These are some of the youngsters who could become the stars of 2022, according to the legendary Sir Ian McGeechan.
You can read his full article for The Telegraph by clicking here.
Below, we take a look at five of the players he singled out for praise by the legendary Lions coach heading into the new year.
#1. Tommy Freeman
- Club: Northampton Saints
- Age: 20
- Position: Fullback
McGeechan wrote: "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."
Tommy Freeman of Northampton Saints is tackled by Henry Purdy of Bristol Bears during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby match between Northampton Saints and Bristol Bears at Franklins Gardens, Northampton on March 21 2021. - PHOTO: Micah Crook/PPAUK
#2. Fin Smith
- Club: Worcester Warriors
- Age: 19
- Position: Fly-half
McGeechan wrote: "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? At 18 years and 292 days, Smith became only the second 18-year-old to play for Warriors in the top flight when he made his debut as a replacement against Gloucester Rugby at Kingsholm on the 27th February 2021
#3. Alfie Barbeary
- Club: Wasps
- Age: 21
- Position: Back-row
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."
DID YOU KNOW? Barbeary was a centre through most of his youth career, naming Ma'a Nonu and Mathieu Bastareaud as his ultimate references
#4. Jack Walker
- Club: Harlequins
- Age: 25
- Position: Hooker
McGeechan wrote: "Jack has everything you would want from a hooker: his throwing is accurate, his work rate ridiculously high, he’s defensively strong and has great game involvement."
DID YOU KNOW? Walker started playing at Fly-half before being moved to the forwards
Jack Walker of Harlequins during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Match between Harlequins and Saracens at Twickenham Stoop on 31 Oct 2021. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
#5. Joel Kpoku
- Club: Lyon
- Age: 22
- Position: Second-row
McGeechan wrote: "Maro Itoje really rates him, and no wonder because he’s a big lad who makes big hits, and there aren’t many large men who combine such physicality and skill."
DID YOU KNOW? Kpoku began playing rugby at school and joined rugby league side London Skolars at 12 years old
Joel Kpoku of Saracens during the Greene King IPA Championship match between Cornish Pirates and Saracens at Mennaye Field, Penzance on March 6. - PHOTO: Phil Mingo/PPAUK
