The competition drew fans from all over the world, testing their rugby instincts, tactical thinking and nerves each week.
First place – Will Christensen (OdiesFFN)
A proud New Zealander now living in the United Kingdom, Will Christensen outplayed a global pool of competitors to take the top spot.
Christensen said his strategy was built on consistency and careful planning.
“Firstly, I would look at players I think are going to get 60+ minutes in the game which I felt I was more likely to gain top points, especially if they were in top form that day. Player stats were helpful. If they were consistent and scored well every game, most times I would tend to stick with them,” he said.
He also took a calculated gamble by selecting two backline players from different teams who were responsible for kicking duties, hoping to gain extra points each round.
“From the beginning I planned to utilise my Co and Triple Captain to use on the fifth and sixth rounds. I thought from a two-week break the players would be fresh for the next two games, and it paid off.”
Heading into the final round in 16th place, Christensen wasn’t expecting to finish first.
“To be honest standing in 16th place heading into the last round I was hoping to make at least top 10. Realising I was in top spot in the final game I was certainly surprised. There was a lot of cheering in the household but I knew points can change well after the games had finished, so the nerves were tested. Come the following day and looking at the leaderboard and still in first place, I then knew I had won.”
Christensen plans to put his prize money toward a memorable rugby outing.
“A couple of Kiwi friends living in the UK that were in my mini league are joining me to watch Wales vs All Blacks in Cardiff so there will be a few rounds of beer and the rest toward my wedding.”
Second place – Rowan Horwitz (Ben-10)
South African rugby fan Rowan Horwitz finished in second place, relying on a mix of form analysis, tactical foresight and a strong sense for conditions each round.
“In the forwards of course looking for players who tend to score tries (like a Malcolm Marx) or where possible a flank who is playing at lock (like Tom Hooper) as this means they will jump in lineouts but should be mobile making lots of carries and tackles,” he explained.
“In the back I look at the weather and then try pick players who are playing in more favourable conditions. This includes the kickers who will then have more kicks at goals.”
His biggest return came in Round 5 when he used his Triple Captain on Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.
“I triple captained Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu for Springbok v Argentina where he scored 37 points. I had been saving my triple captain for that game and would have probably picked whoever the starting Bok 10 was, as I felt by then the Boks would be playing better than in the early rounds and that the Boks were likely to score a lot of points at home, as they had done last year v Argentina in Nelspruit.”
Horwitz said he plans to use his winnings for something the whole family can enjoy.
“I intend on using the money for a new (larger) TV, and towards a family holiday.”
Third place – Chantal Ipser (Mama Ipser)
Rounding out the top three was Cape Town’s Chantal Ipser, who joined the Fantasy Rugby Championship as part of a family league started by her sons.
“My youngest son started a family league, my oldest son and husband were invited to join (they are all huge rugby fans and knowledgeable, apparently) ... and then I was invited to join, as a courtesy,” she laughed.
Despite using the autopick option in the first round, Ipser led her family league from the outset and soon found herself among the global frontrunners.
“In our family league I led from the first round and I was surprised how well I was doing overall. During round five I realised that I was doing really well overall.”
Her approach was simple but effective.
“I used autopick in the first round and thereafter only replaced players who were injured or who were not in the starting team. There was some school loyalty as two of the players were at school with my sons – Thomas du Toit with my oldest son and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu was three years behind my youngest son. Sometimes my husband (begrudgingly) gave me suggestions as to who the replacement players should be.”
The result caught the whole family off guard.
“My husband and sons knew how I was doing all along as they were monitoring my progress closely ... in shock. The rest of my family were in stitches when they heard.”
Ipser says she’ll be back next year without question.
“Most definitely. It’s been so much fun.”
From detailed stat-tracking to family bragging rights, this year’s Fantasy Rugby Championship proved that whether you’re a lifelong rugby expert or a first-time player, anyone can find themselves near the top of the leaderboard.
Congratulations to Will, Rowan and Chantal, the 2025 Fantasy Rugby Championship winners.
Register for Fantasy Super Rugby Pacific 2026 today HERE.
