After naming our PACS 100 for Under 20’s this year (click here) we continue our tradition by naming 15 Under 20 Rugby players to watch in 2023.
This is a difficult task at the best of times with so much talent out there but we believe that these players are going to make some noise this year and beyond.
15) Louis Bielle-Biarrey (France)
One of the stand outs in what was a disappointing Summer Series for the French last year especially when considers the trajectory of their youth rugby, Bielle-Biarrey is somewhat of a veteran despite his young age having already played 17 times for Bordeaux and notching up 37 points.
The youngster has recently been called up to the senior national men’s team which showcases the belief in him and there is no doubt his star is on the rise.
Honourable Mentions: Ajay Faleafaga (New Zealand), Connor Slevin (England)
14) Suleiman Hartzenberg (South Africa)
Rugby runs deep in the Hartzenberg family with his brother Munier a highly gifted athlete himself. Suleiman is arguably the most talented young back of his era, his speed, vision and reading of the game are of the highest level and despite being only one year out of school last year he dominated the Varsity system and was further called up to the Stormers senior squad.
His 2022/23 stats are a testament to his immense ability with the youngster scoring 5 tries in 14 appearances, he will be a stalwart in the Baby Bok squad this year and be key to their chances in claiming a first world title since 2012.
Honourable Mentions: Rory Telfer (Ireland), Caleb Tangitau (New Zealand)
13) Emilien Gailleton (France)
Gailleton many are saying is the next big thing in French rugby, a player who could do for the 13 jersey what the legendary Phillipe Sella has done and we would certainly not bet against this.
Born in the UK to a French father and English mother, Gailleton made the move to France and began playing rugby at the age of 5. He was only just 18 when he made his pro debut for Agen and would go on to score 3 tries in 15 appearances.
He earned a move to Paul in 2022 where his displays have not gone unnoticed with the youngster being named in the French senior men’s team squad for the Autumn internationals. He has played 13 times for the French Under 20 team picking up 2 tries and will be key to France’s title chances in the World Championship later this year.
Honourable Mentions: Rekeiti Ma’asi-White (England), Nicolas Depoortere (France)
12) Dewi Passarella (Italy)
Passarella was one of the most promising players in last years Summer Series with some truly outstanding performances that earned him rave reviews from the punters. His size is extraordinary for such a young man with the centre standing in at 190cm and weighing in at 102kg, the fact he still has room to grow is truly a frightening prospect.
Italy are fast becoming a major force at youth level, with players like Passarella coming through the future certainly looks bright and with 9 Italy Under 20 caps to his name already 2023 could be the year he will break out.
Honourable Mentions: Essendon Tuitupou (New Zealand), Damian Markus (South Africa)
11) Macca Springer (New Zealand)
Take care to remember this name because in a few years he will be recognized as one of the worlds premier outside backs, you read it here first!
Springer is an extremely gifted athlete and emerged onto the local NPC scene in New Zealand last year by tearing apart opposition defenses for Tasman notching up 9 tries in just 15 appearances.
His performances earned him rave reviews by local punters with the Crusaders acting swiftly and securing his signature for the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific competition. He has already made his debut and looks set for a long and bright future in the game.
Honourable Mentions: Cassius Cleaves (England), Darby Lancaster (Australia)
10) Sam Prendergast (Ireland)
Ireland seemed to have a great run in terms of the pivot position with Ronan O’Gara passing on the torch to Jonny Sexton but who would be next? It seemed that there was no heir apparent to the throne, that was until Prendergast arrived on the scene and he could very well be better than both his forebearers.
It is rare to see a player of his age with such composure under pressure, such vision and natural athletic ability. This player is certainly a rare breed and personally we found him to be one of the most impressive players at the tournament despite the fact Ireland under performed when set against expectations.
A bright future awaits and he will certainly be a household name in the near future.
Honourable Mentions: Tom Lynagh (Australia), Taha Kemara (New Zealand)
9) Noah Hotham (New Zealand)
We named Noah to our World Schools XV all the way back in 2020 and he has more than shown his incredible ability since leaving Hamilton Boys.
The son of legendary school rugby coach Nigel, Noah has been intent on making his own name and the talented young scrummie has done that and then some. Since making his debut for Tasman back in 2021 he has a total of 12 appearances and dotting down 7 times.
