87. Nathan Hughes – England & Wasps
Position: Number 8 Age: 26
Since qualifying for England through residency in 2016, Nathan Hughes has become a regular under Eddie Jones and played a significant role as the men in white retained the Six Nations before touring Argentina in the summer. Hughes has specifically impressed with his confrontational ball carrying in the absence of the injured Billy Vunipola. The Number eight was also the man of the match in the Premiership final despite Wasps eventual defeat to Exeter.
Highlight: His man of the match display as England overcame Argentina 21-8 in their first autumn international of 2017 at Twickenham
86. Alex Dunbar – Scotland & Glasgow
Position: Centre Age: 27
The tartan battering ram is an integral part of a very impressive Scotland backline, winning nine caps in 2017, which included back-to-back wins against Australia, to take his total to 29. Dunbar invariably makes it over the gain-line with his powerful legs and has formed a very effective midfield partnership with Huw Jones. He also reached 100 games for Glasgow on the domestic front.
Highlight: His fantastic try against Ireland in the Six Nations.
85. Chris Ashton – Toulon
Position: Winger Age: 30
Despite exiling himself from England selection this year, the swan diving winger has had a very productive 2017. He kicked it off by helping to Saracens to a second consecutive Champions Cup while also moving clear as the all-time top try scorer in the competition with 37 scores, leapfrogging Frenchman Vincent Clerc and Brian O’Driscoll in the process. Since joining Toulon, he’s been lighting up the Top 14 and has scored 13 tries in 12 appearances, which has established the 30-year-old as very much a fan favourite at Stade Mayol.
Highlight: Scoring the opening try of the Champions Cup final as Saracens beat Clermont. The ‘Ash Splash’ featured, of course.
84. Damian McKenzie – New Zealand & Chiefs
Position: Fullback Age: 22
The versatile and upbeat Damian McKenzie has taken things up a gear in 2017 and has been one of the standout players in Super Rugby and for the All Blacks. In his 11 Tests, the diminutive full-back has already proved he is a natural-born entertainer with his blistering pace, wonderful awareness and magician’s hands. He has come a long way in a short time for New Zealand, scoring five tries this calendar year, and will no doubt feature higher and higher up this list in years to come.