5 rugby stars who took unorthodox routes to the Rugby World Cup

Playing for National League One side Tynedale for five years between 2009 and 2014, the centre scored a try on his professional debut for the Falcons. He's since become a fan favourite and Kingston Park, catching the eye of Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend, which led to him making his test debut during the 2018 Six Nations. He will play for Gloucester next season after the Falcons were relegated.

Harlequins decided not to offer Launchbury a professional contract at 18, which led to the lock signing for then National League 2 South side Worthing in 2009. His performances at that level led to him getting a trial at Wasps where he eventually won a full-time deal. He's since gone onto captain the black and golds while establishing himself as an England regular.

The flanker worked his way up the leagues nearby for Blaydon in National One after having spells with Penrith RUFC and Kendal RUFC. Despite initially struggling to make his mark for the Falcons he eventually made the number six shirt his own. As a result of a string of fine performances, he made his debut in the 1st summer test against Argentina and has since become a regular under Eddie Jones

The speedster was not picked up by any of the Welsh regional professional academies, and hence aged 16 started working as a trainee scaffolder at Port Talbot Steelworks, whilst continuing to play in his spare. He was signed by Scarlets aged 20 and went onto become a star for club and country after making his Test debut in 2012. Now plays his club rugby at Saracens.

He was scouted playing amateur rugby by the Tongan coaches on Facebook after an injury crisis at hooker and was suddenly thrust into the starting XV to face New Zealand. “He is a fascinating story,” Toutai Kefu, the head coach, said. “Four to six weeks ago he is tiling roofs and then three-four weeks later he is starting against the All Blacks. He is a player with a lot of potential.”