The French press has claimed that England U20 star Gabriel Ibitoye could be set to swap white for blue after departing Harlequins for Agen.
The 22-year-old, who has been a regular ‘apprentice’ under Eddie Jones, has signed a two-year contract with the Top 14 side, meaning he will no longer be eligible for England selection.
However, according to the report, the 22-year-old, who they believe has a French relative, is open to representing Les Bleus after having a conversation with France head coach Fabien Galthié.
One of the most exciting young wingers in the world, Ibitoye, who had been with Harlequins since the age of 12, has represented England U20 on 13 occasions, scoring eight tries.
The winger, who is a die hard Arsenal supporter, has been a regular in the England age group sides and was named in Eddie Jones' wider training squad for the 2018 Six Nations.
Ibitoye won the 2017 U20 Six Nations and has represented his country in two World Rugby U20 Championship Finals. He was also nominated for Player of the Tournament in the 2018 World Rugby U20 Championship.
One of England’s most exciting upcoming talents, the fullback is built in the same mould as All Black Damian Mckenzie. Safe under the high ball and blessed with incredible pace, expect him to play a key role f=or Newcastle Falcons on their return to the Premiership. Hopefully he'll then be in a place to make a bid for international honours.
Smith's rapid rise shows no signs of slowing down – it took barely a year for him to go from captaining Brighton College in an unbeaten season to involvement in the senior England squad. Therefore, it's not unthinkable that he'll be leading England's bid to lift the Webb Ellis Cup for a second time.
A lot of the English scrum-halves are ageing, meaning this is a direct choice between the Exeter Chiefs man and Ben Vellacott. However, his emergence as a premier playmaker in such a short space of time makes us think he will continue to get better, which will lead to him establishing himself in the England set-up.
The next star off the Saracens production line may be Kpoku, although the lock has been linked with a move to Northampton Saints due to the presence of Itoje, George Kruis and Nick Isiekwe at his current club. An incredibly hard-hitting carrier in the mould of Eben Etzebeth, a selection in the coming months would not be surprising.
A black belt in karate and also a former England schools finalist in gymnastics which would suggest the centre is blessed with power and poise! Has been involved in Eddie Jones's squad in the build-up to the 2019 Rugby World Cup and is someone we'd expect to step up heading into the 2021 Six Nations when he returns from Super Rugby and beyond.