Meet the next generation of England wonderkids! The future's looking bright!

Tuesday, 09 November 2021 at 10:10

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byRugby Rucker

The future is undoubtedly bright for England with a bright group of young talents desperate to break through the system and work their way into the senior team.

It will be a tough ask for them because the Red Rose have entered an exciting new cycle with a fresh-faced squad, but Eddie Jones looks as though he will eventually be blessed with a difficult selection dilemma.

With the Six Nations to come, followed by the Rugby World Cup in 2023, there is plenty of time for these starlets to make their cases for inclusion and continue to shine at club level.

Here, RUCK tells you everything you need to know about who to look out for...

#1. Alfie Barbeary (Wasps)

Wherever the youngster plays in the Wasps pack, he tends to impress. Many within the England age-grade set up regard him as the best prospect they have ever seen with his power and athleticism obvious from the outset. He's officially a hooker by trade, but also plays in the back row and wouldn't mind having a crack at centre at pro level. His footwork is stunning, his handling deft, he scores tries for fun and carries the ball like a bulldozer. Everything about him is box office.

#2. Will Joseph (London Irish)

The centre began his rugby journey aged five at Newbury Blues with the sport running in the family. Elder brother Jonathan plays for Bath and England, while dad Ivan played for Northampton. He is one of a number of exciting youngsters in the London Irish ranks. The likes of Ben Loader, Ollie Hassell-Collins and Ben Donnell have already made significant impressions in the first team and Joseph is perhaps the latest to nail down his spot. A very talented player.

#3. Josh Hodge (Exeter Chiefs)

The former England U20 star had his moments last season, which included scoring a sensational try against Gloucester in the Premiership, but his opportunities were limited. He has all the skills, and will no doubt have a big part to play for Rob Baxter’s side moving forward. In 2020 he was also called up as an apprentice player for the Guinness Six Nations.

#4. Max Ojomoh (Bath)

He joined the Bath academy at 14, and is son of Bath legend Steve Ojomoh who won 11 caps for England. Quick and with an eye for a gap, he is a very classy and balanced runner. However, it is his playmaking skills which particularly excite us. The centre has a lovely passing game, showing some of those qualities in the Bath XV so far this season despite the clubs horrendous form. Max credits Wales international Jamie Roberts for giving him a good understanding of the game on and off the pitch.