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

Rugby News
Friday, 20 August 2021 at 06:25
screen shot 2021 08 20 at 062415
Back in 2015, Wales Online released a list of 25 potential stars of the future who could become household names.
Five England youngsters made the cut, but they've had mixed fortunes to say the least in the SEVEN years that have since followed.
Here's what they're up to now...

#1. Charlie Ewels

What they said:  The Bath second-row captained England to Six Nations success after being part of the World Cup winning side from last year in New Zealand.
Where they are now: A senior-call up was not far behind with Ewels showing his world-class pedigree in the Bath Rugby ranks. The second rower made his bow off the replacement bench during England’s 58-15 victory over Fiji in 2016.  Still with Bath, the 24-year-old has finally broke into the squad on a regular basis and has accumulated 23 caps.

#2. James Chishom

What they said: The Harlequins No.8 was a mainstay of the World Championship success last season and was man-of-the-match in this year’s Six Nations clinching success against France.
Where they are now: He's been a standout player for Harlequins but is yet to win a full international cap. Off the pitch, Chisholm has a coaching role at Farnham RFC alongside fellow Quin Max Crumpton.

#3. Joe Marchant

What they said: Another Harlequins star who made a name for himself during the Six Nations with six tries in the tournament for the centre including a vital second-half score in the decider against France.
Where they are now: Marchant, who has played for Harlequins since 2014, has since has a stint in New Zealand, made possible through the Club’s ongoing relationship with New Zealand Rugby. Eddie Jones is also a fan of the 25-year-old, who has won four caps, scoring once so far.

#4. George Perkins

What they said: The speedy wing has a 100m time best of 10.86secs and played in every Six Nations match after winning his first cap and scoring on his debut against England at Colwyn Bay. Bagged a second try against France in the final game at Brighton as England lifted the title for the fourth time in five years. Mother Diana represented Wales as a schoolgirl sprinter.
Where they are now: Perkins joined Bristol Bear sat the start of the 2017/18 season, where he joined up with Pat Lam. However, During an injury hit spell in the West Country, Academy winger Perkins did not make a league outing for the Bears before leaving by mutual consent. He's now playing for Westcombe Park in London 1 South.

#5. Howard Packman

What they said: The Northampton back three player figured in every match of the 2014 and 2015 U20 Six Nations Championship and was part of the World Cup winning side last year.
Where they are now: Packman joined RFU Championship side Bedford Blues in 2016 before he moved to Ealing Trailfinders ahead of the 2017-18 season. In 2019, during the summer months, Packman travelled to the Southern Hemisphere to play for North Otago in New Zealand.

EDITORS PICKS:

loading

Loading