The Fastest Rugby Players Ever: Speed That Defines the Game
Rugby is a sport built on power, strategy, and skill, but speed plays an essential role in shaping the game. Whether it’s a blistering break down the touchline, outrunning the opposition’s defense, or chasing down an opponent, the fastest players in rugby history have made a lasting impact with their electrifying pace. Here’s a look at some of the fastest rugby players ever to grace the field, showcasing how speed can be a game-changer in rugby.
1. Carlin Isles (USA)
Top Speed: 10.13 seconds for 100 meters
Position: Wing (Sevens)
Notable Achievement: Carlin Isles is often regarded as one of the fastest men in rugby history. With a background in track and field, his speed translates seamlessly to the rugby field. Isles made a name for himself on the Sevens circuit, where his blistering pace on the wing has left defenders scrambling to catch him. His record for 100 meters is almost world-class, and in the fast-paced Sevens game, he’s proven to be unstoppable when given the ball in space.
Isles’ speed has not only made him a standout in rugby sevens but also earned him comparisons to the fastest sprinters in the world. His impact on the game has demonstrated how a player’s sprinting ability can be utilized effectively in rugby.
2. Jonah Lomu (New Zealand)
Top Speed: 10.8 seconds for 100 meters
Position: Wing
Notable Achievement: Jonah Lomu’s name is synonymous with power and speed. While he may not have been the absolute fastest in terms of 100-meter times, his combination of size, strength, and pace was unparalleled in rugby. At 6’5” and 120 kg (265 lbs), Lomu’s explosive pace made him a terror on the wing.
Lomu’s famous World Cup try against England in 1995, where he outran and bulldozed defenders, remains one of the most iconic moments in rugby history. His blend of speed and power revolutionized wing play and showed the world how speed could dominate in rugby.
3. Brian Habana (South Africa)
Top Speed: 10.4 seconds for 100 meters
Position: Wing
Notable Achievement: Brian Habana is one of the most respected wings in rugby history, known not only for his try-scoring ability but also for his speed. He clocked impressive times in the 100 meters and was a key player in South Africa's 2007 Rugby World Cup-winning squad.
Habana’s most famous moment of speed came during the 2007 World Cup, when he scored a try against England in the final, evading the defense with a burst of pace. His consistency in both international rugby union and the Super Rugby competition has cemented his place as one of the fastest and most skillful wings of all time.
4. Takudzwa Ngwenya (Zimbabwe/USA)
Top Speed: 10.2 seconds for 100 meters
Position: Wing
Notable Achievement: Takudzwa Ngwenya became an overnight sensation in rugby after his iconic try against the All Blacks in 2007, where he outpaced some of the world’s fastest players. Ngwenya’s blistering speed, combined with his agility and acceleration, made him a constant threat on the wing for the USA Sevens team.
His remarkable sprint down the wing during the 2007 Rugby World Cup highlighted his top-tier pace and athleticism, putting him on the map as one of the fastest players to ever play the game. Ngwenya’s ability to turn on the afterburners in open space has earned him a reputation as one of the most dangerous players in Sevens rugby.
5. James Davis (Wales)
Top Speed: 10.5 seconds for 100 meters
Position: Wing
Notable Achievement: James Davis, also known as “JPR,” played for Wales and was noted for his impressive acceleration and sprinting ability. Though not as widely recognized for his speed on the international stage as some of the other names on this list, Davis was a constant threat in the Welsh backline.
His ability to break through tackles and accelerate away from defenders in crucial moments made him one of the fastest and most agile wings of his generation, demonstrating how speed can be a tactical weapon in rugby.
6. Cecil Afrika (South Africa)
Top Speed: 10.3 seconds for 100 meters
Position: Wing (Sevens)
Notable Achievement: Cecil Afrika is a key figure in the history of South African rugby sevens, and his speed played a huge role in his success. Afrika's quickness, agility, and ability to turn on a dime made him an exceptional player in the fast-paced world of Sevens.
His pace has been pivotal in leading South Africa to numerous victories in the World Sevens Series, and his try-scoring abilities were often a result of his top-tier speed.
7. Joe Rokocoko (New Zealand)
Top Speed: 10.8 seconds for 100 meters
Position: Wing
Notable Achievement: Joe Rokocoko was one of the most prolific wingers in rugby history, known for his blistering pace and try-scoring ability. With his 100-meter time of 10.8 seconds, Rokocoko was a powerful force for New Zealand, and his ability to outpace defenders with sheer acceleration made him a fixture in international rugby.
He was a key player for the All Blacks during the early 2000s, using his speed to break through defenses and create scoring opportunities. His combination of athleticism and skill made him one of the most dangerous wingers of his generation.
8. Shane Williams (Wales)
Top Speed: 10.5 seconds for 100 meters
Position: Wing
Notable Achievement: Though not as physically imposing as some of the other players on this list, Shane Williams was a wizard with the ball in hand, using his incredible footwork and speed to evade defenders. Williams' pace was often deceptive—he had the ability to accelerate in tight spaces, making him a deadly threat in one-on-one situations.
His agility and speed helped him become Wales’ all-time top try scorer, and his acceleration in tight spaces made him a key player in some of rugby's most thrilling matches.
Conclusion
The fastest rugby players ever have all used their exceptional speed to change the course of matches, leaving defenders in their wake. Whether through electrifying bursts of pace, clever footwork, or sheer acceleration, these players have demonstrated how critical speed is in rugby.
While some of these players, like Carlin Isles and Takudzwa Ngwenya, have become known for their raw sprinting ability, others like Jonah Lomu and Brian Habana have combined speed with power, creating some of the most memorable moments in rugby history.
Ultimately, speed is a powerful tool in rugby, and these athletes prove that when used effectively, it can be a game-changer.
