Sir Ian McGeechan identified ten promising young rugby talents back in 2020, believing they were destined to make a major impact on the international stage.
Six years later, some have become genuine Test stars and Lions, while others have taken very different routes – including moves to Japan, France and even the NFL.
Here’s what happened to McGeechan’s ten youngsters tipped for greatness.
1. Marcus Smith, England
Sir Ian McGeechan’s 2020 prediction:
“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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What happened next:
McGeechan was certainly on the money with this one.
Smith made his England debut in 2021 and quickly established himself on the international stage. He also helped Harlequins win the Premiership in 2021.
He was called up by the British & Irish Lions in 2021 and toured again in 2025, starting the second Test against Australia.
Smith remains a major part of the England set-up in 2026, although competition for the playmaking roles has intensified with George Ford and Fin Smith also pushing for selection.
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2. Jordan Joseph, France
McGeechan’s 2020 prediction:
“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.”
What happened next:
Joseph hasn’t quite developed into the automatic France starter McGeechan envisaged, but he has broken into the senior international set-up.
After developing with Racing 92 and spending time with Pau, the powerful back-rower returned to Racing and eventually earned senior recognition with France.
He has now made four senior appearances for Les Bleus, while he featured 12 times in the 2025/26 Top 14 campaign and scored four tries.
Still only in his mid-20s, there remains plenty of time for Joseph to establish himself more permanently at Test level.
