Premiership rugby, Hanley made a big impact after switching codes.
8. Mike Brown – 72 Tries
Clubs: Harlequins, Newcastle Falcons, Leicester Tigers
A fullback known for his work rate, resilience, and ability to find the try line.
9. Matt Banahan – 71 Tries
Clubs: Bath Rugby, Gloucester Rugby
A powerful winger who used his size and strength to great effect.
10. Paul Sackey – 69 Tries
Clubs: Wasps RFC, Harlequins
A key figure in Wasps’ successful era, Sackey was a clinical finisher.
What This List Tells Us
Wingers Dominate
Most players here are wingers — the primary finishers in attacking moves.
Longevity Matters
To reach these numbers, players need:
- Long careers
- Consistent selection
- Strong attacking teams
Scrum-Halves Are Rare
Danny Care is the only scrum-half on the list — highlighting how unusual his achievement is.
What Makes an Elite Try Scorer?
The best try scorers share key traits:
- Positioning and awareness
- Speed and agility
- Support play
- Finishing ability
- Consistency
It’s not just about pace — it’s about being in the right place at the right time.
Can Ashton’s Record Be Broken?
Chris Ashton’s 101 tries is a huge benchmark.
To beat it, a player would need:
- A long Premiership career
- A strong attacking team
- Consistent fitness and form
Players like Jonny May have come close, but the record still stands strong.
Questions Fans Ask
Who is the top try scorer in Premiership Rugby history?
Chris Ashton with 101 tries.
Which position scores the most tries?
Wingers dominate due to their role in finishing attacks.
Are any active players on the list?
Yes, players like Jonny May and Danny Care have featured in recent years.
Is 100 tries a big milestone?
Yes — only one player has reached it in Premiership history.
Final Thoughts
The top try scorers in Premiership Rugby history are some of the most exciting players the league has ever seen. Their ability to finish chances has created unforgettable moments and defined entire eras.
With attacking rugby continuing to evolve, it will be fascinating to see if anyone can eventually break the 100-try barrier again.