The Telegraph picked 5 English youngsters who they expected to develop into star in 2009.
Although a number of them have shined in the years that followed, others have failed to establish themselves or even retired.
1. Courtney Lawes
What they said: The hard-hitting 20-year-old lock forward has already been tipped as a future England international, by none other than Martin Johnson. Made a telling contribution to Northampton’s excellent Heineken Cup win against Munster at Franklin’s Gardens on Saturday.
Now? 80 England caps and 2 Lions caps from their tour of New Zealand proved the Guardian was on the money again here.
