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 Wales, semi-finalists at 2019 Wold Cup, and a team aiming to build under new coach Wayne Pivac.
AARON WAINWRIGHT (DRAGONS)
It’s crazy to think the 22-year-old has only been playing rugby for less than five years, yet can already be viewed as a crucial part of the international set-up.
The Newport man used to be on the books of Championship football team Cardiff City before dedicating himself to rugby at 17.
During the Dragons’ run to the World Cup semi-finals last year, Wainwright was one of the stand-out performers in the red jersey.
Equally capable at blind and openside, Wainwright is a powerful player who carries hard and is a force in defence. Strong over the ball, he is the latest big-name to come into the Welsh backrow scene.
You could play him anywhere across the backrow and you are going to get a mammoth performance out of him.
Strengths: Carrying, tackling, versatility, physicality, breakdown threat
LOUIS REES-ZAMMIT (GLOUCESTER)
AGE: 19
CAPS: Uncapped
POSITION: Wing
Rees lighting.
The 18-year-old winger is the joint top scorer in the Premiership with seven tries, including five alone in December which earned him the Premiership player of the month award.
His prowess with ball in hand has caught the eye of Pivac, and the Penarth-born youngster earned a place in the Six Nations training squad.
With roaring pace, the Gloucester man looks hungry for the ball, making smart running lines and intelligent decision making.
At 6ft 3in, Rees-Zammit is strong in the air, shows good reads in defence and doesn’t shy away from the donkey work either.
One for the future.
Strengths: Pace, footwork, defence, workrate
We promised you a wonder try.
— Gloucester Rugby (@gloucesterrugby) April 2, 2019
Here is said wonder try.
Take a bow @LouisReesZammit 🔥@GlosRugby_Acad delivering again! pic.twitter.com/MPVsjJeBSB
SAM COSTELOW (SCARLETS)
AGE: 19
CAPS: Uncapped
POSITION: Out-half
A stand-out player in the U20 Six Nations, Costelow is a rising star brimming with talent.
The Scarlets man produced a remarkable man-of-the-match display against England recently, scoring a superb try, assisting another, racking up 18 points and finishing off with a late drop goal that saw Wales prevail by a single point.
Only just turned 19, the Pencoed product is a lethal attacking threat and steady kicker, and can also play scrum-half or centre.
Strengths: Passing, kicking, eye for space, composure, versatility
