Instagram is one of the most popular social media platforms, with more than one billion of us liking posts and watching stories. This includes rugby union players, with some of the sport’s biggest stars amassing up to one million followers.
But which rugby union player has the most followers on Instagram? Here are rugby union’s top five Instagram influencers.
James Haskell: 545,000 followers
The first on our list in James Haskell. The former Flanker turned author, producer and DJ comes in at number five with an impressive 546,000 Instagram followers. Haskell previously played for England, Wasps RFC and Northampton Saints, before announcing his retirement in 2019.
In the same year, Haskell set his sights on a mixed martial arts (MMA) career and was signed by Bellator, but never got to enjoy his debut due to the covid pandemic and ongoing injuries.
Quade Cooper: 548,000 followers
Coming in at number four is Quade Cooper. Although he was born in New Zealand, Cooper has represented Australia at international level and he was finally granted Australian citizenship in 2023. He was first capped for the Wallabies in 2008 and has made a total of 78 appearances to date.
In addition to rugby, Cooper competed as a professional boxer between 2013 and 2015. The cruiserweight defeated all three of his opponents by knockout.
Beauden Barrett: 674,000 followers
Are you an avid rugby fan who follows every game? Then Beauden Barrett certainly needs no introduction. This fly-half and fullback currently plays for Taranaki, the Blues and the All Blacks, and represented New Zealand in the 2015 and 2019 Rugby World Cup.
To date, Barrett has been capped 109 times and scored more than 700 points for the All Blacks. His success includes winning the World Rugby Player of the Year award in 2016 and 2017.
Dan Carter: 1 million followers
Dan Carter is commonly regarded at the greatest fly-half in the history of the sport and holds the record as test rugby’s highest point scorer. During his career, he was capped 112 times for New Zealand and scored an impressive 1,598 points.
While he retired in 2019, Carter continues to be involved in the sport. In fact, Carter raised $370,000 for charity by kicking 1,598 goals during a 24-hour period in April 2023.
Sonny Bill Williams: 1 million followers
Sonny Bill Williams shares the top spot with Dan Carter. During his rugby days, Williams played for both codes, starting his career in league before moving to union in 2010. He won two Rugby World Cups and retired from the sport in 2021.
Just like Quade Cooper, this former New Zealand rugby player has become a successful boxer. Williams made his boxing debut in 2009 and as of 2023, he has won all nine of his professional bouts.
