World U23 XV: The next generation
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We've compiled our best XV of U23 players from across the world after a busy season finally draws to a close. Did we miss anyone? If so let us know on twitter (@ultimaterugby)!
1. Ellis Genge - England (23)
Named Land Rover Aviva Premiership Discovery of the Season, Genge has a had a breakthrough year in his first full season with Leicester Tigers.
The strong ball carrier & powerful scrummager pushed his way into the England squad for this summers' tour of Argentina. Eddie Jones will be tracking this guy closely over the next few years.
2. Asafo Aumua - New Zealand (20)
One of the stars of this year's U20 World Championship in Georgia. Asafo Aumua destroyed several sides throughout the tournament and bagged himself a fantastic hattrick in the final.
We are bound to see more of this guy in the 2018 Super Rugby season.
3. Allan Alaatatoa - Australia (23)
Son of former Samoan international Vili Alaalatoa, Allan represented Australia at 3 consecutive U20 World Cups in 2012,2013 & 2014.
The prop has played in every game for the Brumbies in Super Rugby season & made 9 Wallabies appearances to date.
4. Maro Itoje - England (22)
In no need of an introduction, the most decorated player of his age category. Itoje has already won the Euopean Player of the Year, Aviva Premiership, 2 Champions Cups, 2 6 Nations (1 Grandslam), 1 Anglo Welsh Cup, 1 U20 World Cup & 1 Summer Tour in Australia.
Itoje is an England captain in the making and we will be hoping he can show his qualities agains the All Blacks this weekend.
5. Jonny Gray - Scotland (23)
An unfortunate ommission from this summers' Lions Tour. Gray has been an absolute machine for Scotland & Glasgow in the past year with a 97% tackle percentage for the 2016/17 season. Workhorse
6. Zach Mercer - England (20)
A nomination for RPA Young Player of the Year is enough to show that Mercer has made an impression on English rugby this year with 12 appearances for Bath & an impressive performance at the World U20 Championship.
Named at flanker in our list, but usually a number 8, Mercer is tipped for big things with a long England International future ahead.
7. Tom Curry - England (19)
Curry only made his debut for England a couple of weeks ago at the tender age of 18 making an impressive 14 tackles against Los Pumas. A wirey & energetic #7 set for big things in the future.
8. Juarno Augustus - South Africa (19)
Named World U20 Championship Player of the Tournament in Georgia this year. The Stormers man is an absolute wrecking ball of a number 8 who scored 7 tries in 5 games as South Africa finished 3rd at this year's tournament.
9. Gela Aprasidze - Georgia (19)
Recently snapped up by Montpellier, Aprasidze was another star of the JWC this year. His massive boot & sniping runs caught the eye of many during the tournament including an absolute stunner against Ireland on the final day of the tournament.
One of Georgia's shining lights.
10. Joey Carbery - Ireland (21)
Carbery enjoyed a breakthrough season for Leinster winning Guinness Pro 12 Young Player of the Year while also being part of Ireland's historic win over New Zealand back in November in Chicago. Whether his future lies at 15 or 10 this guy has it all with pace, footwork & skills.
11. Rieko Ioane - New Zealand (20)
Scoring 3 tries against the Lions at the age of 20 is enough reason to be in the list. Ioane has pushed Julian Savea out of the All Blacks squad and continues to impress as he has for the Blues all season in Super Rugby.
12. Anton Lienart-Brown - New Zealand (22)
Another All Blacks who is showing maturity beyond his years. Lienert-Brown has been an absolute force for the Chiefs this year with 20 offloads for the season.
13. Garry Ringrose - Ireland (22)
After settling into the 13 jersey for Ireland in the 6 Nations this year, Ringrose continues to improve and show his worth.
His lightening pace & step always keep defenders on their toes & he has quite the boot on him as we saw in Japan a couple of weeks ago!
14. Anthony Watson - England (23)
One of the youngest Lions squad members, Watson scored the first try of the tour against the Provincial Barbaians in Rotorua. Watson scored 5 tries for Bath in this season's Aviva Premiership after battling back from an injury ridden period.
15. Jordie Barrett - New Zealand (20)
Younger brother of Beauden, Jordie has burst onto the scene in Super Rugby this season for the Hurricanes. Barrett has scored 6 tries in his debut season and pushed his way into the All Blacks squad to make his debut at just 20 years old - frightening!
