It has been another incredible World Rugby U20 Championship with plenty of future stars on show in South Africa.
A long list of world-class players have featured in this tournament in the past, and we delve into who are the next in line to reach that level over the coming few years.
Chandler Cunningham-South (England)
In his second year of U20 rugby, after featuring for England’s age-grade side when he was just 18. Even then Cunningham-South looked like a player to watch, and this season the hugely talented back-row has continued to progress.
The forward was a regular for London Irish in 2022/23, making an impact as both a starter and off the bench; almost to the point where he might have been considered for the Rugby World Cup squad.
He is an imposing figure who is an excellent carrier, as well as being a tremendous athlete that gets around the field. Cunningham-South’s work ethic matches his physical traits, and he will go far if he maintains this rate of development.
Afolabi Fasogbon (England)
Another exceptional Red Rose talent who English fans can perhaps get even more excited about. It is staggering to think that Fasogbon is only 18 and already dominating in the set-piece at this level, having destroyed every loosehead he has come up against in this tournament.
Like Cunningham-South, he came through the London Irish system, which shows just what a miss that club will be after they were placed in administration. Fasogbon has since signed for Gloucester, with the West Country outfit now boasting one of the premier young talents in the country.
He still has a lot of work to do, and it traditionally takes longer for props to develop in the professional game, but the teenager could be a regular for England by the time of the next World Cup in Australia.
Marko Gazzotti (France)
There were so many individuals we could have picked from this French side. The U20s have even been without two of their stars, with Émilien Gailleton and Louis Bielle-Biarrey currently with the full French squad, so you rather fear for the rest of the world given the talent they are producing.
Gazzotti has been a revelation this year, starring in the age-grade Six Nations and impressing for Grenoble in Pro D2. There is talk of Top 14 clubs attempting to buy him out of his contract, and it is easy to see why.
His physicality and athleticism is obvious, but he is also an incredibly smart operator, with his lines of running particularly superb. On defence the number eight is equally outstanding, so it came as no surprise to see him named player of the tournament.
The teenager has also combined well with Baptiste Jauneau, the scrum-half that is very unlucky not to be on this list. Jauneau will no doubt play for France but, with one of the greatest ever to play the game currently at scrum-half, he may have to bide his time.
Some player Marko Gazzotti is and going to be… #WorldCupU20s pic.twitter.com/g7QCZlWdGM
— Brett Igoe (@brettruganalyst) July 9, 2023
Brian Gleeson (Ireland)
There have been several excellent number eights in this tournament and Gleeson is among the best of them. Ireland have not traditionally had huge packs at U20 level, but this side is full of monsters, with the man at the base of their scrum arguably the biggest of them.
So difficult to bring to ground due to his power, Gleeson has been like a bowling ball in contact, skittling defenders out of his way with regularity. The back-row has not played for Munster yet, but he will surely get plenty of game time next season. He is easily ready for provincial rugby in 2023/24.
Jurenzo Julius (South Africa)
It was a poor tournament for the hosts overall. Despite scraping into the semi-finals, the Junior Boks were hardly convincing in wins over Georgia and Argentina in the group stages, while they succumbed to Italy.
Hopes were therefore not high going into the last-four contest with Ireland, and they were duly outplayed as South Africa went down 31-12. The talent across the board just wasn’t there to compete with the best, leaving Julius to fight a lone battle at times.
The centre, who has played on the wing for the Junior Boks in this tournament, was a rare shining light for the side as his pace, balance and power allowed him to make a series of breaks. Julius was unfortunately not given much support by his team-mates – apart from in their medal match against England – but South Africa have at least one player from this team that should tear it up in the future.
David Odiase (Italy)
His inspirational speech before their tournament opener went viral, but Odiase was more than just leadership, as those words off the field were matched by his performances on it. The 20-year-old has been playing at openside for the age-grade side this year, but he has the attributes to feature right across the back-row.
Michele Lamaro is the Azzurri number seven and captain, very much cementing his position at the heart of the Italian pack, but Odiase could be fitted in at either six or eight over the next World Cup cycle. His work ethic, carrying and breakdown expertise marks him out as a very exciting talent.
Chills.
Feel the energy as @Federugby U20s captain David Odiase speaks to his team before their opening match of the #WorldRugbyU20s pic.twitter.com/HdCnmY2hQN
— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) June 29, 2023
Ruadhan Quinn (Ireland)
The second Irish back-row to make this list, and the second Munsterman. Usually, it is Leinster that are providing the talent but, in terms of top-end quality at least, it is the men from Limerick who have produced the stars of the future this year.
Unlike Gleeson, Quinn has already featured for the province, making three appearances off the bench last season, and he will play many more times for the side over the coming seasons. He has the complete skill set that will make him a player to watch in senior rugby.
Ireland are the number one side in the world and have plenty of back-row talent at their disposal, but it would be a surprise should Quinn and Gleeson not be involved over the next four-year cycle.
Posolo Tuilagi (France)
The latest Tuilagi that will undoubtedly be a superstar in the game. Son of Henry, Posolo has made a significant impact this year, becoming a regular for Perpignan in the Top 14 at the age of just 18. Sometimes it just helps being bigger than your opponent and, at 150kgs, Tuilagi has been physically dominant.
To his immense credit, he is much more than that and has an excellent game understanding, but everyone will naturally point to his power and ability to cross the gain line in the carry. He won’t be doing much in the wider channels, but his work at close quarters could be unmatched going forward.
Teddy Wilson (Australia)
The Junior Wallabies’ captain and a very mature all-round scrum-half who looks readymade for the professional game. His service is excellent and he controls the game superbly at the base of the ruck, making it easier for his fly-half to make the right decisions.
Wilson also has a decent turn of pace and keeps the defences honest if the guards decide to negate their duty. Don’t be surprised to see the scrum-half playing regularly for the Waratahs in 2024 after his efforts for Australia U20s this year.
READ MORE: France claim third successive World Rugby U20 Championship title after thrashing Ireland
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