Former British and Irish Lions had coach and Telegraph Sport columnist Sir Ian McGeechan selects the hottest prospects who he expects to take the game by storm.
WALES | Louis Rees-Zammit
"You cannot put a price on outright pace. Rees-Zammit has it in abundance, and, combined with his finishing ability, you begin to understand why the hype surrounding him has been so intense."
He was enjoying an unbelievable breakthrough season with Gloucester in the Premiership when coronavirus hit.
It would have been good to see him in a Welsh jersey against Italy – an ideal opportunity, particularly as he was playing with such confidence. A first cap cannot be far away.
SCOTLAND | Jamie Dobie
"I have not seen a huge amount of Dobie, but I hear good things. Went straight from school into a full-time contract, which is quite rare.
"He has George Horne and Ali Price ahead of him in the Glasgow and Scotland pecking order – neither of whom is exactly thinking of retiring anytime soon – but that is great for him and for club and country.
"It will raise standards all round. Game-time management will be key to development.
FRANCE | Jordan Joseph
"A player who could be the future of a very exciting France back row. Already part of the Racing 92 1st XV.
"Not yet capped at senior international level, but a crucial cog of the France teams who won the World Rugby Under-20 Championships in 2018 and 2019.
"He played football up to the age of 13, which encourages “head-up” vision to see things early. A powerful runner with good hands and a skilful offload game."
IRELAND | Caelan Doris
"Another one off the Leinster independent schools production line (Blackrock College) and one of the standout No 8s in this season’s Champions Cup.
"It is one thing coming through so young, but another to do it at Leinster, where the competition is so fierce. His ball-carrying, physicality and handling mark him out as a special talent.
"I would expect him to go on to win many Ireland caps."
ENGLAND | Marcus Smith
"A bit of a throwback to my era in terms of his size (just 12.5 stone). But what a huge talent.
"Smith’s progression from Brighton College 1st XV to the Harlequins 1st XV was rapid and well-timed, with Nick Evans stepping back to coach.
"I have watched a lot of him. He never looks flustered on the ball, which is the hallmark of a great player and he has been in and around the England squad without yet being capped. But one to watch, certainly."
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- Jordie Barrett over Damian de Allende is far from being correct. The hype around Dupont is also overreaching, he's probably 4th in the world and has been since the 2023 WC. He also avoids certain matchups which is strange. The rest of the list is pretty good apart from minor subjective biases.JasonMarlow16-09-2026
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