Malcolm Marx leads Planet Rugby’s top 10 hookers list
Planet Rugby has published its ranking of the world's top 10 hookers, with Springbok star Malcolm Marx at the top. The list also highlights Dewi Lake and Samisoni Taukei’aho among others, with Taukei’aho's recent form noted.
Key takeaways
- Malcolm Marx is cited as the top hooker in Planet Rugby’s current world ranking.
- Dewi Lake is positioned ninth, with emphasis on his Wales captaincy and Six Nations lineout excellence.
- Samisoni Taukei’aho sits at eighth, highlighted for his size, carrying strength, and recent try-scoring form for the Chiefs.
What Happened
Planet Rugby published its ranking of the world’s top 10 hookers, placing Malcolm Marx of South Africa at the summit. The piece lists Dewi Lake (Wales) in 9th and Samisoni Taukei’aho (New Zealand) in 8th, among others, and includes detailed observations about each player’s contributions to their teams.
The article notes Taukei’aho’s recent impact for the Chiefs, including a 38-21 victory over the Stormers in which he scored twice and his ongoing selection in the New Zealand squad discussions ahead of the Spring Tour, as part of a broader claim about his standing among contemporary hookers. It also characterizes Lake as Wales’ captain who led the team through difficult periods and delivered standout lineout performance in the Six Nations.
corroboration from Rugby Addict confirms Planet Rugby’s top-10 hookers list and references the same publication as the source material for the ranking.
Why It Matters
The ranking highlights current form and perceived impact at the hooker position across major rugby nations, signaling ongoing evaluation of set-piece specialists in a year with renewed competition and tailwinds for national teams. It also underscores the visibility of forwards who contribute in physical terms (scrummaging and carrying) and in leadership roles, particularly in the Six Nations and international fixtures cited in the profiles.
Background
The feature article from Planet Rugby compiles a world top-10 list focused on hookers, drawing on recent performances, leadership roles, and impact in high-profile matches. The corroborating piece from Rugby Addict notes the same ranking and reinforces its publication timeline with a reference to Planet Rugby.
Key Facts
- Malcolm Marx was named as the top hooker in Planet Rugby’s Top 10 hookers list.
- Dewi Lake is ranked 9th in the list; the article highlights his Wales captaincy and lineout performance (48 lineouts in the Six Nations at 90% accuracy).
- Samisoni Taukei’aho is ranked 8th; described as the most destructive carrying hooker outside France, weighing 115 kilograms, and a Chiefs centurion.
- Taukei’aho started against the Stormers on 7 August and scored two tries in a 38-21 win.
- Taukei’aho is in consideration for the All Blacks squad for the South Africa tour and has re-signed with Waikato until 2027.
What Happens Next
As these rankings are based on current form and recent performances, observers will watch for continued impact from the top-ranked hookers, particularly in upcoming tests, domestic leagues, and international windows where their teams compete in set-piece-heavy contests.
Sources reviewed
Project Chintan independently synthesized and analyzed information cross-checked across the sources listed above.
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