The Telegraph's 10 young England players to watch from 2015 seems cursed - Page 5 of 5 - Ruck

The Telegraph’s 10 young England players to watch from 2015 seems cursed

9. Will Fraser

They wrote: “The openside looked set for a place in England’s World Cup squad after outplaying Chris Robshaw in a Premiership match against Harlequins in September 2014 only to see his hopes dashed when he required surgery on a back injury in January. It was the latest in a series of injury setbacks by the 26 year-old is back to full fitness.”

Where he is now: The Saracens flanker was forced to retire at the age of 27 in 2017 due to a neck injury. Fraser hanging up his boots without an England cap to his name was nothing short of a travesty, but after 10 operations and a series of glorious highs and traumatic lows, he will forever be remembered as one of Saracens’ own “Class of 92”.


10. Ben Spencer

They wrote: “The 23-year-old is emerging as one of the most impressive performers of Saracens’ young guns, and having already starred for England Under-20s and Saxons’ sides, has formed a potent half-back partnership with Owen Farrell. A fellow goal-kicker, Spencer has the killing skills and tactical awareness to dominate contests.”

Where he is now: Five years later and he has finally escaped playing second fiddle to veteran Richard Wigglesworth at Sarries and is now the main man at Bath. However, Jones simply doesn’t seem to rate the 27-year-old with the playmaker being exiled since the World Cup final.

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