In the dynamic world of rugby, where strength, skill, and physicality reign supreme, the towering presence of exceptional athletes leaves an indelible mark on the sport’s history.
This updated list highlights the tallest players in rugby to grace the rugby pitch, celebrating their imposing stature and remarkable achievements.
From dominating the lineout with their towering frames to anchoring the scrum with unrivaled strength, these tallest players in rugby embody the essence of rugby’s physicality and athleticism.
Join Height Comparison as we delve into the captivating stories and illustrious careers of these tallest players in rugby, whose contributions have left an enduring legacy in the annals of rugby history.
Whether towering locks or formidable front-row forwards, these tallest players in rugby have etched their names in the sport’s lore, inspiring generations of rugby enthusiasts with their towering performances and unwavering determination on the field.
List of Tallest Players in Rugby
1. Rory Arnold (Australia) – 2.08 m (6 ft 10 in)
Rory Arnold is an Australian professional rugby union player who plays as a lock for the Australian national team and Stade Toulousain in France’s Top 14 league.
Born July 1, 1990, in Murwillumbah, New South Wales, Arnold began his professional career with the Brumbies in Super Rugby before moving to Toulouse in 2019. Arnold is known for his impressive height and lineout skills, and he has been a key player for the club and the country.
He made his international debut for Australia in 2016, earning over 20 caps for the Wallabies. Arnold’s towering presence on the field has made him a formidable force in the lineout and a valuable asset in both attack and defense.
Off the field, Arnold is known for his laid-back personality and commitment to his family, often sharing photos of his wife and children on social media.
2. Luke Charteris (Wales) – 2.07 m (6 ft 9 in)
Luke Charteris is a retired Welsh professional rugby union player who played as a lock for the Welsh national team and various clubs, including Racing 92 and Bath Rugby.
Born on March 9, 1983, in Camborne, Cornwall, England, Charteris began his professional career with the Dragons in 2003 before moving to Perpignan in 2012. He later played for Racing 92 and Bath Rugby before retiring in 2019. Charteris was known for his impressive height and ability to disrupt opposition lineouts.
He earned 74 caps for Wales between 2004 and 2017, representing his country in two World Cups (2011 and 2015). Charteris was also selected for the British and Irish Lions tour to New Zealand in 2017 but was not featured in any tests. Off the field, Charteris is known for his intelligence and interest in business, having completed a degree in business management during his playing career.
3. Richie Gray (Scotland) – 2.07 m (6 ft 9 in)
Richie Gray is a Scottish professional rugby union player who plays as a lock for the Scottish national team and has represented various clubs, including Glasgow Warriors and Toulouse. Born on August 24, 1989, in Rutherglen, Scotland, Gray began his professional career with the Glasgow Warriors in 2008.
He has since played for Sale Sharks, Castres, and Toulouse before returning to Glasgow in 2020. Gray is known for his impressive height, athleticism, and ball-handling skills, making him a key player for club and country.
He has earned over 60 caps for Scotland since making his international debut in 2010 and has represented his country in two World Cups (2011 and 2015).
Gray was also selected for the British and Irish Lions tour to Australia in 2013, featuring in one test match. Gray is known off the field for his laid-back personality and love of music, often sharing his favorite bands and songs on social media.
4. Andries Bekker (South Africa) – 2.08 m (6 ft 10 in)
Andries Bekker is a retired South African professional rugby union player who played as a lock for the South African national team and the Stormers in Super Rugby. Born on March 18, 1983, in Goodwood, Cape Town, Bekker began his professional career with the Stormers in 2004 and quickly established himself as one of the best locks in South African rugby.
He earned 29 caps for the Springboks between 2008 and 2013, representing his country in the 2011 World Cup. Bekker was known for his impressive height, lineout skills, and ability to carry the ball in open play.
He was also a key player for the Stormers, helping the team reach the Super Rugby final 2010. After retiring from playing in 2015, Bekker moved into coaching and currently serves as the forwards coach for the Stormers in Super Rugby.
5. Sebastien Chabal (France) – 2.01 m (6 ft 7 in)
Sebastien Chabal is a retired French professional rugby union player who played as a number 8 for the French national team and various clubs, including Sale Sharks and Racing Metro.
Born on December 8, 1977, in Valence, France, Chabal began his professional career with Bourgoin in 1998 before moving to Sale Sharks in 2004. He later played for Racing Metro and Lyon before retiring in 2014. Chabal was known for his impressive physicality, aggressive playing style, and distinctive long hair and beard, which earned him the nickname “The Caveman.”
He earned 62 caps for France between 2000 and 2011, representing his country in two World Cups (2003 and 2007). Chabal was also a key player for Sale Sharks, helping the team win the Premiership title in 2006. Chabal is known off the field for his charismatic personality and involvement in various charitable causes.
