4. Mark Wilson (England)
The flanker worked his way up the leagues with Blaydon in National One after having spells with Penrith RUFC and Kendal RUFC. Despite initially struggling to make his mark for the Falcons he eventually made the number six shirt his own. As a result of a string of fine performances, he’s gone onto win 17 caps under Eddie Jones.
5. Liam Williams (Wales)
The speedster was not picked up by any of the Welsh regional professional academies, and hence aged 16 started working as a trainee scaffolder at Port Talbot Steelworks, whilst continuing to play in his spare time. He was signed by Scarlets aged 20 and went onto become a star for club and country after making his Test debut in 2012. Now plays his club rugby at Saracens but will rejoin Scarlets in the summer.
6. Josh Adams (Wales)
It took little over 16 months to complete a meteoric rise through English rugby to win a place in Warren Gatland’s 2018 Six Nations squad. The winger was farmed out on loan to Cinderford, in National League One South, by his Premiership paymasters Worcester Warriors in 2015. He’s now a Wales regular and was the top try-scorer at the 2019 Rugby World Cup.