Three Players Who Could Be Huge Stars In The Future

A number of the major nations are giving the opportunity to some up-and-coming, exciting players to get some experience in senior rugby. These players, at the beginning of their careers, could go on to be huge stars in the sport in the near future.

Here’s a look at three of the brightest stars who are worth keeping an eye on over the next couple of years.

Freddie Steward (England)

Full back Freddie Steward made his debut for England in an international friendly against the United States. He did not look out of place at that level in what was an assured performance from the 20-year-old.

The Leicester Tigers player will be coveting a place in the England team for the next World Cup. His country is presently 4/1 in the rugby union betting odds and they have only New Zealand and France ahead of them in that market, so have strong claims. With the addition of Steward, the England team would be benefitting from his strengths such as his long-distance penalty kicking.  

The experience Steward gains in the Premiership over the next couple of years is going to help him progress and it would be no surprise to see him fighting for a place at the next World Cup with England.

Tupou Vaa’i (New Zealand)

Any player who breaks into the New Zealand national team at just 20 years old has to be very good. Tupou Vaa’i now has four caps for the All Blacks and looks set to continue to be a part of Ian Fosters’ squad.

Vaa’i scored his opening try for his country in a 22-24 defeat to Australia in the 2020 Tri Nations Series. That could be the first of many in a New Zealand jersey as, despite his age, Vaa’i has played a lot of rugby for the Chiefs in the Super Rugby competition. He recently signed a three-year deal with the Hamilton-based team.

The lock is sure to keep on improving for club and country.

Harry Wilson (Australia)

In 2020 Harry Wilson was named the Rugby Australia Rookie of the Year and started every game across the season for the Queensland Reds.

 

Wilson has now captured the number eight shirt for the Wallabies. He started in his country’s recent 23-21 victory over France in the first Test between the two nations in Brisbane.

Competition is strong within Australia’s squad for the back-row positions. The fact that head coach Michael Hooper has been favouring Wilson to play alongside Rob Valentini says a lot about how highly he regards him.

Australia is a team that looks rejuvenated on the international stage. They have not won a World Cup since 1999 and they will be hoping their squad of rising stars, which includes Wilson, can help them end their wait for the Webb Ellis Cup in the near future.

Hopefully, all three of the above players fulfil their promise and go on to have great international careers.