His performances earned him a 3 year deal with the Crusaders and it won’t be long before he starts making a name for himself there as well.
Honourable Mentions: Niel le Roux (South Africa), Baptiste Jauneau (France)
8) Morgan Morse (Wales)
The youngest player on our list and one for the future, Morgan Morse is a monstrosity and we mean that in the best way possible. Standing at 6 foot 1 and weighing in at 105kg he is a frightening back row talent with the world at his feet.
Already a part of the Welsh Under 20 setup as a 17 year old Morse held his own against larger and more experienced opponents and we have a feeling this will be his breakout year.
Honourable Mentions: Neels Volschenk (South Africa), Lenni Nouchi (France)
7) Guy Pepper (England)
Another player who made our World Schools XV, the ex Barnard Castle youngster has come good since leaving school and unlike many of his contemporaries looks set to fulfill his much vaunted potential.
A fiery and powerful openside flank he has been a regular fixture in the Newcastle Falcons senior side which bodes well for the future.
Honourable Mentions: Paul de Villiers (South Africa), David Odiase (Italy)
6) Che Clarke (New Zealand)
The depth in New Zealand rugby has always been great, nobody can doubt that and with some much quality in the loose forward department younger players have a massive challenge to break through. Che Clarke is not one of those players, he will no doubt break through – there is simply too much talent in him for there to be any other path for him.
Having already represented the senior men’s team in Sevens we have no doubt that should he get on the plane to South Africa he is going to make his presence felt and then some.
Honourable Mentions: Chandler Cunningham-South (England), James McNabney (Ireland)
5) Daniel Maiava
Yet another alumnus from our World Schools XV, the ex-Nudgee youngster was a massively promising young player and one of the standouts in the GPS competition.
Despite numerous league offers the Aussie youngster took the road less traveled and opted for a career in rugby union singing for the Rebels.
He has since made several appearances for the Melbourne based outfit and will be one of the players to watch in South Africa later in the year.
Honourable Mentions: Tahlor Cahill (New Zealand), JF van Heerden (South Africa)
4) Lewis Chessum (England)
The younger brother of England international Ollie, Lewis showed that he need not live in his brothers shadow by being one of the standouts in last years summer series and named to our team of the tournament.
To think he has another year of Under 20 rugby in him serves as a warning to his opponents and with 5 games already under his belt for the Leicester Tigers senior team expect an even more mature and physical Lewis Chessum to show up in 2023.
Honourable Mentions: Conor O’Tighearnaigh (Ireland), Jake Spurway (Scotland)
3) Valentin Simutoga (France)
This is not a player you are likely to miss, Sumutoga weighs in at a mammoth 125kg and while props mature at a later age generally speaking the youngster already has senior appearances with Clermont under his belt.
Keep a close eye on him come the World Championship, we have a feeling that he is going to become a viral sensation!
Honourable Mentions: Sivu Mabece (South Africa), Siale Luaki (New Zealand)
2) Raymond Tuputupu (New Zealand)
Tuputupu has had a metoric rise in the game since leaving school and is among the most highly rated young prospects in New Zealand.
Having already represented the Hurricanes senior team there is little doubt that he will be a force in the game very soon.
Honourable Mentions: Juann Else (South Africa), Valentino Di Capua (Argentina)
1) Blokkies Lavagna (South Africa)
A big boy with a big future, Blokkies blew up in 2021 with some devastating carries and exceptional scrumming leaving the year with the reputation as a player to watch.
2022 was going to be a challenge for the former Paarl Gim youngster especially with all the quality in the prop department in South Africa and as an Under 19 that had his school career curtailed by the pandemic one could be forgiven to think he would take some time to settle in.
Blokkies not only played his heart out to prove any doubters wrong he was a part of the Summer Series winning South African squad putting in some fantastic performances. If this were not enough he further enjoyed success with the Bulls at age group level winning Under 19, Under 20 and Under 21 medals further cementing his reputation.
With Juann Else moving to hooker Blokkies is the number 1 choice surely for the Baby Boks and with his career just starting it is surely the beginning of an exceptional career for an exceptional young player.
Honourable Mentions: Ali Rogers (Scotland), Sergo Abramishvili (Georgia)
