7. Anthony Belleau (France): Fly-half
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The 21-year-old made an impressive debut for France against the All Blacks and has now racked up 18 points in two Test appearances. The Toulon playmaker looks like he belongs at this level and will be a player to watch heading into the 2018 Six Nations.
8. Joey Carbery (Ireland): Fly-half
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Joey Carbery started 2016 playing for Clontarf and finished it with three caps, the first coming against New Zealand in Chicago when he replaced Jonny Sexton with 22 minutes to go and coolly guided his forwards around the field to help Ireland achieve a historic victory over the All Blacks.
He’s now accumulated, aged 22, doubled his cap total to six but more importantly has established himself in the Leinster team. Definetly one of the most exciting prospects in the world rugby.
9. Zach Mercer (England): Flanker
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What can you say about the charismatic 20-year-old that’s not already said? Yes, there are the flash things- like the amazing offloads and tries. But there is more to Mercer’s game than that.
Many people’s U20 player of the tournament, Mercer is one of the most exciting English prospects in a long time and is now serving as an apprentice with Eddie Jones squad during the Autumn Internationals.