The new season brings a new surge of excitement for rugby fans. Now, people are curious to learn about rising stars from the rugby field coming into the new season.
Every season brings forth its crop of potential star players. These young, heroic warriors long to kick a path for themselves into rugby’s limelight. In this combination of experience and youthful vitality, teams are looking for those who can lead them to victory and bring new standards into the game with their physical prowess.
As all attention now turns to this sport, a central question emerges: whose future talents will arise in the rugby crusades this season? Let’s look at some of those breakthrough players and their possible impacts.
Jamie George
Jamie George, England and Saracens experienced hooker, is now a significant figure in international rugby, changing the game on and off the pitch. He’s 33 years old and has a significant role in the rugby odds. The son of former rugby scrum-half Ian George, Jamie was born into a rugby family and was more or less destined for success.
On his England Test debut against France in August 2015, coming off the bench to replace Tom Youngs, George suffered the horror of a hamstring injury forcing him off before the end of the match. However, he also had to miss two Premiership matches following that unfortunate incident.
Jamie George, a selected player in 2017’s British and Irish Lions squad, won his first Lions cap against the Barbarians. He also played all three Tests against the All Blacks in New Zealand that year.
George’s sublime touches took him into and kept him at No. 2 in world rugby for a time. In the 2019 World Cup, where England reached the final, he played a significant role with his consistent performances, such as scoring a try on his 50th cap against Italy (2020), gaining him acclaim. He was also a pivotal contributor to Steve Borthwick’s World Cup team that reached the semi-finals.
Jamie George has made a significant impact not only on the international scene but also within England for Saracens and domestically. From representing England at under-18 and under-20 levels to helping Saracens achieve colossal success, Jamie has been everywhere with his influence.
He is now England’s current captain and will lead their first game in the 2024 European Men’s Six Nations tournament (Rome). His numbers are impressive: 4589 minutes played, 13 tries scored, 685 tackles.
Peter O’Mahony
Peter O’Mahony’s rugby journey began at Cork Constitution, where he attended PBC. He won the Munster Schools Senior Cup in 2007 and enrolled in the academy the following year. In January 2010, Peter made his league debut against Ulster. His European debut was made against the Northampton Saints and the same team in November 2011.
He quickly moved through the grades, and his prizes were the Cork Con championships and a senior contract with Munster. His international career indeed took off in 2012, and he won his first cap against Italy and played in all three Tests against New Zealand.
Despite injuries and attendant frustrations, Peter’s leadership continued to grow. He was the captain of Munster and played a leading role in Ireland’s Six Nations victories. His work excelled, most notably when he led Ireland to a Grand Slam success in 2018 and was voted Munster Rugby Player of the Year!
Peter was given contracts with club and country until at least 2024. He retained his magic on the field, winning titles and taking teams to new heights.
Finn Russell
With 75 international caps and a debut on the Lions’ team in 2021, Russell has displayed his attacking ability for Scotland and showed this ability at Bath Rugby. He joined the West Country club after the 2023 World Cup.
Born on September 23, 1992, in Stirling, Russell has been tough-minded and persistent since he was young. Although spindly, he was labelled “The Muscle” and is known for his skill and creativity in attacking games.
Russell’s rugby journey is nothing less than exciting. Upon finishing secondary school, he worked as a stonemason while playing amateur rugby. His talents have taken him around the world, and he received a scholarship in Christchurch, New Zealand—an opportunity that allowed him to hone his skills with specialised coaching.
Rio Dyer
The Dragons’ flying winger Rio Dyer debuted in January 2018, playing against Saracens for the Anglo-Welsh Cup. Less than a month later, he made his league debut, starting in the 15-15 draw at Benetton Rugby.
He played with Dewi Lake, Jac Morgan, Tommy Reffell, and Sam Costelow at the 2019 U20 World Championship.
In the 2021/2022 season, Dyer played 15 times for the Dragons, scoring three tries. His return for the 2022/2023 season continued the excellent work, adding seven more tries in 15 appearances to become the top try-scorer at his club.
This performance earned him a call-up to Wales and the title Dragons Players’ Player of the Season. As of June 2023, Dyer has scored 14 tries from 45 regional rugby outings.
Dyer’s performances this season have earned him a call-up to the Wales squad for the 2022 autumn campaign. He immediately made his presence felt, scoring in both New Zealand and Australia games in the Autumn Nations Series.
Wales’ great form continued during the 2023 Six Nations as Dyer scored tries against Italy and France. With four tries in just seven caps for Wales, Dyer has been included in Warren Gatland’s Preliminary World Cup squad for the 2023 competition.
Stephen Varney
Stephen Lorenzo Varney, born May 16, 2001, plays rugby for Italy. Though born in Wales, he qualifies for Italy through his mother. He’s a scrum-half for Gloucester in the English Premiership.
Starting at Crymych RFC in Wales, Varney joined the Gloucester Academy after Hartpury College. Despite briefly focusing on golf, he returned to rugby and quickly rose through the ranks.
In January 2020, Varney was chosen for the Italy Under 20 squad and later made his senior debut in 2020 during the Autumn Nations Cup. His dynamic style and performances have made him a key player for Gloucester and Italy. Varney is now in Italy’s squad for the Rugby World Cup 2023.
