STARS OF 2021

BRITISH & IRISH LIONS tour to South Africa, an Olympics in Japan, a World Cup in New Zealand… There’s a lot on the rugby calendar in 2021 and that’s without mentioning all the domestic competitions or the upcoming Six Nations. So we’ve compiled a list of those we think will be making headlines over the next 12 months. From the men’s and women’s games, sevens and 15s, and even a referee, these are the names to look out for…

DUHAN VAN DER MERWE

Scotland

We are in that frenzied period when name after name is thrown into the Lions hat. So why not throw in the Scotland winger?

As Lion No 752 Tommy Bowe tweeted: “I think van der Merwe could be starting 11 on the Lions.” Two-time Lions captain Sam Warburton listed the wing as a starter at 14 when he picked a touring team he’d like to see play the Springboks after the Autumn Nations Cup.

What sets the Edinburgh man apart is his acceleration and power through contact; his ability to thunder on with hands grasping at him. Just making the plane would be a huge achievement, but he now seems to have reached the stage where, whether Edinburgh are on their mettle or fumbling around, his own game is bankably physical and his hunger for work undeniable.

HARRY WILSON

Australia

Wallabies fans have been yearning for a strong, ball-carrying No 8 since the days of Toutai Kefu and in Wilson they may have found just the man. He was a talented cricketer in his youth, but has found his calling in Wallaby gold rather than the baggy green. Dave Rennie gave Wilson his debut at blindside flanker in Australia’s opening Test of 2020 and named him at No 8 in the following five fixtures.

Labelled a “potential superstar” by the Fox Sports commentary team Down Under, the 21-year-old