Josh Hodge – 19
Newcastle Falcons will look to the likes of Josh Hodge to spearhead their return to English rugby’s top flight. The 19-year-old full-back was one of the standout performers at the u20 WorldCup in the summer as he came away as top points scorer.
Hodge made eleven clean line breaks at the tournament in Argentina – the most by any player. This can be put down to his immense speed and footwork that has led to many Newcastle fans dubbing him as the new Matthew Tait – who also began his career at the Falcons.
Jones may look to Hodge as being the next in line to twenty-seven-year-old Elliot Daly at full-back.
Playing in the second tier of English rugby will make Hodge’s chances of inclusion slim – however against weaker opposition he is sure to be given more game time which will be vital to the development of this exciting prospect.