Eight years ago, these five England youngsters were backed to be superstars

Some have since shined for club and country while others have failed to establish themselves, retired or even been capped by another nation.

Often used on the wing, he is equally adept playing at centre or full-back, where his willingness to look for work, coupled with his ability to spot a gap and add the scoring finish, has made him a deadly performer for both club and country.

Alongside four of his Exeter club-mates he helped England Under-20s to lift the Junior World Cup in 2013, before making his senior international debut a year later against France.

He scored his first international try shortly after against Italy and has since go on to represent England in the 2015 Rugby World Cup, as well as helping the Red Rose country to lift the last two Six Nations titles.

A magnificent 2017, however, was crowned with him lifting the Premiership title in May against Wasps, then heading to New Zealand a month later to feature for the British & Irish Lions on their summer tour. In doing so he became Exeter’s first-ever Lions representative.

The Australian-born back row forward had a fast rise to fame as he captained the 2013 England U20s to Six Nations and Junior World Cup titles, before representing England 7s during the HSBC World Sevens Series in Japan and Hong Kong.

He would soon go on to make his England debut in the 2016 RBS Six Nations Championship. This was followed by the successful 2016 tour to Australia and the record-setting international win streak.

However, due to a succession of injuries since 2017, he failed to win another cap and was forced to retire in August 2020 due to a shoulder problem.

He represented England U16 and U18 sides and was vice-captain at his school, St George’s College in Weybridge. A newcomer to England’s squad for the 2014 Six Nations Championship, his debut came from the bench against New Zealand at Twickenham in November that year and he also started on the right wing against South Africa, Samoa and Australia that month.

He achieved his “ultimate ambition” in 2017, when making his debut and scoring a try for The British & Irish Lions in the opening tour match against New Zealand Provincial Barbarians at Whangarei.

His first Lions Test was against the All Blacks at Auckland three weeks later and he also started the other two matches at Wellington and Eden Park. Anthony recovered from long-term injury to make England's 2019 Rugby World Cup squad and was a key part of the run to the final.

 Made his club debut in 2013 as a 16-year-old. Although injuries have curtailed Townsend's progress in recent years, he is now back to full fitness and determined to play his part as the Chiefs look to kick on this season in all competitions.

Tompkins’ dynamic skillset and enthusiastic nature saw him excel for Saracens in 2018/19, featuring heavily in the club’s run to their third European success and fifth Premiership title.

The former England Under-20 international, who won the 2014 Junior World Championship, signed a new contract in November 2018 until the summer of 2022.

His form has led to international recognition with Wales for whom he qualifies because of his Welsh grandmother.