6. Paul Willemse (France) – 2.01 m (6 ft 7 in)
Paul Willemse is a South African-born French professional rugby union player who plays as a lock for the French national team and Montpellier in the Top 14. Born November 13, 1992, in Pretoria, South Africa, Willemse began his professional career with the Blue Bulls in 2012 before moving to Grenoble in 2015.
He later joined Montpellier in 2017 and qualified to play for France through residency in 2019. Willemse is known for his impressive physicality, work rate, and lineout skills, making him a key player for club and country.
He has earned over 10 caps for France since making his international debut in 2019 and was a part of the French team that won the Six Nations Championship in 2020. Willemse is known off the field for his laid-back personality and love of outdoor activities, particularly fishing.
7. Will Skelton (Australia) – 2.03 m (6 ft 8 in)
Will Skelton is an Australian professional rugby union player who plays as a lock for the Australian national team and Stade Rochelais in France’s Top 14 league. Born on February 24, 1992, in Auckland, New Zealand, Skelton moved to Australia at a young age and began his professional career with the Waratahs in Super Rugby in 2013.
He later played for Saracens in England before joining Stade Rochelais in 2020. Skelton is known for his impressive size, strength, and ball-carrying ability, making him a dominant force on the field.
He has earned 18 caps for Australia since making his international debut in 2014 and was a part of the Wallabies team that reached the final of the 2015 World Cup.
Skelton has also enjoyed success at the club level, winning two European Champions Cup titles with Saracens in 2017 and 2019. Skelton is known off the field for his laid-back personality and love of music, particularly hip-hop.
8. Eben Etzebeth (South Africa) – 2.03 m (6 ft 8 in)
Eben Etzebeth is a South African professional rugby union player who plays as a lock for the South African national team and the Sharks in Super Rugby. Born on October 29, 1991, in Cape Town, South Africa, Etzebeth began his professional career with the Stormers in 2012 and quickly established himself as one of the best locks in world rugby.
He has earned over 80 caps for the Springboks since making his international debut in 2012 and was a key player in South Africa’s victory at the 2019 World Cup. Etzebeth is known for his impressive physicality, work rate, and leadership skills, making him a vital player for club and country.
During his career, he has also played for Toulon in France and NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes in Japan. Off the field, Etzebeth is known for his quiet and reserved personality, but he has also been involved in some controversial incidents, including accusations of assault and racism.
9. Devin Toner (Ireland) – 2.08 m (6 ft 10 in)
Devin Toner is an Irish professional rugby union player who plays as a lock for the Irish national team and Leinster in the Pro14. Born on June 29, 1986, in Moynalvey, County Meath, Ireland, Toner began his professional career with Leinster in 2006 and has remained with the team.
He has also earned over 60 caps for Ireland since making his international debut in 2010 and was a part of the Irish team that won the Six Nations Championship in 2014 and 2015. Toner is known for his impressive height, lineout skills, and work rate, making him a key player for club and country.
He has also been praised for his leadership skills and his ability to mentor younger players. Off the field, Toner is known for his quiet and unassuming personality, as well as his commitment to his family and his Christian faith.
10. Dominic Bird (New Zealand) – 2.06 m (6 ft 9 in)
Dominic Bird is a New Zealand professional rugby union player who plays as a lock for the Chiefs in Super Rugby. Born on June 18, 1991, in Ashburton, New Zealand, Bird began his professional career with Canterbury in the Mitre 10 Cup before joining the Crusaders in Super Rugby in 2013.
He later played for Racing 92 in France before returning to New Zealand to join the Chiefs in 2020. Bird is known for his impressive height, athleticism, and ball-handling skills, which have made him a valuable player in both the lineout and open play.
Despite his talent, Bird has struggled with injuries throughout his career, which have limited his opportunities at the international level. He has earned only one cap for the All Blacks, which came against Japan in 2013. Bird is known off the field for his laid-back personality and love of outdoor activities, particularly surfing and fishing.
Conclusion
The tallest players in rugby history stand as towering symbols of athleticism, resilience, and excellence, their remarkable height not just a physical attribute but a game-changer. Their height has made them stand out on the field and contributed to their unparalleled dominance in various aspects of the game.
From set-piece prowess to aerial dominance, these athletes have left an indelible mark on the sport, captivating fans worldwide with their extraordinary skills and performances.
As we celebrate their achievements and contributions to the game, let us also acknowledge the diversity and inclusivity that rugby embraces, where players of all shapes and sizes come together to showcase their talents and passion for the sport.
With each passing generation, the legacy of these tallest players in rugby continues to inspire and motivate aspiring rugby players, ensuring that their impact on the game will endure for years to come.
