As with every major international tournament, there's always a number of players who stand apart from their fellow stars - making headlines across the world with their moments of show-stopping brilliance.
Ahead of the tournament, here's 50 players who are set to shine at the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
AUSTRALIA:
| Michael Hooper | AUS |
| Adam Ashley-Cooper | AUS |
| Christian Lealiifano | AUS |
| James O’Connor | AUS |
Queensland-bound James O’Connor is waiting patiently to be confirmed in the Australia squad. The former Sale Sharks man is set to make his first appearance in over six years for the green and gold. The omission of highly controversial figure, Israel Folau, has provided Michael Chieka with some selection headaches that could see O’Connor become a key man for Australia.
NEW ZEALAND:
| Brodie Retallick | NZ |
| Beauden Barrett | NZ |
| Rieko Ioane | NZ |
| Kieran Read | NZ |
33-year old All Blacks captain Keiran Read has announced he will be retiring after this year’s tournament, having made over 100 appearances and won 2 World Cup titles. He’ll need no extra motivating to make it 3 in a row and write his name into legendary status of New Zealand rugby, before heading to play the remainder of his club career in Japan.
IRELAND:
| Johnny Sexton | IRE |
| Tadhg Furlong | IRE |
| Cian Healey | IRE |
| Jacob Stockdale | IRE |
Try-scoring machine, Jacob Stockdale, will be ready to show the world exactly what he can do. Impressing for Ulster in the PRO 14 gave him the opportunity to shine in the Six Nations, where he finished top try scorer (7) back in 2018. There’s no doubt Stockdale will have his eyes set on becoming top scorer in this competition too. Still only 23 and has huge potential to fill in the coming years.
ENGLAND:
| Jamie George | ENG |
| Owen Farrell | ENG |
| Billy Vunipola | ENG |
| Joe Cokanasiga | ENG |
Another speedy winger that will be looking to make his mark on the rugby world as he aims to line up on the wing for England. Just 21 years old and has already shown glimpses of his talent during the Six Nations and Autumn tests. Cokanasiga will be one of many England players trying to recreate the spirit of 2003 and lift the Webb Ellis trophy.
SOUTH AFRICA
| Malcolm Marx | RSA |
| Faf De Klerk | RSA |
| Siya Kolisi | RSA |
| Cheslin Kolbe | RSA |
One of the most exciting backs in the world and a player that could side-step you in a phonebox. Cheslin Kolbe made his name in Super Rugby playing for Western Province and Stormers before moving over to Toulouse to challenge himself against the European elite. He’s had a huge season in the Top 14 and will be a key player for South Africa this year.
WALES:
| Joshua Adams | WAL |
| Jonathan Davies | WAL |
| Justin Tipuric | WAL |
| Liam Williams | WAL |
Wales and Saracens full-back, Liam Williams, will be running out of room to keep his medals after winning the Six Nations, Champions Cup and Premiership title in 2018/19. Arguably the best player in the world at the moment, the Swansea-born bomb defuser will be hoping to add another medal to his collection come November.
ARGENTINA
| Pablo Matera | ARG |
| Agustin Creevy | ARG |
| Nicolas Sanchez | ARG |
| Bautista Delguy | ARG |
After a great season for Jaguars in Super Rugby, Bautista Delguy has put himself forward to become a key player for Argentina this year. Despite some injury worries, the Pumas have themselves a real attacking threat that could help them reach the knock-out stages of the competition and surprise a few people.
SCOTLAND:
| Blair Kinghorn | SCO |
| Finn Russell | SCO |
| Tommy Seymour | SCO |
| Stuart McInally | SCO |
Scottish hooker and Edinburgh captain, Stuart McInally, is entering the peak of his talents and is playing some great rugby for club and country. He will be hoping to continue his great form into this tournament and could help Scotland cause an upset.
JAPAN:
| Michael Leitch | JAP |
| Ataata Moeakiola | JAP |
| Kotaro Matsushima | JAP |
The host country will be relying on their star players to have a big impact for their chances of progressing trough the pools. Kataro Matsushima will be one of those players desperate to show their talents and has all the skills to score plenty of tries in this competition. The South African-born fullback already has 13 tries for Japan and will have his eyes firmly set on increasing that figure.
SAMOA
| Tofatuimoana Solia | SAM |
| Afaesetiti Amosa | SAM |
| Rey Lee-Lo | SAM |
PRO 14 and Cardiff Blues followers will be well aware of Rey Lee-Lo’s talents and will know exactly why Samoa cannot be taken lightly during this World Cup. Having made over 50 appearances for the Welsh region, the electric centre will be hoping to cause defences some worries and take his regional form over to Japan with him.
FIJI
| Leone Nakarawa | FIJI |
| Semi Radradra | FIJI |
| Vilame Mata | FIJI |
| Joshua Tuisova | FIJI |
2 European cups, TOP 14 title and an Olympic gold medal isn’t bad going for 25-year-old Joshua Tuisova. Add to that over 100 appearances including 44 tries, the Fijian will be more than ready to step up and make his mark for his country.
TONGA:
| Siale Piutau | TON |
| Sam Lousi | TON |
Scarlets-bound Sam Lousi has faced some difficult time on the sidelines thanks to injury in recent months, but should be fully fit and firing for Tonga as they embark on their World Cup journey. Lousi currently plays second-row for Hurricanes before he moves to the PRO 14 next season.
ITALY:
| Matteo Minozzi | ITA |
| Tommaso Allan | ITA |
Benetton reached their first-ever PRO 14 play-off match last season and will have Tommaso Allan to thank for helping them get there. The 26-year-old is at the peak of his powers at the moment and will be looking to cause a big upset for Italy this year if he can eclipse his club form.
