The best young players in world rugby: Marcus Smith, Marcos Kremer, Rieko Ioane... who are the superstars of the future?

The best young players in world rugby: Marcus Smith, Marcos Kremer, Rieko Ioane… who are the superstars of the future?

Who are the best young players in the world, the superstars of the future (or even the present)?

In no particular order…

1. Marcus Smith (England): Fly-half

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Born in the Philippines to a British father and a Filipina mother, Smith picked up the game of rugby union at the age of seven with Centaurs RFC when his family moved to Singapore.

Smith is the second youngest debutant featured in the Aviva Premiership at 18 years and 200 days old whose record is behind George Ford.

He’s currently serving as an apprentice to the England senior squad, seemingly setting the number 10 up for stardom.


2. Emiliano Boffelli (Argentina)

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This product of the Argentina youth system, Boffelli represented his country at U18, U19 and U20 level before a knee injury threatened to sideline him indefinitely.

But he came back stronger and quicker than ever and made his full international debut for the Pumas this year. Capable of playing all positions in the backline, the gifted footballer has settled down very well on the wing for the Argentinian national side.

Good on the air, solid on defence and capable of nailing long distances goal kicks, the 22-year-old is a great asset for the Pumas and has a bright future ahead of him.


3. Rieko Ioane (New Zealand): Winger

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The winger marked his New Zealand debut last November with a try against Italy, but it is in 2017 that he has truly made his mark on the test arena with eight tries in as many starts.

The 20-year-old scored twice in his first start against the British and Irish Lions at Eden Park and claimed another double in his first Bledisloe Cup match in August.

With pace and strength to burn, Ioane finished the Rugby Championship as joint-top try-scorer with five after beating the most defenders, making the most clean breaks and metres in the competition.

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