The best rugby locks are Maro Itoje, Brodie Retallick, James Ryan, Eben Etzebeth, Alun Wyn Jones, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Iain Henderson and Sam Whitelock.
Rugby is a game of physicality, strategy, and teamwork. Every position on the field is crucial, but perhaps none more so than the lock. The lock is responsible for providing the bulk of the team’s lineout and scrumming power, as well as making crucial tackles and carrying the ball forward. In this blog, we will take a look at the top 10 locks in rugby in 2023, based on their performances in recent years and their impact on their respective teams.
1. Maro Itoje – England
Maro Itoje is widely regarded as one of the best locks in rugby today, and for good reason. He is a formidable presence on the field, standing at 6’5″ and weighing in at 117 kg. His athleticism, speed, and strength make him a threat in both attack and defense, and his work rate is second to none. He has played for England since 2016, earning 54 caps, and has been a key part of their recent success. In the 2022 Six Nations, he was named the Player of the Championship, and he played a crucial role in England’s win over South Africa in the 2023 Rugby World Cup final.
One of Itoje’s greatest strengths is his ability to win turnovers. In the 2022 Six Nations, he made 10 turnovers, more than any other player in the tournament. He also excels in the lineout, both as a jumper and a disruptor. In the same tournament, he won 21 lineouts, more than any other player. Itoje is a true all-rounder and a force to be reckoned with on the field.
2. Brodie Retallick – New Zealand
Brodie Retallick is another lock who is widely considered to be among the best in the game. He has been a stalwart of the New Zealand team since 2012, earning 88 caps and playing a crucial role in their successes. At 6’8″ and 120 kg, he is a towering figure on the field, and his strength and athleticism make him a threat in all areas of the game.
One of Retallick’s greatest strengths is his ability to win turnovers. He has made 48 turnovers in his international career, which is an impressive feat for a lock. He is also a powerful carrier, regularly making ground and breaking tackles. In the 2022 Rugby Championship, he made 50 carries, more than any other player in the tournament. Retallick is a dominant force on the field and a key player for the All Blacks.
3. James Ryan – Ireland
James Ryan is a rising star in the world of rugby, and he has already established himself as one of the best locks in the game. He made his debut for Ireland in 2017 and has since earned 42 caps. At 6’8″ and 109 kg, he is a formidable presence on the field, and his physicality and work rate make him a key player for Ireland.
One of Ryan’s greatest strengths is his ability in the lineout. He is a skilled jumper and has won 66 lineouts in his international career. He is also a strong tackler and regularly makes dominant hits on his opponents. In the 2022 Six Nations, he made 63 tackles, more than any other player in the tournament. Ryan is a player with a bright future ahead of him, and he will undoubtedly continue to be a key player for Ireland in the years to come.
4. Eben Etzebeth – South Africa
Eben Etzebeth is a towering figure on the rugby field, standing at 6’8″ and weighing in at 123 kg. He has been a key player for South Africa since his debut in 2012, earning 90 caps in the process. Etzebeth is known for his physicality and aggression, and he is one of the most feared locks in the game.
One of Etzebeth’s greatest strengths is his work rate. He is a tireless worker on the field, regularly making tackles and carrying the ball forward. In the 2022 Rugby Championship, he made 66 tackles, more than any other South African player. He is also a strong lineout jumper and regularly disrupts his opponents’ throws. Etzebeth is a true enforcer on the field and a key player for the Springboks.
5. Alun Wyn Jones – Wales
Alun Wyn Jones is one of the most experienced locks in rugby, having made his debut for Wales in 2006. He has since earned 150 caps for Wales and the British and Irish Lions, making him one of the most capped players in history. Jones is a true leader on the field, and his physicality and work rate make him a key player for Wales.
One of Jones’ greatest strengths is his leadership. He is a vocal presence on the field and is highly respected by his teammates. He is also a skilled lineout jumper and has won 107 lineouts in his international career. In the 2022 Six Nations, he won 23 lineouts, more than any other player in the tournament. Jones is a true legend of the game and a player who continues to perform at the highest level.
6. Pieter-Steph du Toit – South Africa
Pieter-Steph du Toit is another South African lock who is widely considered to be among the best in the game. He has been a key player for the Springboks since his debut in 2013, earning 63 caps in the process. Du Toit is known for his work rate and physicality, and he is a key player for South Africa in both attack and defense.
One of du Toit’s greatest strengths is his ability to win turnovers. He has made 26 turnovers in his international career, which is an impressive feat for a lock. He is also a strong carrier and regularly makes ground with the ball in hand. In the 2022 Rugby Championship, he made 33 carries, more than any other South African forward. Du Toit is a player who continues to impress and is sure to be a key player for the Springboks in the years to come.
7. Iain Henderson – Ireland
Iain Henderson is a versatile lock who can also play in the back row. He made his debut for Ireland in 2012 and has since earned 68 caps. Henderson is a physical and aggressive player, and his work rate is second to none.
One of Henderson’s greatest strengths is his versatility. He can play both lock and back row, which makes him a valuable asset to the Ireland team. He is also a skilled lineout jumper and has won 38 lineouts in his international career. In the 2022 Six Nations, he won 17 lineouts, more than any other Irish player. Henderson is a player who can do it all, and his versatility makes him a key player for Ireland.
8. Sam Whitelock – New Zealand
Sam Whitelock is one of the most experienced locks in rugby, having made his debut for New Zealand in 2010. He has since earned 127 caps for the All Blacks, making him one of the most capped players in history. Whitelock is known for his physicality and work rate, and he is a key player for the All Blacks.
One of Whitelock’s greatest strengths is his lineout work. He is a skilled jumper and regularly wins ball for his team. In the 2022 Rugby Championship, he won 16 lineouts, which was the second most for any player in the tournament. He is also a strong ball carrier and regularly makes ground with the ball in hand. Whitelock is a player who continues to perform at the highest level and is a true legend of the game.
Conclusion
The game of rugby requires strength, athleticism, and skill, and the locks on this list have all demonstrated these qualities at the highest level. Each of these players brings their own unique set of skills to the field, whether it’s their lineout work, their ball carrying, or their defensive prowess.
As rugby continues to evolve, these players will undoubtedly continue to adapt and improve. They will be key players for their national teams and for their clubs, and they will continue to inspire future generations of rugby players. It’s a testament to their talent and dedication that they have been able to achieve so much in the game, and they are sure to be remembered as some of the best locks in rugby history.
