The Curry twins: Ben and Tom, making their way at Sale, were both capped by England U18s last season and both are in the England U20 squad preparing for the Six Nations and the defence of their world title.
New Zealand Womens XV: The ‘Girl Blacks’ suffered a rare failure at the Women’s World Cup in 2013 when they were beaten by Ireland and missed out on the semi-finals and will have revenge on their mind this year.
Ross Moriarty: With Dan Lydiate sidelined for the season. now is the time for Moriarty to build on the good impression he made in the autumn and become a major force for Wales at blindside flanker
Danielle Waterman, below: With her ‘wheels’ and stepping ability provides the X-factor behind the scrum for England Women. Sure to feature prominently if England are to retain their world title in Ireland this summer.
Willie le Roux: Took the world by storm a few seasons back but has endured something of a slump recently. Joining Wasps and letting rip in that all-star back division could be the cure.
Joe Cokanasiga: Young giant on the London Irish wing, son of a Fijian soldier serving in the British Army and has lived here since the age of three. Big, fast, clever, the rugby world will start to take notice in 2017.
Taniela Tupou: Better known as the Tongan Thor the 5ft 10in 135kg prop terrorised underage teams and after dipping his toe in the water last season is poised to make a big impact at senior level with Queensland Reds.