England are blessed with some of the best talent pathways in World Rugby, and the current crop of England U20s are no exception.
The young guns lifted the U20s Six Nations title this year after an unbeaten campaign, pipping Ireland by a point too. A large group of that title winning squad now also prepare for an development tour to Georgia.
Some of the key men have also made their debuts in the Premiership too, and some have even gone onto train with the England senior squad.
But with so many talented players coming through the ranks in England, which ones should we keeping an eye on? With that in mind here are five of the best up-and-coming England U20s stars.
Four up-and-coming England U20s stars to watch out for
Henry Pollock
The Northampton Saints flanker burst onto the scene as a bright U18’s prospect last season, and his stock has risen again this year. He has made 4 appearances for the Saints this season, alongside a loan spell at Bedford Blues, but he has shone on the international stage. Pollock was a key man in England’s title win this Six Nations, winning three Man of the Match awards. He also scooped up the Player of the Championship award for his efforts. The flanker is incredibly fast for a forward, and is a menace in defence too, so will certainly be one to keep an eye on.
Asher Opoku-Fordjour
Is it a shock to see Sale Sharks prop Asher Opoku-Fordjour on this list? The 19-year-old has taken the Premiership by storm this season, so much so he has seen his name mentioned in England senior squad discussions. He is capable of playing both loosehead and tighthead, which makes him a brilliant option moving forward, but playing on both sides has made him a genuinely brilliant scrummager. He is also developing as a ball-carrier, and has proved to be a good defender too.
Junior Kpoku
Racing 92 lock Junior Kpoku is developing into a very solid player. He has already made his Top 14 debut for the Parisians, and shone during the U20 Six Nations too. He is developing his skills both ball-in-hand and in defence too, but his work in the lineout is what makes him the standout player in this current U20s group. His time in France will only make him a better player too, with the X-factor players around him at Racing.
Archie McParland
The 19-year-old has been a fairly regular feature in the Northampton Saints squad this season, and he is certainly looking like he will be a brilliant player moving forward. He has made 12 appearances for the Saints across the Premiership and Premiership Cup, including starts against Ealing, Doncaster and Bristol Bears, and this exposure will only make him a better player moving forward. He offers consistent quick-ball, and he showed during the Six Nations his distribution skills are great, which is exactly what is needed from a nine.
