"The future" - The Telegraph back five England youngsters for 2027 World Cup
Rugby NewsMonday, 10 July 2023 at 19:37
The Telegraph has backed a handful of players in the England U20s side to feature at the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
These are the players they expect to be challenging for a World Cup place at senior level at Australia in 2027:
Chandler Cunningham-South
- Position: No 8
- Club: Harlequins
- Age: 20
They wrote: "The obvious place to start, given that Cunningham-South already looks ready for Test rugby given his size and power from the back of the scrum. Playing 22 matches for London Irish last season in the Gallagher Premiership and Champions Cup gave Cunningham-South plenty of exposure to senior rugby and he impressed, scoring a notable try in the Christmas win over Saracens."
RUCK's view: Cunningham-South, originally from New Zealand, showcases exceptional adaptability as a forward, demonstrating expertise in the second row, blindside flanker, and number 8 roles. Following an impressive season with London Irish, his transition to Harlequins in the upcoming season is eagerly awaited. The rugby community holds high expectations for his chances of securing a place in England's 2024 Six Nations squad, recognising his strong potential.
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Lewis Chessum
- Position: Lock
- Club: Leicester Tigers
- Age: 20
They wrote: "Older brother Ollie will be a familiar name and there is every chance that both brothers could end up in the England squad down the road, with Lewis having trained with the senior squad during the Six Nations."
RUCK's view: Chessum, standing at an impressive height of 6'9", was undeniably one of the most physically dominant players at this year's Championship. He has already showcased his skills as a member of the renowned Leicester Tigers, a powerhouse club in England. Following in the footsteps of his older brother, Ollie, who is an esteemed England international, Chessum has garnered attention and is seen as a promising candidate for future accolades within English rugby.
Get your tickets for the 2023 Rugby World Cup at viagogo, the world’s leading ticket marketplace.
Afolabi Fasogbon
- Position: Tighthead prop
- Club: Gloucester
- Age: 18
They wrote: "London Irish’s academy frequently churned out high-quality backs over the past decade - see Henry Arundell for the latest example - but the emergence of Fasogbon seemed to have everyone at the club excited, with his subsequent signing by Gloucester a shrewd bit of business."
RUCK's view: In their short tenure as teammates at London Irish, Fosagbon undoubtedly captured the attention of Wallabies international Ollie Hoskins, who will be joining Saracens in the forthcoming season.
He wrote on Twitter: “He’s a freak - going to be incredible one day.”
Get your tickets for the 2023 Rugby World Cup at viagogo, the world’s leading ticket marketplace.
Cassius Cleaves
- Position: Wing
- Club: Harlequins
- Age: 20
They wrote: "Harlequins as you know are not exactly lacking firepower out wide, boasting the league’s top try scorer in Cadan Murley and with Louis Lynagh, Tyrone Green, Nick David and the emerging Oscar Beard in their squad. Having all those options means that Cleaves is still waiting to make his Premiership debut, but the glimpses we have seen in the Premiership Rugby Cup and with England’s U20s have been enough to suggest that he can do some damage at senior level."
RUCK's view: Gifted with a stunning sidestep and blistering pace, he certainly is a player to keep an eye on.
Get your tickets for the 2023 Rugby World Cup at viagogo, the world’s leading ticket marketplace.
Louie Johnson
- Position: Fly-half/full-back
- Club: Newcastle Falcons
- Age: 20
They wrote: "Johnson has only featured in the Premiership Rugby Cup for Newcastle so far but that might be about to change, with Tian Schoeman released and Brett Connon, Josh Thomas and new signing Rory Jennings the remaining options at fly-half for the Falcons."
RUCK's view: The newest thrilling talent emerging from Kingston Park, we eagerly anticipate their breakthrough season in the Premiership. With Johnson's exceptional combination of skill and intelligence, we are excited to witness their impact on the pitch.
Get your tickets for the 2023 Rugby World Cup at viagogo, the world’s leading ticket marketplace.
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