As with every major international tournament, there’s always a number of players who stand apart from their fellow stars – making headlines across the world with their moments of show-stopping brilliance.
Ahead of the tournament, here’s 50 players who are set to shine at the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
AUSTRALIA:
| Michael Hooper | AUS |
| Adam Ashley-Cooper | AUS |
| Christian Lealiifano | AUS |
| James O’Connor | AUS |
Queensland-bound James O’Connor is waiting patiently to be confirmed in the Australia squad. The former Sale Sharks man is set to make his first appearance in over six years for the green and gold. The omission of highly controversial figure, Israel Folau, has provided Michael Chieka with some selection headaches that could see O’Connor become a key man for Australia.
NEW ZEALAND:
| Brodie Retallick | NZ |
| Beauden Barrett | NZ |
| Rieko Ioane | NZ |
| Kieran Read | NZ |
33-year old All Blacks captain Keiran Read has announced he will be retiring after this year’s tournament, having made over 100 appearances and won 2 World Cup titles. He’ll need no extra motivating to make it 3 in a row and write his name into legendary status of New Zealand rugby, before heading to play the remainder of his club career in Japan.