Top 10 Fastest Rugby Players in the World

Speed is a game-changer in rugby—whether it’s a winger sprinting down the touchline or a fullback chasing down a breakaway runner. In a sport that demands power, agility, and quick decision-making, raw pace can turn a good player into a match-winner. The fastest players on the pitch bring electricity to the game, often deciding the outcome of a match with a single burst of acceleration or a length-of-the-field try. These speedsters not only break defensive lines but also ignite the crowd and elevate their teams to greatness.

In this high-octane roundup of the top 10 fastest rugby players in the world, we highlight elite athletes whose sprinting ability rivals track stars. From the blazing runs of Cheslin Kolbe to the lightning-fast strides of Carlin Isles, these players have redefined what it means to be quick in rugby. We consider official speed records, top match performances, and consistency at the highest level of play.

Whether they’re lighting up Sevens tournaments or dominating in international XVs, these speed demons are must-watch talents. Get ready to explore the top 10 fastest rugby players who have made pace their most powerful weapon.

Top 10 Fastest Rugby Players you should know:

10. Rieko Ioane (New Zealand)

Rieko Ioane is a dynamic powerhouse with elite-level speed and finishing ability. Playing as a centre and winger for the All Blacks, Ioane has clocked top speeds of around 10.5 seconds over 100 meters, making him one of the quickest in international rugby. His acceleration off the mark, combined with physical strength, makes him a nightmare for defenders. Rieko rose to global prominence during the 2017 British & Irish Lions series, scoring stunning tries with ease.

He also plays Super Rugby for the Blues and has consistently ranked among the top try-scorers. Despite playing in midfield more often now, his pure pace remains a weapon New Zealand deploys strategically. Among the top 10 fastest rugby players, Ioane is notable not just for straight-line speed but for how he uses it in broken play, turning half-chances into game-changing moments with electric pace and deceptive footwork.

Estimated 100m Time	10.5 seconds
Primary Position	Winger/Centre

9. Bryan Habana (South Africa)

Though retired, Bryan Habana still holds a legacy spot among the top 10 fastest rugby players due to his legendary sprinting prowess. At his peak, Habana reportedly ran 10.4 seconds for 100m, often compared to sprinters in terms of raw speed. A World Cup winner in 2007 and joint all-time top try-scorer in Rugby World Cup history, Habana terrorized defenses with his blistering pace on the wing. He famously raced a cheetah in a promotional event, underlining his reputation as rugby’s ultimate speedster.

Beyond pure speed, his game sense, defensive positioning, and finishing instinct made him a complete winger. Habana’s ability to score from anywhere on the pitch transformed South Africa’s counterattack game during his era. Though newer players have emerged, few have matched the impact his speed had on international rugby. His name remains firmly entrenched in the list of top 10 fastest rugby players of all time.

Estimated 100m Time	10.4 seconds
Primary Position	Winger

8. Adam Radwan (England)

Adam Radwan is one of the most electric new-generation players in English rugby. A winger for Newcastle Falcons and England, Radwan has recorded sub-10.5 second 100m times, placing him easily among the top 10 fastest rugby players today. His highlight reels are filled with blistering tries where he outsprints entire defensive lines, often scoring from deep within his own half. Radwan made his England debut in 2021, scoring a hat-trick against Canada, instantly making a name for himself.

While still developing on the international scene, his top-end pace, agility, and explosive footwork make him a potential superstar. His ability to accelerate in tight spaces and leave defenders grasping at air mirrors some of the game’s greats. Radwan continues to impress in Premiership Rugby, and if his trajectory continues, he’ll become a permanent fixture in England’s national setup. Among the top 10 fastest rugby players, Radwan represents the future of speed in rugby.

Estimated 100m Time	Sub-10.5 seconds
Primary Position	Winger

7. Bevan French (Australia)

Bevan French, playing rugby league and union, is widely acknowledged for his incredible pace and evasive movement. A fullback and winger with speed estimated at 10.3 seconds over 100m, French has terrorized defenses in both the NRL and Super League. His time with the Parramatta Eels and now with Wigan Warriors has featured countless long-range solo tries. French’s ability to accelerate off the mark and glide past defenders makes him one of the most entertaining players in the modern game.

He’s especially dangerous in broken play, where his instincts and speed give him the edge. Though he has yet to earn a long stint at the international level in union, French’s athletic gifts are undeniable. His sprint times and match footage confirm his place in the top 10 fastest rugby players, proving that elite speed is a devastating tool when matched with agility and balance.

Estimated 100m Time	10.3 seconds
Primary Position	Fullback/Winger

6. Perry Baker (USA)

A two-time World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year, Perry Baker is one of the fastest men to ever play the game. With a reported 100m time of 10.58 seconds, Baker is a former American football player who brought track-level speed to the rugby field. Representing the USA in Sevens, his tries often come from sheer pace—burning defenders down the sideline or cutting across the field with impossible angles. Baker’s long stride and acceleration have made him a highlight machine on the World Rugby Sevens Series circuit.

