Legends of Speed from Past Eras: 2023 Edition

The Thrill of Speed in Rugby

Rugby is known for its raw power, intense physical contact, and strategic gameplay. However, another critical component that often turns the tide in a match is speed. Speedsters in rugby are not just about raw velocity but also their ability to maneuver through the opposition with agility and precision. These players can make the difference between a good team and a great one.

The ability to outrun opponents often leads to thrilling tries, leaving fans on the edge of their seats. Over the years, several players have been recognized for their incredible speed on the field, earning a special place in the hearts of rugby enthusiasts around the world.

Top 2023 Contenders for the Title

 
Published

November 17, 2022 By, Jeremy Proome 
 
The question of who is the fastest when it comes to rugby players is one which has filtered around every social media platform and gathering of rugby fans, and while there are a few names that are always thrown around when it comes to the fastest rugby players of all time (many of whom have retired), who is leading the pack in 2022?

Keep in mind, not many players’ 100-metre dash times or metres per second times are public, but from the information gathered, we can rank the following rugby speedsters (also, the players need to be actively playing to be considered):

Adam Radwan – 10.72 seconds (100m) - Adam Radwan is a rising star on the England rugby scene, becoming a devastating try-scorer for Newcastle Falcons and making his debut for the national side in 2021, scoring four tries in his first two appearances. The 24-year-old has been scoring some incredible 5-pointers for his club, showcasing his unrivalled ability to take defenders on the outside and leave them grasping at air.

Seabelo Senatla – 10.6 seconds (100m) - Seabelo Senatla’s acceleration has to be one of the most explosive in world rugby. The 29-year-old Commonwealth gold medal winner is able to hit full speed from a standing start in a blink, and if his all-out pace wasn’t troublesome enough for defenders, the Stormers and Blitzbokke star has some dazzling footwork that can bamboozle the best tacklers in the game.

Ollie Thorley – 10.6 (100m) - The 26-year-old Gloucester back may not be a household name, but season after season, he is making his presence in the Premiership known. Weighing in at almost 100 kgs, Thorley is incredibly rapid for his size too, and clocked in a 100-metre time of 10.6. He managed to get one cap for England in 2020, but there’s no doubt we’ll see more of Thorley in the coming years.

Reiko Ioane – Unknown time - The Blues and All Blacks’ running weapon is no doubt one of the fastest men in Super Rugby and the Southern Hemisphere for that matter. No clear 100-metre time is available, however, the outside back has hit a 10.69 metres p/s time on his GPS during some matches, which would easily put him in the runnings for one of the quickest; and given that we’ve seen some long-range efforts from him in recent years, there’s no doubt that his pace holds up over the length of the field.

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