Rugby is a sport full of stars who dominate headlines, but some of the game’s most influential players quietly fly under the radar.
These athletes may not always get the recognition they deserve from the media or casual fans, yet their consistency, leadership, and skill make them indispensable to their teams.
[ad_connatix]
Join RUCK’s Instagram broadcast channel and get the latest rugby news straight to your phone.
From relentless defenders to tactical masterminds, the following five players have proven time and again that impact doesn’t always equal fame.
Here’s our ranking of the most underrated players in world rugby today, from five to one.
5. Hugo Keenan (Ireland)
⭐ Consistent High-Level Performance
From ‘C’ team to Lions: Once unable to make his school’s under-14 C team at Blackrock College, Keenan has now achieved iconic status as a British & Irish Lions player, scoring a vital try in a test against Australia in Melbourne. His rise underscores the value of hard work, dedication, and late blooming, offering hope to many aspiring athletes.
Fitness prowess: Keenan holds the record for the Bronco test, a demanding rugby fitness drill, with a time of 4:11, surpassing former All Blacks star Beauden Barrett.
🧠 Underrated Despite Impact
Integral to Ireland’s success: Known for his exceptional fitness, Keenan’s consistent performances for Leinster and Ireland highlight his importance to both teams.
Team acknowledgment: Hugo Keenan has long had the ‘underrated’ tag on his Test career but is now widely acknowledged as one of the best fullbacks in world rugby.