Grégory Alldritt is a powerful French number eight named World Rugby Player of the Year in 2023.
Grégory Alldritt was born on 23 March 1997 in Toulouse, France, with Irish heritage on his family's side, and began his professional career with Auch before joining La Rochelle in 2017, a partnership that would come to define both his career and the club's rise to European prominence. Alldritt developed into one of the most complete number eights in world rugby, combining exceptional athleticism, ball-carrying power, and a sharp reading of the game that draws comparisons to former French great Imanol Harinordoquy. He made his France debut in 2019 and quickly established himself as a first-choice selection in the French back row. Alldritt helped La Rochelle win back-to-back European Champions Cup titles in 2022 and 2023, and was named Man of the Match in France's Six Nations victory over Ireland in 2022, one of several standout individual performances that saw him shortlisted for the tournament's Player of the Tournament award on multiple occasions. Alldritt has become one of the most influential figures in France's rise to the top of world rugby throughout the 2020s, renowned for his consistency, work rate, and ability to dictate the tempo of matches from the base of the scrum and in open play, and remains a central figure in the national team's midfield and forward strategy.
World Rugby Player of the Year 2023; France No.8
How They Played
Alldritt is known for his exceptional ball-handling skills and dynamic carrying ability from the back of the scrum. He combines physical power with excellent technical skills, making him equally effective in attack and defense. His mobility around the field and ability to offload in contact make him a constant threat in loose play.
Lasting Impact
Alldritt represents the modern evolution of the number eight position, combining traditional forward skills with back-like handling and mobility.
Career Honours
- World Rugby Player of the Year 2023
- Six Nations Grand Slam 2022
- Top 14/Champions Cup titles with La Rochelle
| Club | Period | Apps | Tries | Shirt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| La Rochelle | 2019–2024 | — | 0 | #8 |
| FC Grenoble | 2017–2019 | — | — | — |