The Most Promising Rugby Players Right Now Who Can Become Stars

Rugby is a sport built on power, skill, and courage. Every year new players come in and change the game. Some stand out so much that you just know they could be the next big thing. With the popularity of the sport at an all time high, many punters in Hungary are now betting more on events related to it. Any player who wants to join the foray of rugby betting should not forget to do due diligence. 

Study the matches, stats, bookmakers and offers before you begin. In Hungary, consulting credible review sites can point bettors in the direction of the best betting sites to use in the country. Bonuses can also enrich a player’s experience, which is why players must always look out for them. Expert advice can help here too. 

For context, there are expert reviews that can reveal the best available 20bet promo code available to Hungarians who use the bookmaker site.It doesn’t end there, you can also get a detailed review of particular sportsbooks to see what they offer and determine if they’re a good fit or not. There are ready-made reviews on platforms such as betmatch for instance, that can provide clarity for punters who want to learn more about the bookmaker in Hungary.

5 Rugby Rising Stars to Look Out For

Here are 5 rugby stars that show signs of making it big. They are winning games, scoring tries, and showing leadership beyond their years. For fans who like to bet on future stars, these guys are the ones to watch. 

1. Ilona Maher

Ilona Maher is one of the brightest names in women’s rugby. She played sevens for the USA and won a bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. After that, she switched to 15s and signed with Bristol.

Maher isn’t just known for her rugby. She has a big social media following and speaks openly about strength and body image. ESPN even named her Best Breakthrough Athlete in 2025.

She once said: “Strong is beautiful. Strong is powerful. … Run harder. Put another plate on the bar and never tone it down.” 

That sums up her style. She’s tough, bold, and proud. Maher is proving that athletes today can inspire and create new fans around the world.

2. Henry Pollock

At only 20 years old, Henry Pollock has already done things most players only dream of. He made his debut for England against Wales and scored two tries. Soon after, he was picked for the British & Irish Lions tour as the youngest player in the squad.

Pollock plays for Northampton Saints, where he’s known for his fearless tackling and energy at the breakdown. Reporters at The Times compared him to darts star Luke Littler for the way he burst onto the scene so quickly.

For England fans, Pollock brings hope of a new era. For rivals, he’s already a problem.

3. Wallace Sititi

Wallace Sititi plays No. 8 for New Zealand, and at 21 years old, he already looks like a future captain. In a test match against England, he carried the ball 16 times and broke through the line three times. He was named man of the match and won praise around the rugby world.

Dan Carter, one of the greatest All Blacks, said Sititi has the qualities to be a leader one day: “He’s a really mature guy, speaks very well, he’s definitely a future All Black captain.”

Sititi is strong, calm, and clever. He looks like the kind of player who can shape games and inspire teammates. The All Blacks have produced many great forwards, and Sititi may be the next in line.

4. Freda Tafuna & Erica Jarrell-Searcy

The USA women’s team didn’t win the 2025 Rugby World Cup, but two young players gave fans plenty to cheer for. Freda Tafuna scored six tries in the tournament and won two Player-of-the-Match awards. Erica Jarrell-Searcy scored in every game, including a stunning 40-meter sprint try against England.

Both players are still in college but are already proving they can perform on the world stage. Many believe they’ll soon be playing in professional leagues in Europe or New Zealand. For USA rugby, they’re a sign that the future is bright.

5. Sam Prendergast 

Ireland has been looking for someone to step into Johnny Sexton’s shoes. Sam Prendergast, just 21, might be the answer. Playing for Leinster, he scored two tries and five conversions in a Champions Cup match, winning Player of the Match.

On his debut for Leinster earlier, he landed six of seven kicks, including a late penalty to seal the win. That’s big pressure for a first game, and he handled it like a veteran. His first start for Ireland saw him kick multiple conversions. 

Pundit Ronan O’Gara observes that he’s, ‘‘really, really good, it’s scary to think he’s only 21.’’

Prendergast has vision, and the nerve to take control. Many see him as the future leader of Ireland’s attack and maybe one of the best fly-halves in the world.

Why These Players Stand Out

So what makes these names special? Asides their age. It’s what they’ve already done when the pressure was on:

• Maher has gone from Olympic medalist to a star of 15s, while inspiring fans online.
• Pollock has scored tries for England and joined the Lions before turning 21.
• Sititi has won man of the match in major tests and earned praise from legends.
• Tafuna and Jarrell-Searcy are scoring freely in World Cups.
• Prendergast is already taking control of games for Ireland.

As Clive Woodward, England’s World Cup-winning coach, put it: ‘‘The only way you can really judge a player is when you see them under pressure in a game.’’ 

Each of these players are providing they can do that.

The World of Rugby Is Changing

The way rugby creates stars is shifting. Some, like Maher, use social media to build a following. Others, like Tafuna and Jarrell-Searcy, come from college rugby programs that are now feeding into the top level. Meanwhile, players like Prendergast and Sititi are climbing through classic club and test pathways.

The game is global, and so are its rising stars. From the USA to Ireland, New Zealand to England, the next generation is making rugby faster, stronger, and more exciting.

Final Thoughts

Rugby never stops producing talent, but this group feels quite special. Maher is showing how personality and skill together can create a movement. Pollock and Sititi are proving that leadership can start young. Tafuna and Jarrell-Searcy are flying the flag for American rugby. And Prendergast looks set to guide Ireland for years to come.

They’ve already shown they can perform under pressure. If they stay fit and keep growing, they could be the stars who define the next decade of rugby.