27 for '27: The stars of the future who will light up Australia's RWC

Rugby World Cup 2023 may not have brought much delight to Wallabies supporters but there has been some amazing talent on show, talent that is only just realising their potential.

We have seen minnows like Portugal, Uruguay, Chile, and Georgia give us some of the most memorable moments in a World Cup which has been heavily fixated on the lopsided draw.

While notching up historic milestones, some of the most exciting talent around the world has been on show and if not already signed, you can bet there will be European, British, and Japanese clubs who will be bringing out their chequebooks to lock in the young guns of 2023.

So, who are these talented youngsters who will without a doubt be an integral part of their country’s Rugby World Cup aspirations in Australia for 2027?

Here are the 27 most exciting players who are 25 years old or younger at France 2023.

1. Louis Bielle-Biarrey, 20, France, wing

Bielle-Biarrey has burst onto the scene and plays his club rugby for the Bordeaux Bègles in the Top 14. Although he sits behind current powerhouses Damian Penaud and Gabin Villière in the national side, this may change before they head down under.

2. Canan Moodie, 20, South Africa, wing

This giant winger has it all. Composure, strength, speed, vertical leap, and a good head on him. If people were impressed with Rieko Ioane’s switch to 13, Moodie has already done it, and at a World Cup no less. Moodie can be the world’s best winger in time.

3. Davit Niniashvili, 21, Georgia, fullback

Niniashvili has been a delight to watch in Paris and at only 21 you must remind yourself that he is only going to get better. Niniashvili is signed to Lyon Olympique until 2024 but after his piercing runs, they will have to increase his paycheque substantially if they want to keep him.

4. Raffaele Costa Storti, 22, Portugal, wing

Storti has exploded onto the international scene in this year’s World Cup with lightning pace and deadly finishing as his trademark. He plies his trade for Béziers in the French Pro D2 and is signed until 2024 but after a showing like that perhaps we will see him in the Top 14 before long.

(Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

5. Louis Rees-Zammit, 22, Wales, wing

You can’t teach speed, and even if you could Louis “lightning” Rees-Zammit would be top of the class. A genuine speedster who is only now triumphing over the rigours of international rugby.

6. Jerónimo Portela, 22, Portugal, five-eighth

He may look like a boy wonder but don’t be deceived he is one of the bigger 10s going around. He currently plays for the Lusitanos, a Portuguese national club side which competes with teams from other minnow nations. Portela didn’t miss a beat when put up against tier one sides. If Portugal want to continue their meteoric rise, then Portela must be part of the plans.

7. Angus Bell, 23, Australia, prop

Bell is someone Australia can build a pack around for the British and Irish Lions series in two years’ time. Bell will also be a crucial cog for Wallabies’ aspirations for the home World Cup, as prop and potentially as captain.

8. Cameron Roigard, 23, New Zealand, halfback

Roigard is big, abrasive and fast, as well as a sound tactician. An injury to his mentor meant he got his shot this year at clubland and now he looks almost undroppable from the All Blacks side.

Cam Roigard scores against South Africa. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

9. Mark Nawaqanitawase, 23, Australia, wing

Marky Mark is a star for the future. He’s gone from club bench-warmer to undroppable for the Wallabies in two years and he is only 23. He could become one of the most renowned wingers in the game.

10. Jordan Petaia, 23, Australia, wing

A child prodigy who still holds the record for the youngest Australian to garner a World Cup cap in 2019. The last four years in a professional environment is finally showing the fruits of his labour. His successive games have meant he is now beginning to live up to his potential.

11. Selestino Ravutaumada, 23, Fiji, wing

Ravutaumada hit his straps this year with the Fijian Drua, and it carried on in sensational fashion on the international stage. The pace and aggression shown by this winger is remarkable. Ravutaumada is a lock on the wing for years to come.

12. Nick Frost, 23, Australia, second row

The towering lock-forward is only just beginning to realise his potential. He is a good lineout operator and has a massive engine for a big man. With the years, he will fill out and become a world-class lock, someone Australia can anchor a lineout on.

