Best Rugby Fantasy Tips: Who Are The Players To Back In Top 14?

The action in Top 14 will heat up following the conclusion of the Rugby World Cup, as many of the world’s biggest stars will begin reporting back for domestic duty.

Playing fantasy rugby could be an exciting way to get closer to the action on the field, and there are some of the world’s best players involved in the action in France’s top tier that could be worth selecting for your teams for the remainder of the season. But, who are some of the standout players that should be included in fantasy picks when examining the stars in the Top 14?

Emilien Gailleton

There are potentially few brighter stars in France rugby at present than Emilien Gailleton. The 20-year-old is set for a bright future in the game and has already presented the French national team, despite the fact that he was born in England. The centre was signed by Pau in December 2021, and he is delivering on the field for the team already this term.

Gailleton has started the season in red-hot form for Pau, having already scored a league-high of 14 tries. He has been a standout player for the team, as they have won four of their opening five matches to sit top of the current standings. His continued excellent form could be worth considering before making fantasy picks, especially considering that Pau could be among the key contenders to go deep in the tournament this year.

Ethan Dumortier

Ethan Dumortier is another of the fastest-growing French talents in Top 14 that could be worth examining when making fantasy picks this year. The 22-year-old has already been capped by his nation on four occasions, and was called up by the country for the first time in October 2022. Dumortier made his Top 14 debut for Lyon in November 2020, and played a key role in a victory over Stade Francais.

His influence on the team has continued since then, as he has scored 100 points in 47 appearances for the team. His performances on the field have reached new heights this term, as he has already scored ten tries in Top 14 for Lyon. As the shining light for the team, Dumortier will be a key player if the French side are to challenge for positions at the top of the Top 14 standings this term.

Louis Carbonel

Regular points scoring is the name of the game when it comes to fantasy rugby, meaning that players will often need to include a star that will regularly be scoring on a regular basis. Therefore, Louis Carbonel could be a standout selection. The 24-year-old fly-half made an immediate impressive in Top 14 after making his debut at Toulon in 2017, and he went on to score 667 points across 97 appearances between 2017 and 2022 with the team. His performances have continued to impressive since moving to Montpellier in 2022, as he has scored 266 points in 31 matches to this point.

The two-time World Rugby Under 20 Champion has already been a pivotal player for his team this term after scoring 210 points in Top 14. Montpellier haven’t made the greatest start to the new season, but Carbonel could be a pivotal figure in the team if they are to rise up the standings as the season progresses.

Tom Staniforth

Points are awarded in fantasy rugby for defensive play as well as attacking stars, therefore, it is often worth examining the top players that are in charge of stopping the opposition. There are few brighter players in that regard than Australian international Tom Staniforth. The 29-year-old has been playing in the Top 14 since 2021 after signing with Castres Olympique.

The Aussie enjoyed an excellent period in his homeland across spells with NSW Country Eagles and Waratahs, but his performances have reached a new level with Castres in the Top 14 this season. Staniforth already leads the competition in terms of tackles, as he has made an impressive 342 across his appearances this term. He could be an excellent inclusion in fantasy rugby this term, as the side have emerged as a genuine dark horse contender to make a run for the top spots in Top 14.

Alivereti Raka

Alivereti Raka is among the more experienced campaigners that fantasy rugby players should be examining when making selections this season. Raka has been at Clermont since 2015 and has played 123 appearances, scoring an impressive 355 points. The Fiji-born French international has looked back to his very best this term after returning from injury during the 2016-17 season.

Raka already ranks among the highest try scorers in the Top 14 this term, after recording ten across his appearances with Clermont. His experience could be invaluable to the team this term, and he continues to be among the first names on the teamsheet for the Top 14 outfit.