Eight years ago, these five England youngsters were backed to be superstars - Ruck

Eight years ago, these five England youngsters were backed to be superstars

In 2013, The Telegraph’s Mick Cleary picked 5 English youngsters who he expected to develop into stars for England during the next decade. 

Some have since shined for club and country while others have failed to establish themselves, retired or even been capped by another nation.

1. Jack Nowell

Often used on the wing, he is equally adept playing at centre or full-back, where his willingness to look for work, coupled with his ability to spot a gap and add the scoring finish, has made him a deadly performer for both club and country.

Alongside four of his Exeter club-mates he helped England Under-20s to lift the Junior World Cup in 2013, before making his senior international debut a year later against France.

He scored his first international try shortly after against Italy and has since go on to represent England in the 2015 Rugby World Cup, as well as helping the Red Rose country to lift the last two Six Nations titles.

A magnificent 2017, however, was crowned with him lifting the Premiership title in May against Wasps, then heading to New Zealand a month later to feature for the British & Irish Lions on their summer tour. In doing so he became Exeter’s first-ever Lions representative.

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