- We highlight five of the rising stars aiming to win titles at junior level before stepping up to the seniors
- U20 side launch 6 Nations campaign this evening against Italy
England’s Under 20 side completed an RBS U20 Six Nations Grand Slam in 2008 and reached the finals of the IRB Junior World Championship in 2008 and 2009.
The next generation kicks off a new international campaign against Wales U20 at Gloucester with a full Six Nations programme followed by another bid for global supremacy in Argentina this summer.
Here we highlight five of the rising stars aiming to win games and titles at junior level before stepping up into the Saxons and Senior squads in the very near future.
James Gaskell (Sale Sharks)
A dynamic and skilful lock who was among the players of the tournament at the last Junior World Championship and has kicked on this season. ‘Jamma’ has won rave reviews for his displays in the second and back rows of the Sharks’ scrum – scoring some eye-catching tries in the process.
Alex Gray (Newcastle Falcons)
Lean and athletic back row forward who’s clearly going places after three years in the all-conquering England’s U18 side, who he captained last season. Brushed up his skills alongside Richie McCaw with a spell in New Zealand at Canterbury last autumn and set to play an influential role at No.8.
Joe Marler (Harlequins)
Injuries and suspension limited the prop’s time on the field last season but he’s fit and in form this year. The loose head from Eastbourne is an impressive all-rounder in the tight and with ball in hand. A big hit on loan with National 1 leaders Esher, for whom he’s been scoring tries by the bucketload.
Tom Homer (London Irish)
The full back set the tone for England with his first carry of the ball last season – on a slashing 40metre break at Bridgend – and his top-class goalkicking made him the leading points scorer at the Junior World Championship. Now a first team regular at London Irish on the wing
Christian Wade (London Wasps)
The wing misses the first two rounds of the Six Nations while on duty for England Sevens in Wellington and Las Vegas but the return of his blistering pace is much anticipated. Still only 18, the rookie’s six tries in the IRB George Sevens confirm him as a deadly finisher.