Following an illustrious international career spanning 127 appearances for England and an additional two for the British & Irish Lions, Ben Youngs bid farewell to Test rugby on the grand stage of the World Cup’s bronze medal final, where his team faced Argentina.
During his recent appearance on The Rugby Pod, Youngs unveiled his list of four talented players poised to contend for the coveted No. 9 jersey for the upcoming World Cup cycle.
“In my opinion,” he told The Rugby Pod.
“The next group that I think will contest for that No9 and No21 shirt will be Mitch [Alex Mitchell], JvP [Jack van Poorvliet], it’s going to be Raffi Quirke if he can just stay fit and get a run of games.
“I still think Harry Randall has a lot to give, he can be a real impactful player in terms of his busy-ness, the way he plays the game, speed of ball and everything like that.
“So I think those four really, and no doubt now to the next World Cup in four years there will be someone that will come through.
“There will be [someone] from another club as well. So right now, I look at those four and think they’ve got some really good talent there that will battle it out.”
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Rugby Quiz:
The 30 best rugby players in the world have been ranked
#30. Dan Sheehan (Ireland)
A rising Irish hooker known for his powerful scrummaging and dynamic play in open field. Sheehan’s agility and tackling prowess make him a vital asset in set pieces and loose play alike, hinting at a promising future in international rugby
#29. Owen Farrell (England)
England’s steadfast captain and fly-half, Farrell’s tactical brilliance and accurate kicking guide his team’s gameplay. Renowned for his leadership, his defensive grit and ability to control the game’s pace make him a linchpin in England’s rugby strategy.
Wales Online wrote: “The 31-year-old has been in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons recently but is a player you’d rather play with than against. Farrell is a natural leader of men, and will play a crucial role if England are to drag themselves out of the rut they find themselves in.”
#28. Thibaud Flament (France)
A versatile lock for France, Flament’s towering presence in the lineout and ferocious work rate define his style. With his strong carrying and breakdown skills, he is a force to be reckoned with in both set-piece dominance and open-field encounters.
#27. Shannon Frizell (New Zealand)
Frizzell’s imposing physique and aggressive ball-carrying mark him as a formidable All Black flanker. His offloading ability, coupled with his defensive prowess, cements his position as a player who consistently makes his presence felt on the field.
#26. Steven Kitshoff (South Africa)
An anchor of the Springboks’ scrum, Kitshoff’s experience and technical expertise are unmatched. His exceptional work rate and relentless tackling contribute to his reputation as a reliable front-row stalwart, key to South Africa’s forward dominance.