5 players to watch in the URC this season

The United Rugby Championship is more than just a battleground for established internationals — it’s also a stage where the next generation can announce themselves.

Each of the five competing nations have young stars on the cusp of making a major impact. Here are five players you need to keep a close eye on this season.

Sam Prendergast (Leinster)

Ireland’s conveyor belt of talent shows no sign of slowing down, and Sam Prendergast is at the front of the queue.

Calm, composed and creative, the 22-year-old fly-half has been thrust into the limelight already for both club and country.

While he still has much to learn, Prendergast blends tactical control with natural flair — he’s the kind of player who can change a game with one pass or perfectly weighted kick, and exactly what you want from a modern 10.

Ben Afshar (Glasgow Warriors)

Dynamic, sharp and fearless, Ben Afshar is one of the most exciting young nines in Scottish rugby. Having come through the U20 system, he’s now breaking into Glasgow’s senior squad. His snappy service and ability to spot gaps make him a livewire presence around the fringes.

The 22-year-old has the spark to inject real pace and unpredictability into games and will be looking to get some proper minutes at Glasgow this season.

Cameron Winnett (Cardiff)

Still just 22, Cameron Winnett has already earned international recognition thanks to his fearless displays for Cardiff.

A full-back with safe hands under pressure and a willingness to counter from deep, he looks every inch a long-term option for Wales in the 15 jersey.

The speedster has that natural Welsh flair from the backfield — one broken tackle or one kick-return run can tilt momentum in an instant.

He scooped the URC Ironman award last season with more minutes (1427) played than any other player in the competition.

Tommaso Di Bartolomeo (Zebre Parma)

Italy’s U20s have been producing talent at a remarkable rate, and Di Bartolomeo is one of the most exciting forwards to step up. Already trusted with minutes at Zebre, he’s a mobile hooker who thrives in the loose while keeping his set-piece duties sharp.

His energy and dynamism around the park make him a modern hooker — one who can pop up as an extra ball-carrier or link player, adding tempo to Zebre’s attack.

Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (DHL Stormers)

Highly rated in South African rugby circles, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu has already shown flashes of brilliance for the DHL Stormers.

He’s the type of player who can create something from nothing. If given consistent minutes, his versatility and flair could see the DHL Stormers be real contenders this season.

The URC is packed with world-class internationals, but it’s these emerging names who could really light up the competition this season. From Prendergast’s composure to Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s flair, these five represent the next wave of stars ready to make their mark across Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Italy and South Africa.