Who Are The Fullbacks In Rugby?


As we enter the year 2023, rugby has evolved significantly, and the role of fullbacks has never been more critical. Fullbacks are the last line of defense, often called upon to make crucial tackles and initiate counterattacks. With that in mind, here are the ten best fullbacks in rugby as of 2023.

Beauden Barrett of New Zealand in the sin bin during the South Africa Springboks v New Zealand All Blacks rugby union test match at Ellis Park, Johannesburg, South Africa on Saturday 13 August 2022.
The Lipovitan-D Rugby Championship 2022.
Mandatory credit: Christiaan Kotze / www.photosport.nz
  1. Beauden Barrett (New Zealand) Beauden Barrett is arguably the best fullback in the world. He has had a successful career with the All Blacks, winning the World Cup in 2015 and 2019. His speed, agility, and attacking prowess make him a potent threat for any opposition. He has scored a total of 75 tries in his international career.
  2. Stuart Hogg (Scotland) Stuart Hogg is a versatile player who has played in multiple positions, but he has made his mark as a fullback. He is known for his electrifying speed and elusive running, making him a nightmare for defenders. Hogg has 23 tries for Scotland and has been a crucial player in their recent Six Nations campaigns.
  3. Liam Williams (Wales) Liam Williams has been an integral part of the Welsh national team and the Saracens in recent years. He is known for his hard-running style, coupled with his excellent defensive skills. Williams has scored 17 tries in his international career and is widely regarded as one of the best fullbacks in the world.
  4. Jordan Larmour (Ireland) Jordan Larmour is a rising star in rugby, and his performances for Ireland have been impressive. He has scored 12 tries in his 31 appearances and has become a crucial player for the Irish team. Larmour’s speed and agility make him a potent attacking weapon, and his defensive skills have also been praised.
  5. Elliot Daly (England) Elliot Daly is a versatile player who can play in multiple positions, but he has made his mark as a fullback. He has a powerful left boot and is known for his long-range kicking. Daly has scored 8 tries in his international career and has been a consistent performer for England in recent years.
  6. Damian McKenzie (New Zealand) Damian McKenzie is a dynamic fullback who can change the game in an instant. He is a natural attacking player who can create opportunities out of nothing. McKenzie has scored 11 tries for the All Blacks and has been a crucial player for them in their recent campaigns.
  7. Anthony Bouthier (France) Anthony Bouthier has been a revelation for France in recent years. He made his debut in 2020 and has quickly established himself as one of the best fullbacks in the world. Bouthier’s speed, agility, and attacking prowess have been praised by many, and he has scored 3 tries in his 12 appearances for France.
  8. Leigh Halfpenny (Wales) Leigh Halfpenny is a seasoned campaigner who has been a crucial player for Wales for over a decade. He is known for his clinical kicking and is one of the most reliable goal-kickers in the world. Halfpenny has scored 28 tries for Wales and has been a consistent performer for them in recent years.
  9. Israel Folau (Australia) Israel Folau is a versatile player who has played in multiple positions, but he has made his mark as a fullback. He is a natural attacking player who can score tries from anywhere on the field. Folau has scored 37 tries in his international career and has been a crucial player for Australia in recent years.
  10. Mike Brown (England) Mike Brown is a seasoned campaigner who has been a crucial player for England for over a decade. He is known for his tenacity and his excellent defensive skills. Brown has scored a total of 10 tries in his international career and has been a consistent performer for England in recent years.

In conclusion, these ten fullbacks are the cream of the crop in rugby as of 2023. They have all made significant contributions to their respective teams and have earned their place as some of the best in the world. Their speed, agility, and attacking prowess make them potent weapons, while their defensive skills make them vital to their teams’ success. As rugby continues to evolve, these fullbacks will undoubtedly continue to make their mark on the game.

FAQ

What is a fullback in rugby?

A fullback is a position in rugby that plays at the back of the field, behind the rest of the players. The fullback is responsible for catching kicks from the opposition, running the ball back, and initiating counterattacks.

What are the key skills required for a fullback in rugby?

A fullback needs to have good kicking, catching, and running skills, as well as strong defensive abilities. They also need to be able to read the game well and make quick decisions under pressure.

What is the main role of a fullback in rugby?

The main role of a fullback in rugby is to provide a last line of defense and prevent opposition tries. Fullbacks are also important in starting attacking plays and initiating counterattacks.

Can a fullback play in other positions?

Yes, fullbacks can play in other positions, such as on the wing or in the midfield. However, their primary role is at the back of the field.

Who are some of the best fullbacks in rugby?

Some of the best fullbacks in rugby include Beauden Barrett (New Zealand), Stuart Hogg (Scotland), Liam Williams (Wales), Jordan Larmour (Ireland), and Elliot Daly (England).

What is the difference between a fullback and a winger in rugby?

The main difference between a fullback and a winger in rugby is their position on the field. Fullbacks play at the back of the field, while wingers play on the sides. Additionally, wingers tend to focus more on attacking and scoring tries, while fullbacks have a more balanced role of defending and attacking.

How important is a fullback in rugby?

Fullbacks are an essential part of any rugby team, providing the last line of defense and initiating counterattacks. They play a crucial role in both defense and attack, and their skills and abilities can often make the difference in a game.

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