"A very special player" - Sir Ian McGeechan names FIVE England stars with most potential

Knighted in the 2010 New Year’s Honours List, the former Lions coach is distinguished as one of Rugby’s most popular and well regarded figures.

And now the 75-year-old, who remains as enthusiastic and passionate for the game as ever, had his say on the most exciting talent on the cusp of breaking through to the England set-up with also a mention for an All Blacks legends son.

Check out his full selection below:

McGeechan wrote: "Freeman is my one to watch. A talented footballer and prolific finisher who can play anywhere in the back three, he runs outstanding lines, has good hands, and wonderful distribution skills.

"He’s strong under the high ball, has good game awareness and a strong work ethic – in fact it’s difficult to see any obvious weaknesses in the 20-year-old’s game."

McGeechan wrote: "Smith, who is not 20 until May and made his Warriors debut aged 18 and got his chance when Duncan Weir headed back to Scotland.

"He’s not lightning quick, or big, or a sledgehammer tackler, but he has a remarkable composure that belies his years. His game-management, kicking game and timing of passes marks him out as a very special player I rate very highly."

DID YOU KNOW? Smith is the grandson of Scotland and Lions prop Tom Elliot, making him both English and Scottish qualified

McGeechan wrote: "The son of Bath favourite Steve may not play in the back row like his father, but he has that same dynamism. Ojomoh has established himself in the Bath side this season, and has been a class act in a losing team, which is no mean feat. He is good at involving other players, and is particularly good in contact where he ensures his hands remain free to put team-mates away.

"With good distributive skills and excellent decision-making under pressure, he will go a long way."

DID YOU KNOW? He is the son of former Bath Rugby and England player, Steve Ojomoh.

McGeechan wrote: "This was a difficult choice, but presently I think Quirke stands ahead of Leicester Tigers’ outstanding Jack van Poortvliet, who is yet another excellent player to come out of East Anglia. England have been reliant on Ben Youngs for longer than I care to remember, but the presence of this pair and other challengers like Harry Randall has prompted Youngs to redefine his game.

"I still think, however, that Quirke could come through before the 2023 World Cup. With England’s faster game, his speed, tempo and eye for a break are exactly what’s needed and complement Marcus Smith, and his try against South Africa in the Autumn highlighted the potential and quality he carries."

DID YOU KNOW? Quirke was also a triathlete, following in the footsteps of both of his parents, becoming North-West champion at triathlon when 12 or 13

McGeechan wrote: "Few players can impact a game like the former Wasps hooker who switched to the back row. Still just 21, he has been out injured but remains one of the most impressively powerful ball-carriers I’ve ever seen in the Premiership.

"With a high work rate, great support lines, heavy tackling and a natural ability to read the game. If he can stay injury free, 2022 could be his breakthrough year.

"My other back row one-to-watch is London Irish’s outrageously talented teenager Lucas Brooke."

DID YOU KNOW? Barbeary was a centre through most of his youth career, naming Ma'a Nonu and Mathieu Bastareaud as his ultimate references