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 Ireland, a nation aiming to recover after losing at quarter-final stage of the Rugby World Cup.
JAMES RYAN (LEINSTER)
The 23-year-old may only be in his fourth year in professional rugby but he is developing into a leader and his physicality can set the tone in defence and at the breakdown.
At 6ft 7in, the line-out is Ryan’s obvious chief strength, however away from that, he puts in a serious shift to get on the ball and put teammates into favourable attacking positions.
If there was a Lions starting XV named tomorrow, the industrious Ryan would be the starting second row alongside England’s Maro Itoje.
Strengths: Workrate, tackling, carrying, setpiece quality, leadership
JORDAN LARMOUR (LEINSTER)
AGE: 22
CAPS: 24
POSITION: Wing/Full-back
The Dubliner has established himself as one of the most exciting players in world rugby over the past two years.
Against Wales in the Six Nations, he showed his lethal attacking ability with ball in hand, cutting through for a stunning opening try.
With seven tries in 24 appearances, the 22-year-old will be one of the key players that Andy Farrell will be looking towards for inspiration ahead of World Cup 2023.
At 5ft 8in, he may be small in height for a full-back but he possesses pace to burn and has magical footwork.
If there is one improvement to work on, it is his reliability and positioning under the high ball, something that will come with experience and practice.
Strengths: Speed, footwork, balance, passing
RONAN KELLEHER (LEINSTER)
AGE: 22
CAPS: 3
POSITION: Hooker
It is a matter of when, not if, Kelleher is named as Ireland’s starting hooker.
After a stunning start to the season with Leinster, a hand injury curtailed his expected promotion to a starting berth with the international side.
However, he went on to make three appearances from the bench during the Six Nations.
A dynamic player, Kelleher has shown a natural ability to navigate his way around the pitch and has an eye for the try line, scoring eight tries in nine provincial matches.
When fully fit, the 22-year-old is the obvious choice for the number two shirt, promising to be a central figure in Farrell’s team for years to come.
Strengths: Mobile, throwing, scrummaging, pace, eye for try line
