RugbyDump's top five wingers of 2024

The year 2025 is almost upon us, so here at RugbyDump, we’ve decided to celebrate some of those who have transcended the sport in 2024. Compiling a list of the top five men’s players in each major position, our two editors, Jack Tunney and Philip Bendon, have provided their pick of the best talents worldwide.

With today’s players often able to play in multiple positions, we have combined the selections into nine separate lists. We have selected based on form, 2024 accolades, and historical pedigree.

These lists are as follows: Props, Hookers, Second Row, Back Rows, Scrum Halves, Fly Halves, Centres, Wingers and Fullbacks.

Today, we are focusing on the finishers out wide, the wingers.

5 – Duhan van der Merwe

Duhan van der Merwe’s 2024 season has been nothing short of exceptional. The Edinburgh and Scotland winger has solidified his place as a rugby phenomenon, becoming Scotland’s all-time record try-scorer, narrowly edging out his clubmate Darcy Graham. Standing 6’4″ and weighing 106kg, van der Merwe combines blistering speed, immense power, and unparalleled physicality to dominate opposing defences. When on form, he is one of the toughest wingers in professional rugby to stop, terrorising defences with his relentless running and clinical finishing.

His performances in 2024 have cemented his status as a likely starter for the British and Irish Lions in their 2025 tour, an acknowledgement of his world-class abilities. Van der Merwe’s decision to re-sign with Edinburgh has been a massive boost for the Scottish URC team, reinforcing their attacking prowess and demonstrating his commitment to the club and country that have elevated his career.

Now firmly established as a Scottish legend, van der Merwe represents a tantalising “what-if” for the Springboks. His unique blend of skills would have made him an asset to their already formidable line-up. However, South Africa’s loss is undeniably Scotland’s gain, as van der Merwe continues to shine as a standout player on the international stage.

4 – Louis Bielle-Biarrey

At just 21 years old, Louis Bielle-Biarrey has emerged as one of the brightest talents in world rugby. Known for his electrifying pace, the Bordeaux-Begles winger is quite possibly the fastest player in the sport today—a fact highlighted by his stunning try against the All Blacks during the 2024 Autumn Nations Series. Exploding down the touchline, Bielle-Biarrey left New Zealand’s vaunted defence trailing helplessly, a moment that underscored his status as a game-breaker.

Bielle-Biarrey’s 2024 season has cemented his reputation as a top-tier winger. He has now scored 10 international tries, consistently delivering in high-stakes matches. His ability to beat defenders with both raw speed and intelligent positioning has made him a critical weapon for France. Notable performances this year include his crucial try in France’s narrow 30–29 victory over the All Blacks and a dominant showing against Argentina, where he contributed significantly to France’s 37–23 triumph.

At club level, Bielle-Biarrey continues to shine for Bordeaux-Begles, combining blistering runs with a maturity that belies his age. With his unique combination of pace, agility, and composure, Louis Bielle-Biarrey is not just a breakthrough star; he is shaping up to be a generational talent for Les Bleus.

3 – Immanuel Feyi-Waboso

Immanuel Feyi-Waboso has rapidly established himself as one of the most electrifying wingers in professional rugby. Playing for Exeter Chiefs and England, the 21-year-old’s speed, agility, and finishing ability have dazzled fans and opponents alike. However, his rise to international stardom has left Welsh Rugby lamenting one of its greatest losses.

Born and raised in Cardiff, Feyi-Waboso represented Wales at U18 level and openly expressed his desire to don the Welsh senior jersey. However, Welsh Rugby’s stringent eligibility rules and his unwillingness to relocate from his university to meet their criteria pushed him to represent England, for whom he qualified through his paternal grandmother from Gloucester. Balancing his rugby career with a demanding medical degree, Feyi-Waboso’s decision underscores his determination both on and off the pitch.

Feyi-Waboso made his England debut in the 2024 Six Nations, scoring his first international try against Scotland and marking his first start against Ireland. His remarkable year included scoring three consecutive tries against New Zealand, a bittersweet accomplishment as England narrowly lost each game. His latest outing saw him cross the line against the All Blacks at Twickenham, further solidifying his reputation as a player for the big moments.

At club level, Feyi-Waboso continues to shine for Exeter Chiefs, combining raw speed with a rugby IQ well beyond his years. While Welsh Rugby mourns his absence, England is relishing the emergence of a full-on superstar.

2 – Kurt-Lee Arendse

Kurt-Lee Arendse has cemented his place as one of the world’s premier wingers since bursting onto the scene with the Boks in 2022.  The Bulls flyer has hooked up with fellow speed merchant Cheslin Kolbe to form the best wing partnership in international rugby. In 2024, he built on his 2023 World Cup showing with standout performances in the Rugby Championship and the Autumn Nations Series, underlining why RugbyDump ranks him as the second-best winger in the world.

Now 24 test matches in his career, the 28-year-old Paarl native he has scored 18 international tries, with eight coming in 2024 alone. Key moments included a spectacular brace against Australia in Brisbane and a crucial try in South Africa’s victory over Wales in Cardiff. His ability to exploit defensive gaps and maintain composure under pressure was instrumental in the Springboks’ dominant international campaign.

At the club level, Arendse was one of the most exciting players in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship before heading over to Japan to link up with the Mitsubishi Sagamihara DynaBoars on a loan deal. Since his move, he has already taken centre stage as one of the marquee players in the league.

1 – Cheslin Kolbe

RugbyDump’s number-one winger in the world once again showcased his world-class abilities in 2024, solidifying his reputation as one of rugby’s most versatile and dynamic players. The Bok speedster, known for his agility, speed, and remarkable power despite his 5-foot-7 frame, delivered standout performances for the Springboks and Tokyo Sungoliath. Kolbe’s brilliance earned him a nomination for the prestigious World Rugby Player of the Year award, coming up just short behind his Bok teammate Pieter-Steph du Toit.

Kolbe played a pivotal role in South Africa’s successful season, scoring key tries against Ireland in July and Argentina in The Rugby Championship. His dazzling footwork and defensive resilience made him an integral part of the Springboks’ strategy, helping secure a 71.79% winning record across his 39 international tests to date. Kolbe’s performances during the Autumn Nations Series, particularly his two-try masterclass against England at Twickenham, with his vision leaving England fullback Freddie Steward grasping at ghosts.

At the club level, Kolbe continued to thrive with Tokyo Sungoliath, where the open space and up-tempo nature of the league plays into his hands.

As a two-time Rugby World Cup champion and Olympic medalist, Kolbe’s 2024 season was just the latest in Hall of Fame solidifying campaigns.