Every season, young players break through in the Aviva Premiership and are tipped for big things. Given it is the international break, some young players are given the opportunity to showcase their talent. Over two installments, selective forwards and backs will be bought to your attention that are showing real potential.
Here a pick of forwards that are worth keeping your eye on for the rest of the season and beyond:
Charlie Ewels – Bath Rugby
Standing at 6 feet 6 inches, and weighing 112 kgs Charlie Ewels opitimises the modern forward; a strong ball-carrier and hard working around the pitch, he can play at lock or in the back row. Ewels has represented England U18, twice being part of the squad winning the FIRA/AER Championships and furthermore being part of the victorious England U20 squad that won the Junior World Championships in the summer. The big man certainly has a taste for victory, and has put in some good performances for Bath so far this season when given the chance, most notably against Tolouse and captaining Bath in the LV cup.
Harry Thacker – Leicester Tigers
With only being 5 feet 8 inches, and 92 kgs, you would be inclined to think this young man would have a disadvantage physically in mens rugby, you couldn’t be more wrong. Having made 3 appearances so far this season, the young man has more than held his own, most recently against Saracens this weekend in the 21-21 draw at Welford Road playing the full 80 minutes and making his first Premiership start. He has represented England U18, winning the FIRA/AER Chamipionships in Madrid and is currently part of the England U20 squad. Unfortunately he had to withdraw from the Junior World Championship squad in the summer due to injury.
Scott Wilson – Newcastle Falcons
At 6 feet 2 inches, and weighing 122 kgs Scott Wilson fronts up a large frame in the front row. Still at only 20 years old he is held in high regard at Newcastle Falcons; he has represented England U16, 18 and 20 respectively. Newcastle are said to be biding their time with him, and when he has been given the chance thus far, he has given nothing but a positive account of himself. With fellow Falcon Kieran Brookes in the England set up, Wilson wont be far behind if he keeps up this development over the coming years.
Ross Moriarty – Gloucester Rugby
At 6 feet 2 inches and 103 kgs, Moriarty is a dynamic back row forward. He is capped at England U 18 level, and was also a part of both of the England U20 winning squads in France and New Zealand respectively. He has made 10 appearances so far this season, and looks to have established himself in the First team squad. Having also just committed his future to the club, it will be interesting to see what the future holds for the big man.
Maro Itoje – Saracens
Last, but by no means least. Standing at 6 feet 5 inches, and weighing 115 kg Itoje towers above most people even at his tender age. Itoje can play at lock or in the back row. He has been capped at England U18, 19 and captained England U20 in the final to victory in the Junior World Championships in the summer. He made his Premiership debut against Leicester Tigers at the end of last season, and has gone on to captain Saracens in the LV cup this season. He is tipped for greatness by many people, and seems to get better with every performance for club and Country.
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