Six young players to watch out for in the 2019 Six Nations

Still not yet 21, Bamba has become the name on everyone’s lips with his astonishing displays from tighthead prop. A beast in the scrum, the Lyon powerhouse – on loan at former club Brive until the end of this season – is a giant waiting to be unleashed.

Equally capable at blind and openside, Wainwright impressed in the autumn and then tore it up for his region in the festive fixture list of derbies. And with Sam Warburton retired and Ellis Jenkins and James Davies injured, Wainwright is now ready to star in the Guinness Six Nations.

Cokanasiga, who made his breakthrough on the international stage during England’s autumn campaign, has been dubbed the 'next Jonah Lomu'. He can create havoc. You know he’s coming, but you’ve still got to stop him – and if there are two defenders and the England winger is five yards from the try line then all you can do is wish them luck. Because they are going to need it.

The 24-year-old has seven caps and counting for Italy – including three in last year’s Championship – but they have all come off the bench. However, his exploits this season have caught many an eye – and Conor O’Shea will be surely considering him for a first career Azzurri start during the 2019 Championship.

His twinkle toes make him a defender’s nightmare and – after his international debut off the bench against Wales in November – the youngster will be itching for a crack at Rugby’s Greatest Championship.

The New-Zealand born Irishman has been an exciting test match prospect for a few years now, having already made 16 appearances for his country. When he does play watch his great hands, his electric step and, if you can catch it in time, his first five yards.