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The Under 20s World Championships has produced over 250 internationals since the inception in 2008.
The 2016 tourney threw up some outstanding talent. Here are seven names who could became household soon.
Shaun Stevenson (New Zealand)
Auckland Grammar School is one of New Zealand’s most prestigious rugby schools and Stevenson became the first player since All Black Ben Atiga to play 50 games for the college in his time in the First XV.
Stevenson helped Grammar win their first 1A Auckland title in eight years in 2014 and made the New Zealand Secondary Schools’ team later that season, breaking his collarbone in the Fijian international.
It was a brief setback for Stevenson. In 2015 he was one Waikato’s best preformed players in the ITM Cup. He played 716 minutes and impressed with his sound judgement and illusive running. He was in the top ten for run-metres.
Stevenson debuted in Super Rugby this year scoring a try in the Chiefs 27-21 win against the Crusaders in Christchurch.
At the Under 20s Championships he scored a try in every game he played and impressed with his strong running, vision and temperament under pressure.
Jacob Stockdale (Ireland), Jack Maddocks (Australia) and Curwin Bosch (South Africa) were other fullbacks to flourish in what was a fine tourney for those in the 15 jersey.
Joe Marchant (England)
The 19 year old from Harlequins was the dominant centre at the tournament. He scored two tries in the final, including very first of the match when he scorched past two defenders in an exciting 35-metre burst. In Pool play Marchant’s try was the difference in England’s 17-13 victory over Australia.
Sound on defence and quick and accurate to distribute, Marchant has played in every back-line position and also at hooker and open side flanker. He scored six tries when England won the 2015 Six Nations and has a black belt in Karate.
Harry Mallinder (England)
England’s first-five and captain has already played professional rugby for the Northampton Saints and showed why in the final scoring 24 points and earning man of the match honours.
Sturdily built he showed a willingness to attack the line, but his greatest asset is his ability to read the game and his powerful right boot. He scored 62 points in five games. Mallinder was a captain at the famous Rugby School.
Jordie Barrett (New Zealand)
The brother of All Black Beauden Barrett didn’t make the New Zealand Secondary Schools’ team and hasn’t played ITM Cup, in fact he has hardly played senior rugby at all. In 2015 he was a member of the Lincoln Colts who won the under-21 championship in Christchurch. At high school he was a fine cricketer and toured the UK with the Francis Douglas Memorial College First XI in 2013.
Any cricket ambitions he might have had have been well and truly aborted by his success in rugby. He was outstanding at the world championships with his kicking, passing and running skills creating ample tries for New Zealand.
Strong on defence and boasting an educated boot he scored 52 points and is eligible for another year at under-20 level.
Max Deegan (Ireland)
The No.8 was named the player of the tournament as Ireland made the final for the first time. The captain was instrumental in guiding his team from behind twice in Pool play. Against Wales, Ireland rallied from down 0-17 down to topple the Grand Slam winners. Ireland then eliminated defending champions New Zealand 33-24 after being down 6-14.
Deegan has the ideal build for a No.8 standing 193cm and 108kg. He is abrasive in defence and powerful with ball in hand. He scored four tries in five games and hails from Blackrock, a hotbed of Irish rugby talent.
Andrew Porter (Ireland)
The Leinster loosehead is very much in the Cian Healy mould and at 119kg he is just as big. His scrumming is strong (he did a job on New Zealand) and he is a prolific and robust ball carrier making over 80 runs in five matches.
Lukhan Tui (Australia)
Born in Auckland to Samoan parents Tui moved to Sydney and played for Randwick before being contracted to the Queensland Reds. He debuted in Super Rugby in April against the Bulls. He is a lock who can cover six or eight. He stands 198cm and 121kg. His carrying was dominant at times in England and if he increases his work rate on defence he is quite a prospect.
Mariano Romanini (Argentina)
Argentina knocked over South Africa (twice) and France at this tourney to achieve a best ever third-place finish. Romanini is an athletic openside who showed strength over the ball, dynamism with ball in hand and an ability to jump in the lineout. He scored three tires in five games.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.