Revisiting Sir Ian McGeechan's ’Four Young England Players to Watch’ list from 2020

byRugby Rucker

We revisit the four England youngsters that Sir Ian McGeechan included in his top 10 list of the best young players in the world from 2020.

#1. Marcus Smith

McGeechan said: "Smith’s progression from Brighton College 1st XV to the Harlequins 1st XV was rapid and well-timed, with Nick Evans stepping back to coach.

Marcus Smith of England scores a penalty during the Autumn Nations Match between England and Australia at Twickenham on 13 November 2021. Photo: Micah Crook/PPAUK

"I have watched a lot of him. He never looks flustered on the ball, which is the hallmark of a great player and he has been in and around the England squad without yet being capped. But one to watch, certainly."

Where is he now? The Quins stalwart has since became a regular for England and was also called up by Warren Gatland during the 2021 British & Irish Lions tour to New Zealand

Marcus Smith Facts:

Born in the Philippines to a British father and a Filipina mother, Smith started playing rugby union at the age of seven for Centaurs RFC when his family moved to Singapore
He moved to the United Kingdom at the age of thirteen and subsequently received a sports scholarship to attend Brighton College, where he captained the school's 1st XV
Smith was called up to the 2021 British and Irish Lions squad as injury cover for Finn Russell
His Dad played international rugby too, representing Hong Kong

#2. Cameron Redpath

McGeechan wrote: "Obviously, I know his father well, so I have followed Cameron’s career fairly closely. I like what I see. Tall, rangy, more of a centre than a 10.

"He was part of the West Brom football academy for two years, which means he has a top-quality skill set and vision off the ball.

"Scotland-qualified but seemingly destined to play for England. Eddie Jones has already had a look. Cameron was selected to go on the 2018 tour of South Africa, but had to pull out with injury. Big future."

Where is he now? His maiden performances in a Bath jersey earned the centre a call-up to the Scotland - a nation his dad, Bryan, made 60 appearances for - and he starred in a famous victory at Twickenham in 2021, being awarded man of the match.

Redpath has suffered some serious injuries in his young career to date but his dedication to rehabbing back to full fitness and becoming a better version of himself has been clear for all to see.

Cameron Redpath facts:

The centre was born in Narbonne, France
He came through the Sale Sharks academy and played 22 games for the club before joining Bath in February 2020
Bryan Redpath's nickname as a player was "Basil" and whilst at Sale his son was given the nickname "boom boom" as a result due to the association with the children’s television character Basil Brush

#3. Joe Simmonds

McGeechan said: "Probably the closest to an international call-up. Simmonds has quietly become an excellent fly-half with consistently good decision making and plays well under pressure.

Joe Simmonds, Captain of Exeter Chiefs converts during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Semi Final Match between Exeter Chiefs and Bath Rugby, behind closed doors at Sandy Park on 10 Oct 2020. Photo: Phil Mingo/ppauk/Gallagher.

"His kicking is incredibly accurate – there was a stage before Christmas when he was 26/26 in all competitions – and he has a great coaching group around him, with Rob Baxter and Ali Hepher, who I know well and really rate from our Northampton days."

Where is he now? Still no call-up. In 2020, Rob Baxter made Simmonds captain for the Champions Cup trip to Glasgow Warriors. By the end of the disrupted season, he would not only lead the Chiefs into two major finals against Racing 92 and Wasps, but he would lift both cups alongside club captain Jack Yeandle.

Things have dropped off since then, but Simmonds is starting to look back to his best for Exeter Chiefs the Gallagher Premiership.

Joe Simmonds facts:

Simmonds grew up in Teignmouth, Devon, where his father and uncle are both in the fishing industry
He is the elder brother of England number 8 Sam Simmonds
Simmonds is the youngest player to captain a side to victory in the final of the European Cup

#4. James Grayson

McGeechan wrote: "Another chip off the old block. Paul Grayson, his father, was one of my favourite players to coach – just a very clever, tactical player.

James Grayson of Northampton Saints kicks the conversion during the Gallagher Premiership Match between Exeter Chiefs and Northampton Saints at Sandy Park on 25 September 2021. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK

"He and I used to have long conversations about what we wanted to do out on the pitch, either one-on-one or with Matt Dawson as well. And when I watch James play I can almost imagine the conversation he has had with his dad."

Where is he now? Grayson top-scored for Saints with 142 points in 2019/20 and it was his kicking ability that allowed him to pass 500 Saints points during the 2021/22 campaign.

He hit the milestone in a 32-31 win over Harlequins at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens, a game in which Grayson nailed a priceless late penalty from distance which proved crucial in Northampton qualifying for the Premiership semi-finals that term. Still not close to an international call-up.

James Grayson facts:

Grayson began playing rugby at age 4 with Old Northamptonians where he spent 13 years working his way through the age groups
Educated at Northampton School for Boys and Moulton College, Grayson continued to play for club and school, captaining the Moulton team
Despite now playing at fly-half, his Northampton school master had him play at scrum half and full back, positions that Grayson admits he did not enjoy at the time but rounded his playing style
His Dad is retired fly-half, Paul Graysonwho won the 2003 Rugby World Cup with England Rugby and toured with the British and Irish Lions on their 1997 tour to South Africa