6 players who went from the National League to Six Nations

Johnson played for Chinor, Reading and Coventry before joining Exeter in 2007, playing a key role when the club won promotion to the Premiership in 2010. After a storming first season in the top-flight, the back-rower was called up to the England Saxons for the 2011 Churchill Cup and after impressing made his Test debut a year later. He went onto win 10 caps, which includes two Six Nations appearances against Wales and Italy in 2014.

Playing for National League One side Tynedale for five years between 2009 and 2014, the centre scored a try on his professional debut for the Falcons. He's since become a fleet footed attacker, catching the eye of Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend, which led to him making his test debut during the 2018 Six Nations. He's since moved on to Gloucester and currently has 10 caps for his country.

Harlequins decided not to offer Launchbury a professional contract at 18, which led to the lock signing for then National League 2 South side Worthing in 2009. His performances at that level led to him getting a trial at Wasps where he eventually won a full-time deal. He’s since gone onto captain the black and golds while establishing himself as an England regular.

The flanker worked his way up the leagues with Blaydon in National One after having spells with Penrith RUFC and Kendal RUFC. Despite initially struggling to make his mark for the Falcons he eventually made the number six shirt his own. As a result of a string of fine performances, he's gone onto win 17 caps under Eddie Jones.

The speedster was not picked up by any of the Welsh regional professional academies, and hence aged 16 started working as a trainee scaffolder at Port Talbot Steelworks, whilst continuing to play in his spare time. He was signed by Scarlets aged 20 and went onto become a star for club and country after making his Test debut in 2012. Now plays his club rugby at Saracens but will rejoin Scarlets in the summer.

It took little over 16 months to complete a meteoric rise through English rugby to win a place in Warren Gatland’s 2018 Six Nations squad. The winger was farmed out on loan to Cinderford, in National League One South, by his Premiership paymasters Worcester Warriors in 2015. He's now a Wales regular and was the top try-scorer at the 2019 Rugby World Cup.