25 Best Young Players in World Rugby (Ranked)

Rugby News
Tuesday, 09 June 2026 at 16:23
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The next generation of rugby stars is already making a huge impact on the professional game.
Across the Six Nations, Rugby Championship and major domestic competitions, young players are no longer waiting their turn. They're becoming Test regulars, winning trophies and producing match-winning performances on the biggest stages.
With that in mind, we've ranked the 25 best rugby players aged 23 and under in world rugby right now.

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Best Young Players in World Rugby

25. Noah Caluori (England)

Saracens' breakout star has enjoyed a remarkable rise over the last year. Dangerous in the air and blessed with excellent pace, Caluori has developed into one of the Premiership's most exciting young finishers and looks destined for a bright international future.

24. Hugo Reus (France)

France's conveyor belt of talent continues to produce elite prospects and Reus is among the most exciting. A composed fly-half with a strong kicking game and excellent vision, he has all the attributes needed to become a future Test regular.

23. Zachary Porthen (South Africa)

A physical front-rower who thrives in contact, Porthen combines scrummaging power with impressive mobility. South Africa's production line of forwards never stops and he looks like another player capable of making the leap to the highest level.

22. Henry Arundell (England)

There are few more dangerous broken-field runners in world rugby. Arundell's pace and finishing ability make him a constant threat whenever he gets space, while his all-round game continues to mature.

21. Hassiem Pead (South Africa)

The electric scrum-half enhanced his reputation with a series of outstanding performances at Under-20 level. Sharp around the breakdown and fearless in attack, Pead looks every inch a future Springbok.

20. Ethan Hooker (South Africa)

Capable of playing in midfield or on the wing, Hooker offers versatility, power and athleticism. His ability to break the gain line and create opportunities has seen him emerge as one of South Africa's most exciting young backs.

19. Emilien Gailleton (France)

A classy operator in the midfield, Gailleton combines vision, distribution and defensive intelligence. France have no shortage of quality centres, but he remains one of the brightest prospects among them.

18. George Bell (New Zealand)

Breaking into the All Blacks setup as a hooker at such a young age speaks volumes. Bell's set-piece reliability and work in open play have already made him a player to watch.

17. Asher Opoku-Fordjour (England)

Powerful at scrum time and surprisingly mobile around the field, Opoku-Fordjour has all the attributes required to become a long-term England international. His ceiling remains exceptionally high.

16. Pedro Rubiolo (Argentina)

A tireless worker in the second row, Rubiolo combines physicality with impressive athleticism. The Argentine lock continues to grow in stature at both club and international level.

15. Fabian Holland (New Zealand)

The Dutch-born lock has adapted seamlessly to top-level rugby. Athletic, intelligent and relentless in defence, Holland has already shown he belongs on the international stage.

14. Dafydd Jenkins (Wales)

Still only 22, Jenkins has already captained Wales and Exeter Chiefs. His leadership qualities, lineout expertise and physical edge make him one of the most impressive young forwards in the game.

13. Max Jorgensen (Australia)

Jorgensen's rugby intelligence sets him apart. Comfortable across the back three, he consistently appears in crucial moments and continues to develop into a key figure for the Wallabies.

12. Posolo Tuilagi (France)

At nearly 150kg, Tuilagi is one of the most unique athletes in world rugby. His combination of size, power and mobility makes him almost impossible to handle when fully fit.

11. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (England)

Explosive, physical and clinical, Feyi-Waboso has quickly established himself as one of England's most dangerous attacking weapons. When he gets the ball in space, defenders rarely enjoy the outcome.

10. Sam Prendergast (Ireland)

Ireland's latest fly-half prodigy possesses all the tools required to become a world-class playmaker. His vision, kicking game and composure have already earned him significant attention.

TOP 10

9. Peter Lakai (New Zealand)

Lakai looks entirely comfortable at Test level despite his age. Dynamic with ball in hand and relentless in defence, he appears destined to become a mainstay of the All Blacks back row.

8. Joseph Sua'ali'i (Australia)

The former rugby league star has made a seamless transition to union. Powerful under the high ball and capable of producing moments of brilliance, Sua'ali'i remains one of the most naturally gifted athletes in the sport.

7. Canan Moodie (South Africa)

It is easy to forget how young Moodie still is. Already a regular Springbok, he combines pace, aerial dominance and composure under pressure to devastating effect.

6. Chandler Cunningham-South (England)

The England back-rower has rapidly established himself as one of the most dynamic young forwards in Europe. His carrying, tackling and athleticism allow him to influence games in multiple ways.

5. Henry Pollock (England)

Few players have generated as much excitement as Pollock over the last 12 months. Fearless, abrasive and hugely talented, the openside flanker has all the ingredients needed to become a global superstar.

4. Wallace Sititi (New Zealand)

The breakout star of New Zealand rugby. Sititi possesses a rare blend of power, athleticism and skill, and has already proven he can perform consistently against the very best teams in the world.

3. Tommaso Menoncello (Italy)

Already one of the best centres in Europe, Menoncello has become the face of Italy's resurgence. Powerful in contact, intelligent in defence and capable of creating opportunities from nothing, he is already operating at a world-class level.

2. Louis Bielle-Biarrey (France)

One of the most lethal finishers in world rugby regardless of age. Bielle-Biarrey's pace, footwork and try-scoring instincts have made him a nightmare for defenders and a genuine superstar of the international game.

1. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (South Africa)

There may be no player in world rugby with a higher ceiling. Whether operating at fly-half, full-back or in midfield, Feinberg-Mngomezulu combines elite skill, vision and game-breaking ability. Already a key figure for the Springboks, he looks destined to become one of the defining players of his generation.

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