Rugby union has an incredible crop of young talent, with several players already making their mark on the international stage.
The next generation is proving they can compete with the very best, while some are already becoming household names.
With so much exciting potential emerging across the game, we look at the 10 best young rugby players aged 23 or younger who are taking the sport by storm.
10 Zachary Porthen
A powerful front-rower who thrives in physical battles, Porthen combines impressive scrummaging strength with mobility around the pitch.
South Africa's production line of forwards continues to deliver, and the Stormers youngster looks like another prospect capable of reaching the very top.
Already with seven Springbok caps, the 22-year-old is incredibly physical and continues to impress at the highest level.
9 Dafydd Jenkins
Still only 23, Jenkins has already captained both Wales and Exeter Chiefs. His leadership, lineout expertise and physical presence make him one of the most impressive young forwards in world rugby.
He made his Wales debut against Georgia and was appointed national captain ahead of the 2024 Six Nations. Despite injury setbacks, Jenkins returned in 2025 and was selected for the 2026 Six Nations.
8 Yaqeen Ahmed
Recently called up to the Springboks' autumn squad before subsequently being withdrawn, the 20-year-old is a South African fly-half who plays for the Stormers and represents the Junior Springboks.
Educated at Wynberg Boys' High School, Ahmed featured for Western Province U18 at Craven Week in 2024 and 2025 before progressing to the national U18 side.
He joined the Stormers in 2025 and made his South Africa U20 debut in 2026.
Ahmed finished as the U20 Rugby Championship's top points scorer, helping South Africa claim their first title. He also made his South Africa A debut against Zimbabwe, scoring a try and three conversions before receiving a red card.
7 Guy Pepper
Although Pepper is set to miss the Nations Championship through injury, he has already established himself as an important member of Steve Borthwick's England squad.
Born in 2003, he attended Barnard Castle School and Durham University, having overcome arthritis during his childhood.
Pepper began his professional career with Newcastle Falcons in 2021 before joining Bath in 2024. He was named Man of the Match in Bath's 2025 Premiership final victory over Leicester Tigers.
After representing England at age-group level, he made his senior debut against Argentina in 2025, helping secure a 2-0 series victory. He also scored against Fiji in 2026.
6 Noah Caluori
Still just 20, Caluori is one of England's most exciting young talents, and his performances suggest the hype is fully justified.
Born in 2006 to Swiss and Nigerian parents, he attended St Dunstan's College and Mill Hill School before progressing through Saracens' academy.
Caluori made his Premiership debut in September 2025, scoring five tries in his first start.
He finished the 2025-26 season as joint top try-scorer with 18 and was named Premiership Breakthrough Player of the Year.
After representing England at age-group level, he made his senior debut against Fiji in July 2026, scoring a try.
5 Ethan Hooker
The Sharks centre and wing has enjoyed a remarkable rise, particularly considering the limited opportunities he received coming out of school.
Hooker made his Springbok debut against Italy in July 2025 before earning his second cap against New Zealand. He made his first Test start on the right wing in Wellington, helping South Africa secure a record victory.
His physicality and attacking threat quickly earned widespread praise, while he scored his first international try against Italy in Turin that November.
Following an impressive breakthrough season, Hooker was nominated for the 2025 World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year award.
4 Peter Lakai
The only All Black on this list, Lakai was part of the Hurricanes squad that won the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season.
Already with more than 15 Test caps, he has established himself as a dependable back-rower, combining a low centre of gravity with explosive ball-carrying and an impressive work rate.
His playing style draws comparisons with Ardie Savea, despite Lakai actually being bigger than the All Blacks captain. Many already view him as a potential successor to one of New Zealand's greatest forwards.
3 Immanuel Feyi-Waboso
It is difficult to believe Feyi-Waboso is just 23 given the quality he has already shown. Injuries have prevented him from fully hitting his stride, but the England winger has provided plenty of glimpses of his incredible ability.
Born in Wales, he represents England and is widely regarded as one of the first names on the teamsheet when fit. His pace, power and positional intelligence make him a nightmare for opposition defenders.
A devastating winger at his best, Feyi-Waboso was shortlisted for the 2024 Breakthrough Player of the Year award.
2 Henry Pollock
Pollock made a major impact off the bench during England's 45-22 demolition of Australia, replacing the injured Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and scoring twice in 40 minutes on the wing.
The 21-year-old has now scored five tries in this year's Nations Championship, with only Will Jordan managing more. Pollock has averaged a try every 22 minutes across his 110 minutes of action.
His rise has been remarkable, with the Northampton Saints forward becoming one of rugby's most talked-about young talents.
Big tackles, outrageous celebrations and a willingness to get under the skin of opponents have made Pollock impossible to ignore.
He has already represented England and toured Australia with the British & Irish Lions, despite still being just 21.
1 Louis Bielle-Biarrey
One of the most lethal finishers in world rugby, regardless of age, Bielle-Biarrey has become a genuine superstar of the international game.
His blistering pace, footwork and instinct for finding the try line make him a nightmare for defenders, with the 23-year-old already boasting an extraordinary list of achievements.
He has won Six Nations Player of the Tournament twice, broken his own record for the most tries in a single Six Nations campaign, become Bordeaux's record try-scorer and claimed back-to-back Champions Cups and Six Nations titles.
A generational talent who continues to redefine what is possible on the wing.
