In sport, everyone wants to discover who the next great talent is.
With the COVID-19 pandemic wreaking havoc upon the rugby season, we have put together a handy guide to ensure your eyes are fixed on the game’s best young stars.
In this series, find out the most exciting rugby players around the world who are aged 23 or below. Some are already capped, while others are yet to be capped for their nations.
Today, our focus is on England, World Cup finalists in 2019, and a nation brimming with talented young players.
TOM CURRY (SALE)
A fascinating player.
It’s hard to believe Curry is still only 21, yet has started every one of his 23 caps to date for England.
Since making his debut against Argentina in 2017, the Cheshire man has established himself as one of the most important players in Eddie Jones’ team.
Although mainly playing at number six, his versatility is a huge plus for Jones, especially when key figures are injured. In this year’s Six Nations, for example, he lined out at number eight in Billy Vunipola’s absence.
For such a young player, Curry always steps up against elite opposition, most notably in the World Cup semi-final against New Zealand last October, when he carried hard and was a turnover menace at the breakdown.
His ability over the ball and all-action style are unbelievable attributes – it’s frightening to think he is still improving.
Strengths: Versatility, tackling, carrying, workrate, breakdown
SAM UNDERHILL (BATH)
AGE: 23
CAPS: 19
POSITION: BACKROW
A totemic figure over the ball, Underhill is among England’s key players.
His combination with Curry was one of the primary reasons for the Red Rose’s impressive run to the World Cup final last year – the pair’s mobility and physicality in defence a constant threat.
Peerless with ball in hand, the 23-year-old can link up the play well and puts in a stellar shift to hunt turnovers. In the semi-final against the All Blacks, his dominant tackles were momentum-changers.
Even if he doesn’t win turnovers, Underhill slows down and disrupts opposition ball with abandon as displayed against Scotland and Ireland in the Six Nations.
Strengths: Tackling, carrying, workrate, breakdown
JOE COKANASIGA (BATH)
AGE: 22
CAPS: 9
POSITION: WING
With seven tries in nine appearances, the Fijian-born flyer is a young star full of talent and potential.
The 22-year-old is building his way back to full fitness after sustaining a knee injury during the World Cup. He could not train fully in Japan and only played in one game, against USA in the pool stages.
Declared available for selection in all other matches, Cokanasiga was simply pushing through the pain barrier in a bid to secure game time.
Still, the 6ft 4in and 118kg winger is a scary individual and his pace, power and strong footwork are also serious attributes. If the ball can be shipped out wide fast, then Cokanasiga is unstoppable.
Come the World Cup in 2023, the Bath man could well be a dominant force, however some minor improvements are needed for him to fully flourish, in particular his aerial game and his positioning from opposition kicks.
Strengths: Speed, footwork, carrying, offloading, athleticism
