Whenever an up and coming prospect gets labelled as a ‘wonder-kid’ the weight upon their shoulders gets all the more heavier.
10 Years ago, an article by Wales Online picked out the stand-out young talents from the 2016 U20 World Championships, which was won by a phenomenal England class of age-group talents. In this article, we are taking a look back at the stand out wonder-kids from that tournament, and ask the eternal question once again; ‘where are they now?’
From decorated All Blacks and British & Irish Lions to NFL converts and everything in between, there have been plenty of polarising journeys from the stars of the U20 Junior World Rugby Championship.
WHERE ARE THEY NOW: TOP STARS OF U20 JUNIOR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
Jordie Barrett (New Zealand)
Back in 2016, Jordie Barrett was already carrying huge expectations as the next Barrett brother to rise through New Zealand rugby after Beauden and Scott. A skilful utility back, he broke through with Canterbury before becoming a Hurricanes regular and earning All Blacks selection in 2017. Over the next decade, he evolved into a world-class fullback, fly-half and centre, featuring in Rugby World Cup finals in 2019 and 2023. At club level, he starred for the Hurricanes before joining Leinster in 2024–25, winning the URC and reaching the Champions Cup semi-finals.
Junior Pokomela (South Africa)
Junior Pokomela was regarded as one of South Africa’s brightest back-row prospects in 2016, after captaining the age-grade sides and starring for the Junior Springboks at the World Rugby U20 Championship. A dynamic loose forward from Grey High School, he combined physicality with mobility and soon broke into senior rugby with the Southern Kings. He later became a key player for the Cheetahs and added URC experience with the Stormers. While he never won a Springbok cap, he built a solid and respected professional career.
Patelesio Tomkinson (New Zealand)
Sio Tomkinson was seen as a composed midfield talent coming through New Zealand’s elite pathway a decade ago. A standout at Otago Boys’ High School, he impressed for New Zealand Schools and the U20 side with his vision and strike running. He progressed into Otago’s senior setup before breaking into the Highlanders squad, where opportunities were limited in a strong back-line. He later became a steady Super Rugby performer, moved to the Dragons in the URC, and then returned down under to Western Force, and later Moana Pasifika, building a solid transcontinental career.
Dillon Lewis (Wales)
In 2016, Wales international Dillon Lewis was emerging as a powerful young tight-head prop from Cardiff’s academy system, already known for his scrummaging strength and maturity. He progressed quickly through Wales U20s and made his senior Cardiff debut at 18, becoming a reliable front-row option in the Pro12/URC. His consistency earned him a Wales debut in 2017 against Tonga, and he became a regular squad member across Six Nations campaigns. He later joined Harlequins before returning to the Dragons, surpassing 50 Wales caps in the process.
Curwin Bosch (South Africa)
A decade ago, Curwin Bosch was one of South Africa’s standout schoolboy play-makers, known for his composure, kicking range and game management at Grey High School. He topped South Africa’s U20 scoring charts at the World Rugby U20 Championship and quickly graduated into the Sharks setup. Bosch debuted in Super Rugby as a teenager and earned a Springbok cap in 2017 against Argentina. While he never fully locked down a long-term international role, he remained a consistent Sharks contributor before moving to Brive in France.
