The stars of the future who will light up the World Rugby U20 Championship

Morgan Morse in action for Wales U20.

The World Rugby U20 Championship kicks off this weekend as the 12 competing nations battle it out for the trophy while players also look to make a name for themself.

Ahead of the action on Saturday, we have picked out a dozen players to follow over the coming weeks in South Africa as France look to defend the crown they won in 2023.

Alberto Carmona (Spain)

Already a Spanish international, the back three player, who is starting at centre on Saturday, is an exciting youngster coming through a system which is developing nicely. Spain are one of the up and coming nations and Carmona perfectly demonstrates the quality individuals they are beginning to produce. An excellent athlete with good skills, Carmona will be tough to bring down for opposition defences over the next month.

Finn Carnduff (England)

There’s a few to note from this talented England group, especially up front with Henry Pollock and Asher Opoku-Fordjour the most well-known, while Craig Wright had a very impressive Six Nations prior to his injury, but Carnduff has really stepped up this season. The flanker has featured a few times for Leicester Tigers and looks set to play an even greater part for the Midlanders in 2024/25. A ubiquitous presence, who is also useful in the lineout, the back-rower knits that team together.

Morgan Morse (Wales)

Having established himself in the Ospreys squad at just 18, the number eight comes to these championships as one of the more experienced players. They are incredibly excited about his potential in Wales and it is easy to see why. A tremendous ball-carrier, who uses both his strength and speed to get past defenders, Morse is difficult to stop in the loose. The back-rower also has a good off-load due to his impressive ability to get his hands through the tackle.

Sean Edogbo (Ireland)

A slightly left-field one here, especially considering the talent this Irish side contains, including Jack Murphy, Hugh Gavin and, if fit, Brian Gleeson, but Edogbo is a real talent. His brother, Edwin, is already a key part of the Munster squad, despite injury curtailing his season in December, and Sean could well follow. Quick and powerful, he is fun to watch around the field. There were a few technical issues to sort out in the Six Nations but, if those have been rectified, Ireland have an excellent player on their hands.

All the World Rugby U20 Championship teams as son of former Springbok debuts on day one

Marco Scalabrin (Italy)

Unfortunately for Italy, their star tighthead Marcos Gallorini is injured, which rather hampers their chances, but Scalabrin is another wonderful talent. We named him as one of the players to watch after the U20 Six Nations and nothing has changed in that regard. Still big, still strong, still quick and he still has an excellent skill set, which makes him a nightmare for any defender. Let’s hope that even without Gallorini, Italy have the platform for the wing to thrive.

Hugo Reus (France)

They are the favourites and quite rightly so, despite being without a few of their key players and having their pants pulled down by England in the Six Nations. Ultimately, the extra preparation time will help this squad gel and fly-half Reus is the linchpin. Half-back partner Leo Carbonneau is also one to look out for, but Reus has been impressing everyone in the Top 14. The playmaker has been getting plenty of game time for La Rochelle thanks to his composure, creativity and kicking talents, both out of hand and off the tee.

Elías Efrain (Argentina)

The captain is back for another year having played a key role in last season’s World Rugby U20 Championship. Efrain will be crucial to their hopes, especially in a tough group that contains England and South Africa. With him at the helm, the Argentine set-piece is solid, while the second-row also offers plenty in the loose.

JF van Heerden (South Africa)

Another freakish lock to come out of South Africa, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Van Heerden representing the Springboks soon. He made his debut for the Bulls in December and went on to play a further five times for Pretoria outfit in 2023/24, including the Champions Cup games against Lyon and Northampton Saints. Unsurprisingly unrelenting in contact, the second-row also has the skills to match, so don’t be surprised if he is one of the stars of the tournament.

Luka Khorbaladze (Georgia)

While Georgia’s strength traditionally comes up front, they have started to produce some exceptional backs. Davit Niniashvili is one such talent, so it seems apt to have another Lyon player as our Georgian one to watch in 2024. Fly-half or full-back Luka Tsirekidze, who is only 19 and has already made his Lelos debut, was close but Khorbaladze will provide that thrust in the wider channels to complement their talented pack.

Harry McLaughlin-Phillips (Australia)

There isn’t quite as much Super Rugby experience this season but McLaughlin-Phillips is one of those to have featured in the competition in 2024. The fly-half is in his second year at U20 level having featured five times in 2023, and he will be key to Australia’s hopes. McLaughlin-Phillips has started twice for the Reds in Super Rugby Pacific and that experience, combined with his tremendous skill set, will serve the Australians well over the next few weeks.

Isikeli Rabitu (Fiji)

Featured three times for Fijian Drua in 2024, starting for the Pacific Island franchise in the game against the Hurricanes, who ended the season at the top of the Super Rugby Pacific table. That experience will prove invaluable for Fiji, who tend to struggle at this level. Rabitu has all the tools to be a star in this tournament thanks to his exceptional playmaking qualities.

Aki Tuivailala (New Zealand)

New Zealand tend to produce superb outside backs and Tuivailala is no exception. They have several players behind the scrum to keep an eye on, including Rico Simpson, Stanley Solomon, Xavi Taele and Frank Vaenuku, but the outside centre could well be the most influential. With speed, power and an excellent off-load, Tuivailala, who has already played in the National Provincial Championship, will be a key man in that backline.