5. Tommaso Menoncello – Italy
Italy continue to narrow the gap on the other five competing nations, and Kieran Crowley builds his new and improved Azzuri. Italy were unable to record a win in the 2023 Six Nations, and where disappointed by the defeat to Wales in the penultimate round of the championship. However, impressive performances saw Italy take France to the very limit, with Fabien Galthie’s side lucky to avaoid an upset for the ages.
Other strong performances saw Paolo Garbisi, Ange Capuozzo and Michele Lamaro all staring for their country, with the latest edition of Tommaso Menoncello making headlines of his own. The 20-year-old centre is the latest star in the young Italian squad, who will be a certifiable threat in the next five years. Menoncello made 224m with the ball in hand, as the young centre was not afraid to express himself on the pitch.
The Benetton star has been making waves in the United Rugby Championship, and captured the attention of the international audience at the 2023 Six Nations. The centre is tough to stop when he gets his tail up, and broke the tackle attempts of seven defenders. Able to step his opponent or use his deceptive power to crash through the contact, Menoncello is a young talent that is only going to improve with experience.
Defensively sound as well, Menoncello made 28 tackles in his 297 minutes of game time throughout the competition. Italy have another gem on their hands to add to their collection, with the set hoping to shine bright and prove their strengths at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.