Gallagher Premiership's 12 youngest-ever players: Where are they now? - Page 4 of 4 - Ruck

Gallagher Premiership’s 12 youngest-ever players: Where are they now?

3. Anthony Watson – London Irish (17 years, 210 days)

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Speedster Anthony Watson made his bow for London Irish before joining Bath Rugby in the summer of 2013 and quickly made an impact at the Club.

The 2013 Junior World Championship winner is a natural athlete, equally at home at wing or fullback. Watson’s exceptional footwork and nose for the try-line has led him to 19 tries in 82 appearances for Bath, with countless more assists to his name.

He impressed for the British and Irish Lions during the summer and is one of the first names on the team-sheet for Eddie Jones and England.


2. Ben White – Leicester Tigers (17 years, 151 days)

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White made his Premiership debut for Tigers against Harlequins on 25 October 2015; at the age of 17 years and 151 days,  meaning he became the youngest player to play for Leicester in the Premiership.

The scrum-half is also the youngest professional player in Doncaster Knights history having made his debut against London Welsh on 23 April 2016.

He’s now backat Leicester and will be hoping for another opportunity in the first team in the coming months when Ben Youngs is on international duty.


1. David Doherty – Yorkshire Carnegie (17 years, 95 days) 

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Doherty was one of the most exciting prospects in English rugby when he made his debut against Northampton in May 2004 and was tipped as a future England international by the Guardian.

He joined Wasps after Leeds Tykes were relegated in 2006 but failed to impress before another unsuccessful stint with Sale Sharks. Doherty, who scored 49 tries in 107 games during two spells with Carnegie, is now Harrogate’s director of rugby and commercial director.