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 brought to your attention that are showing real potential.
Last week we looked at the pick of the forwards that are worth keeping your eye on for the rest of the season and beyond: http://old.lastwordonsports.com/2014/11/18/aviva-premiership-forwards-to-watch/
Now it is the backs turn. Here they are:
Mike Haley – Sale Sharks
Joining the Sale Sharks academy in 2012, Mike Haley has improved steadily ever since. Standing at 6 feets 2 inches, he is a dynamic full back who has a solid kicking game and is extremely confident with ball in hand. He is a local lad, and is dual registered with Preston Grasshoppers. Having made his debut unexpectedly in the 2012 LV Cup due to a squad injury, he grasped his chance with both hands and hasn’t looked back since. Steve Diamond and his coaching staff are taking their time with him, he has made 5 appearances so far this season in the LV Cup, European Champions Cup and the Aviva Premiership respectively. His most recent appearance was a solid display in the historic win at the stoop on Friday night with the 16-12 victory for Sale Sharks.
Alex Lowzoski – Wasps Rugby
Alex rejoined Wasps rugby in the summer from Leeds, where beforehand he was part of the academy set up at Wasps. He is a young fly half who looks to have an old, calculated head on his shoulders. He made 25 appearances for Leeds last season, and was awarded young player of the year after a solid season. He was bought in this season to deputise for Andy Goode and Ruaridh Jackson, however an injury for Ruaridh Jackson has seen Lowzoski involved more than anticipated so far this season. That seems to be sure to continue as Jackson is out for the season with a knee injury. He has made four appearances so far this season, most recently coming off the bench at the weekend in the loss to Exter Chiefs.
Tom Stephenson – Northampton Saints
Considered one of the most promising talents to come out of Northampton for a while, Stephenson looks set for the big time. Not the tallest centre, but he makes up for that with slick hands and being enormously powerful both in defence and attack. Capped at England U18 level, winning the FIRA/AER tournament in Madrid and also he was part of the U20 squad who were victorious in New Zealand in the summer in the Junior World Championship. Coupled with his 13 appearances last season (including the Premiership final), he has made 4 appaearances so far this season. This sort of exposure to the big arena can only help the young man further develop in to an International player one day.
Callum Braley – Gloucester Rugby
Joining Gloucester Rugby in the summer, Braley is considered an exciting prospect in many circles. Capped at England U16, 17, 18 and 20 level, he has developed over the last few years playing the highest standard of Junior rugby. He was part of the victorious U18 squad winning the FIRA/AER Championships in Madrid, and captained the victorious U20’s side that won the Junior World Championship in the summer in New Zealand for the second year in a row, being previously involved in the victorious squad the previous year in France. Having made 3 appearances so far this season, he will look to improve under the guidance of Greg Laidlaw and Dan Robson.
Henry Purdy – Gloucester Rugby
Another young prospect that joined Gloucester Rugby in the summer from Leicester Tigers. Capped at England U20 level, he has made 17 appearances for the 20’s and has been involved in both of the victorious Junior World Championship squads in France and New Zealand respectively. Considered a winger by trade, he has been seen at centre for Gloucester this season. Having packed on some size he has been effective by being powerful in both defence and attack. Henry has made 7 appearances so far this season, and will look to build on his positive start to life at Gloucester.
Thank you for reading. Please take a moment to follow me on Twitter – @PittMate. Support LWOS by following us on Twitter – @LWOSWorld and @Lastwordonsport and liking our Facebook page.
Have you tuned into Last Word On Sports Radio? LWOS is pleased to bring you 24/7 sports radio to your PC, laptop, tablet or smartphone. What are you waiting for?
“Main Photo:”
<div class=”getty embed image” style=”background-color:#fff;display:inline-block;font-family:’Helvetica Neue’,Arial,sans-serif;color:#a7a7a7;font-size:11px;width:100%;max-width:594px;”><div style=”overflow:hidden;position:relative;height:0;padding:67.845118% 0 0 0;width:100%;”><iframe src=”//embed.gettyimages.com/embed/459380092?et=MgRFKbnWSf1bSMVoDOCy3A&flyout=off&sig=OrhiooUaAaFEjrRVM6b-nw4jPXGERWUUqaPlTy0-mW8=” width=”594″ height=”403″ scrolling=”no” frameborder=”0″ style=”display:inline-block;position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;”></iframe></div><p style=”margin:0;”></p><div style=”padding:0;margin:0 0 0 10px;text-align:left;”><a href=”http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/459380092″ target=”_blank” style=”color:#a7a7a7;text-decoration:none;font-weight:normal !important;border:none;display:inline-block;”>#459380092</a> / <a href=”http://www.gettyimages.com” target=”_blank” style=”color:#a7a7a7;text-decoration:none;font-weight:normal !important;border:none;display:inline-block;”>gettyimages.com</a></div></div>
