20 STARS OF THE FUTURE
WITH A new year upon us, it’s the perfect time to shine a light on up-and-coming players from around the world. You’ll likely recognise some of these names because they’ve taken their first steps into Test rugby, while others we are tipping to make their breakthrough in the next couple of years. Here are a score of youngsters you need to know about…
Owen LANE
JOHNNY McNICHOLL’S qualification presents a new barrier to Wales honours for the twice-capped Lane, who had to settle for a replacement role in Wayne Pivac’s first match, against the Barbarians.
However, the wing has made short work of obstacles so far, his 18 tries in 42 games for Cardiff Blues as December dawned reflecting his penchant for scoring. One airborne finish, against Connacht, led Martyn Williams to tweet: “This bloke is a hell of a player.”
The former Wales Sevens international is a hybrid, marrying quick feet with heaps of power, and at just 22 he has time on his side. A late call-up for the 2019 World Cup, when he replaced the injured Josh Navidi, Lane looks destined for plenty of column inches.
Jordan JOSEPH
HE’S NOT yet left his teens but already has two global titles to his name after helping France to back-to-back U20 World Championships. He could make it a hat-trick this summer, if he isn’t elevated to les Bleus’ senior team first.
The back-row only started playing rugby aged 13 but within three years his talent had been
