#2. Darcy Graham (Scotland)
- Age: 25
- Club: Edinburgh
- Position: Winger, Fullback
Gatland wrote: “I think his club form with Edinburgh has been sensational. He’s such a livewire as a player and I’ve been really impressed with him over the last 12 months.
“His ability to beat defenders, his footwork, he’s quick, he gets lots of touches and pops up in midfield. He’s definitely not a big man, but I have been really impressed with the way he has developed.”
Darcy Graham facts:
- Graham played for Hawick Rugby Club, playing in the Scottish Cup final aged only 17
- He has represented Scotland’s senior side, Scotland under 18s, Scotland under 20s and Scotland 7s
- His first international try came in the 2019 Six Nations match against Wales at Murrayfield, and he subsequently scored two tries against England in the Calcutta Cup
- Graham was part of Scotland’s squad for the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan
#3. Jamison Gibson-Park (Ireland)
- Age: 30
- Club: Leinster
- Position: Scrum-half
Gatland wrote: “The key is Johnny Sexton, but you cannot underestimate the importance of Gibson-Park. He was the one player in the series in New Zealand who really controlled Ireland’s game; his subtleties in terms of bringing the ball off rucks, his sniping game, bringing the forwards into it.”
Jamison Gibson-Park facts:
- Gibson-Park was born, and spent the first 10 years of his life on Great Barrier Island
- The Māori All Blacks selected him for the 2012 end of year tour to England, playing against domestic club team Leicester Tigers, an invitational RFU Championship XV, and ending against the Canadian national team
- In August 2019, Gibson-Park became eligible to play for Ireland under the World Rugby’s eligibility rules
- His nickname is “Gypsy Danger” after the character in the film Pacific Rim