13. Diego Escobar, 23, Chile, hooker

Energetic hookers are now the mould – from New Zealand to France, each nation has a hooker who can motor, and Escobar is no different. When the years add mass to his frame his rugby nous and passion will take his game to new heights for Los Condores.

14. Jac Morgan, 23, Wales, back row

Leadership rarely comes to players so early in their careers, but Morgan has been a revelation. He’s as hard as nails and has a cheeky turn of pace to match, a leader who leads from the front. Unlike Australia, Wales have found their captain for 2027 in ’23.

15. Rio Dyer, 24, Wales, wing

Dyer has a type of flair not seen in a Welsh shirt perhaps since Shane Williams. The sevens convert’s footwork and strength through the hips has made him an obvious successor to Josh Adams.

16. Thomas Gallo, 24, Argentina, prop

One of the few young props who is making his mark on the international stage. Although the Argentinian scrum is not what is once was, props only get better with age and by the time 2027 arrives Gallo’s scrummaging will match his destructive ball-running and work rate.

17. Leicester Fainga’anuku, 24, New Zealand, wing

Fainga’anuku at times begs the question: is he human? He can score from seemingly impossible situations and does so with brutal strength and speed. He has called time on his playing days in New Zealand for now, signing with Toulon in the French Top 14.

With New Zealand not having a Giteau law, could we see Fainga’anuku represent Tonga in 2027?

18. Marcus Smith, 24, England, five-eighth

Smith is the heir apparent to Owen Farrell and George Ford. Although a different player stylistically, he has been chosen by successive coaches for his fancy footwork, dogged attitude and technical finesse off the boot. The future of English rugby looks exciting with Smith at the helm.

Marcus Smith in action for England during a Guinness Six Nations match between Scotland and England at BT Murrayfield, on February 05, 2022, in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Ross MacDonald/SNS Group via Getty Images)

19. Baltazar Amaya, 24, Uruguay, wing

Amaya is a deadly winger currently playing for Peñarol in the Súper Liga Americana de Rugby, the trans-Americas club competition. His great finishing put him on the map in France.

20. Simione Kuruvoli, 24, Fiji, halfback

Kuruvoli has proved he is a big game baller who relishes the pressure. He had a crucial role in the toppling of both England and Australia, and he could be one of the most established halfbacks in the world come 2027.

21. Cameron Woki, 24, France, second row

Woki is the youngest of the world-class French locks and seemingly a player to take the team into the future. He possesses a unique feline athleticism perhaps only mirrored by Frost.

22. Manuel Ardao, 25, Uruguay, back row

Ardao is small by international standards but remains a classic hard-nosed blindside flanker who punches above his weight. Playing for Peñarol in the Súper Liga like Amaya, perhaps keeping a nucleus of the team in Uruguay could see cohesion built for the future.

23. Nicolas Martins, 24, Portugal, second row

Martins is a Frenchman but has elected to represent Portugal. He’s been one of the most impressive locks in the tournament with great attacking and defensive lineout stats. He is a player Portugal can build a pack around.

24. Dan Sheehan, 25, Ireland, hooker

Sheehan is a freak; he has pace rarely seen amongst anyone in the tight-five and a work rate to match. If systems-based rugby is your thing, Sheehan is your guy.

25. Rob Valetini, 25, Australia, back row

The wrecking ball from the capital is one of Australia’s most damaging ball-runners and is yet to reach full build. Despite his youth Valetini has been able to reach a level of consistency some veterans would be proud of.

Rob Valetini runs the ball against Fiji. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

26. Santiago Videla, 25, Chile, halfback

If there is one thing RWC 2023 has taught us, it’s that a stable and tested halfback is as crucial as a seasoned 10 or a working set-piece. Videla is showing poise and skills beyond his years and will be hitting his prime in 2027.

27. Ethan de Groot, 25, New Zealand, hooker

The barrel-chested man from the deep south is as tough as they come. The future of the NZ scrum is in good hands with de Groot – he is the perfect man to usher in the next generation of scrummagers.

The future of rugby looks bright with sensational players emerging from every corner of the world and in every position. If World Rugby can capitalise on the energy surrounding this tournament, then 2027 can be a true marvel for the world of sport.