Five of the best ‘rags to riches’ International rugby players

That said, there have been instances of several current international rugby stars who have taken unorthodox routes to the summit of the sport.

The lock has been an international mainstay for years following a testing start to his rugby career.  Harlequins decided not to offer Launchbury a professional contract at 18, the lock left Quins and joined the then National League 2 South side Worthing for the 2009–10 season.

His performances at the South coast club under Will Green, the then head coach and former London Wasps player, saw him recommend Launchbury to his former club. He played in several A-League matches for Wasps and, after a spell training with the Eastern Province Kings in South Africa, signed a full time contract in 2010.

There was still work to do for the young forward though as he also joined National League 1 side Rosslyn Park on loan to gain senior experience. Through his hard work Launchbury has since become a stalwart in the Wasps side and following his incredible journey has now won 65 caps for England

It took Josh Adams a little over 16 months to complete a meteoric rise through English rugby to win a place in Warren Gatland’s Wales squad for the 2018 Six Nations Championship. In the 2015-16 season, the 22-year-old former Scarlets Academy wing was farmed out on loan to Cinderford, in National League One South, by his Aviva Premiership paymasters Worcester Warriors. He's now won 28 caps, scoring 14 tries.

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 Newcastle Falcons. During his time at Kingston Park he became a fan favourite, catching the eye of Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend, which led to him making his test debut during the 2018 Six Nations, and he has since accumulated 16 caps.

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 Newcastle Falcons he eventually made the number six shirt his own. As a result of a string of fine performances, he made his England debut in the 1st summer test against Argentina and has since become a regular under Eddie Jones, accumulating 17 caps.

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. 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.