Saracens contract rebel signs new one-year deal after surprise U-turn - Page 3 of 3 - Ruck

Saracens contract rebel signs new one-year deal after surprise U-turn

4. Maro Itoje

  • Current number of caps: 38
  • Age at the start of RWC 2023: 28

The first name on the teamsheet in 2023. We will be shocked if he isn’t still a key figure.

5. Nick Isiekwe

  • Current number of caps: 3
  • Age at the start of RWC 2023: 25

Has often played second fiddle to the likes of George Kruis and Courtney Lawes, but we’re backing the exciting youngster to step up and make the number five shirt his own in the next four years.

6. Tom Curry

  • Current number of caps: 23
  • Age at the start of RWC 2023: 25

Having found success with the England age-group sides and regularly impressed in the Premiership with Sale Sharks, the flanker was fast-tracked into the senior England set-up in 2017, aged just 18. His pace, work rate and skill set suggest he has a long international career ahead of him.

7. Sam Underhill

  • Current number of caps: 18
  • Age at the start of RWC 2023: 27

One of the most exciting talents in the Northern Hemisphere, Underhill arrived at Bath Rugby for the 2017/18 season, after two seasons with Pro 12 outfit Ospreys. As long as he can avoid major injuries, we’re excited to see him and Curry form one of the most devastating flanker partnerships in rugby history.

8. Sam Simmonds

  • Current number of caps: 7
  • Age at the start of RWC 2023: 28

A serious injury ended the Exeter mans hopes of being in Japan. Although Billy Vunipola will be only 30 in 2023, we don’t think his body will be able to still go at the same level. A strong ball carrier, Simmonds seems like the natural successor.