"Remember the Name" Top 5 Breakout Stars of the 2023 Six Nations - Ruck

“Remember the Name” Top 5 Breakout Stars of the 2023 Six Nations

The 2023 Guinness Six Nations were decided last weekend, as Ireland won the Grand Slam for the first time since 2018. Andy Farrell’s side played up to their title as of World Rugby’s Number One ranked team, with a clean sweep of the opposition.

New faces emerged throughout the competition, and shone for their sides in ‘Rugby’s Greatest Championship’. Here are the top five breakout stars of the 2023 Six Nations.

#1. Ollie Chessum – England

Ollie Chessum of England beats the tackle of Matt Fagerson of Scotland during the Six Nations Championship, Calcutta Cup match between England and Scotland at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on February 4th 2023. – PHOTO: Phil Mingo/PPAUK

England lock Ollie Chessum had a fantastic showing in the 2023 Six Nations, comfortably in the top five performers for his country, in each match he played in. An unfortunate ankle injury in training ruled Chessum out of the competition’s finale against Ireland, with the Leicester Tigers man set to undergo surgery today.

Chessum has thrived under Steve Borthwick’s appointment as England Head Coach, as the former Tigers boss new all about the talented 22-year-old. Chessum was on the England fringes during the final months of the Eddie Jones era, and made his debut in England’s 33-0 whitewash of Italy in last years’ Six Nations.

Thomas Ramos of France in possession ahead of Ollie Chessum of England during the Guinness Six Nations match between England and France at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on Saturday 11th March 2023 | Photo: James Fearn/PPAUK.

However now, Chessum has established his name as a certifiable England starter, and built a world-class second row partnership with Maro Itoje. This duo looks like Borthwick’s preferred option for the 2023 Rugby World Cup, which Chessum should be able to make if his injury rehab goes according to schedule. Chessum plays with test-match confidence wise beyond his years, and better resembles a seasoned veteran than relative newcomer.

A workhorse in defence, making 32 tackles in 142 minutes. He has dropped down the statistics charts after missing the Ireland match, but his tireless work rate won over the England fans in the previous four rounds. He even scored his first international try in this years’ competition, crossing over against Italy, a year after his England debut.

A frustrated Ollie Lawrence of England during the Guinness Six Nations match between England and France at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on Saturday 11th March 2023 | Photo: James Fearn/PPAUK.

An honourable mention must go to Ollie Lawrence, as the centre stepped up with exciting performances throughout the competition. Already favoured by many over veteran powerhouse Manu Tuilagi, Lawrence has youth on his side and will be an England mainstay once the Sale Shark calls time on his international career.

CONTINUES ON PAGE TWO