Despite being in his mid-30s, his top-end speed remains elite, and he continues to be one of the USA’s primary try-scorers. Perry Baker is a textbook example of what raw sprinting power can achieve in a rugby environment. His inclusion among the top 10 fastest rugby players is undisputed, especially in the context of Sevens, where space rewards pace more than anything.

Estimated 100m Time	10.58 seconds
Primary Position	Winger (Sevens)

5. Josua Tuisova (Fiji)

Known as the “Human Bulldozer,” Josua Tuisova combines incredible strength with shocking acceleration. While his powerful frame suggests brute force, he clocks speeds near 10.5 seconds over 100 meters, making him one of the most dangerous players in open space. Representing Fiji in both Sevens and XVs formats, Tuisova is renowned for breaking tackles and outrunning backs with ease. His performances for Lyon and Racing 92 in the Top 14 have cemented his place as a world-class backline threat.

Tuisova’s ability to create separation after contact adds a unique dynamic to his speed. He’s not just a fast runner—he’s a one-man wrecking crew with a turbo button. His inclusion in the top 10 fastest rugby players is well-earned, as few combine raw pace, power, and finishing instinct the way he does. Defenders beware—once Tuisova finds space, catching him is nearly impossible.

Estimated 100m Time	10.5 seconds
Primary Position	Winger/Centre

4. Cheslin Kolbe (South Africa)

Cheslin Kolbe is one of the most thrilling rugby players on the planet, known for his blistering speed, lightning footwork, and world-class sidestep. Standing just 5’7″, Kolbe uses his low center of gravity to accelerate through gaps and burn world-class defenders. He clocked a top speed of around 10.7 seconds over 100m, but what sets him apart is his in-game acceleration.

A key part of South Africa’s World Cup-winning squad in 2019, Kolbe scored a memorable try in the final against England—beating two defenders with sheer pace and skill. His success in both club rugby (Toulouse and Toulon) and international play has made him a global star. Among the top 10 fastest rugby players, Kolbe stands out for his ability to combine sprinting speed with agility and tactical intelligence, making him virtually uncatchable in open play.

Estimated 100m Time	10.7 seconds
Primary Position	Winger/Fullback

3. Carlin Isles (USA)

Carlin Isles is often referred to as the “fastest man in rugby,” and for good reason. A former track athlete with a 100m personal best of 10.13 seconds, Isles is arguably the fastest player to ever wear a rugby jersey. Competing primarily in Sevens for the USA, Isles has scored over 200 tries on the World Rugby Sevens Series. His acceleration and top-end speed are unmatched, often leaving defenders several meters behind in breakaway situations.

Though his rugby union career in XVs didn’t take off the same way, his contributions to Sevens have been historic. What he lacks in bulk or tackling strength, he more than makes up for in raw pace. Whether scoring coast-to-coast tries or outsprinting Olympic-level athletes, Carlin Isles is a cornerstone of the top 10 fastest rugby players—and a spectacle every time he touches the ball.

Estimated 100m Time	10.13 seconds
Primary Position	Winger (Sevens)

2. Seabelo Senatla (South Africa)

Seabelo Senatla is a Sevens superstar known for his stunning combination of sprinting speed and finishing precision. Clocking in with a 100m time close to 10.2 seconds, he’s one of the quickest players rugby has ever seen. Representing South Africa’s Blitzboks, Senatla became the fastest player to score 200 tries in the World Rugby Sevens Series. His breakout 2016 season earned him the Sevens Player of the Year award, and he’s also transitioned into XVs with Stormers in Super Rugby.

Senatla uses his top-end speed to punish even the smallest defensive lapse, often scoring within seconds of receiving the ball. His work rate, off-the-ball movement, and track-like running style make him lethal in wide channels. Among the top 10 fastest rugby players, Senatla is the prototype of a modern winger—blazing fast, incredibly fit, and always dangerous.

Estimated 100m Time	10.2 seconds
Primary Position	Winger (Sevens/XVs)

1. Christian Wade (England)

Christian Wade tops the list of the top 10 fastest rugby players with a rare blend of raw pace, agility, and finishing flair. Though he briefly left rugby for American football, his return to rugby reminded fans of his electric ability. Wade’s recorded 100m time is estimated around 10.2 seconds, and his acceleration in short bursts is devastating.

While playing for Wasps in Premiership Rugby, Wade scored 82 tries—ranking among the league’s all-time leaders. What sets him apart is how effortlessly he hits top speed and beats defenders with footwork and balance. His brief stint in the NFL (with the Buffalo Bills) further proves his elite athleticism. Back in rugby union, Wade remains a try-scoring threat capable of creating magic out of nowhere. In terms of both measurable speed and in-game impact, Christian Wade firmly deserves the #1 spot among the top 10 fastest rugby players in the world.

Estimated 100m Time	10.2 seconds
Primary Position	Winger

FAQs

Read More:

• Top 10 Rugby Teams Dominating the Sport