In sport, everyone wants to discover who the next great talent is.
With the COVID-19 pandemic wreaking havoc upon the rugby season, we have put together a handy guide to ensure your eyes are fixed on the game’s best young stars.
In this series, find out the most exciting rugby players around the world who are aged 23 or below. Some are already capped, while others are yet to be capped for their nations.
Today, our focus is on France, a nation that been transformed, by not only the arrivals of coaches Fabien Galthie and Shaun Edwards, but by the majestic qualities of their rising stars.
ANTOINE DUPONT (TOULOUSE)
Although still early into his professional career, there is very little the Mid-Pyrenees man does wrong.
Les Bleus have been gifted with a number of world-class scrum-halves over the years, however, the Toulouse supremo is definitely the most talented.
What sets him apart is his razor-like passing, his game-breaking abilities, accurate kicking and self-confidence to boost others around him.
With just 14 international starts to his name, Dupont has quickly transformed into a leader, with his unselfish decision-making and ability to act as a ninth forward. His tackling and voracious work-rate ensure team-mates follow his lead.
He is the perfect link between forwards and backs, and exactly what Galthie needs when they take on powerhouses like New Zealand and England in the future.
A magical player.
Strengths: Passing, tackling, carrying, kicking, influence
ROMAIN NTAMACK (TOULOUSE)
AGE: 20
CAPS: 16
POSITION: Out-half/Inside Centre
The son of former France winger Emile Ntamack, who was capped 46 times, has displayed maturity beyond his years during the Six Nations, leading Les Bleus to outstanding victories over England and Wales.
After a miserable run in recent years, France’s Tricolours should recover some of their famous flare with the likes of Ntamack and Dupont, two players Galthie can build a team around ahead of their home World Cup in 2023.
Used mainly at inside centre by Toulouse, the French boss has pushed the 20-year-old back into the fly-half slot to orchestrate proceedings, a decision that has worked wonders.
A smart player, Ntamack carries the ball with grace and his enthusiasm to drive forward can unlock his team-mates into formidable attacking positions.
While some fly-halves may shy away from the defensive duties, Ntamack contributes his fair share of tackles and is unerring from the boot.
Strengths: Passing, kicking, carrying, tackling
JORDAN JOSEPH
AGE: 19
CAPS: Uncapped
POSITION: Backrow
With the cancellation of the Under-20 World Cup this summer, France’s emerging star Joseph will not be able to lead his team to a third successive title.
In 2018, Joseph – then 17 – was named World Rugby Junior Player of the Year after outclassing every opponent on the way to Les Bleus’ maiden triumph in the competition.
A move to Racing 92 soon followed, and Joseph has gone on to make 18 appearances for the Parisien side over the past 19 months.
A knee injury and heavy competition for places have restricted his development at the U Arena, but at 19, he is still only at the start of his burgeoning career.
Doubts have been expressed about his ability to reassert himself in Paris, however, if the powerful back-rower can string together a number of consistent displays, then he is sure to earn a senior international cap sooner rather than later.
A future gem.
Strengths: Carrying, tackling, power
