THE U20 SIX Nations kicks off tomorrow night with Ireland’s trip to face Italy, and with that in mind we’ve picked out a player of high potential from each of the competing countries.
Round one fixtures:
Fergal Cleary
While the man alongside him in the centre tomorrow is most certainly the star name among this Ireland U20 group, Cleary is also a player of rich promise.
He shone during Clongowes run to the Leinster Schools Senior Cup final last year, and is very much in the mould of the modern inside centre given his experience as an out-half. Cleary possesses a wide range of passing, identifies space well and is composed in phase play.
Cleary is part of a star-studded Irish backline. Source: Donall Farmer/INPHO
Equally as impressive during his schools career was the bite he brought in contact, relishing opportunities to leave a shoulder in or add an aggressive edge in whatever way he could.
The Lansdowne man should take some of the playmaking pressure off out-half Ross Byrne, while his distribution skills could allow Ireland’s talented backline to attack in wider channels.
Rory Thornton
The Welsh captain is a slab of prime beef, weighing in at close to 120kg and standing 6ft 7ins tall. The Ospreys lock is back for his second season of U20s rugby, having started five games at last year’s Junior World Championship in New Zealand.
Thornton is not simply a special physical specimen, with his strong lineout calling, movement and jumping marking him out as a player of quality. The 20-year-old has only one senior appearance for the Ospreys, but looks likely to add to that in the coming year.
For now, the imposing second row will be aiming to help Wales to a Six Nations title, starting against England on Saturday night. Watch out for Thornton’s second row partner Joe Davies too, another large figure.
Nick Tompkins
The Saracens wing is another player back for his second season at U20s level, having started all 10 of England’s Six Nations and JWC games in 2014. While he only dotted down twice in those appearances, there is little doubt about his attacking ability.
Tompkins in LV=Cup action for Saracens. Source: Nigel French
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Formerly a captain of the England U16s and U17s, Tompkins’ experience will be important over the coming weeks. The 19-year-old has already made eight Premiership appearances for Mark McCall’s Sarries side and is highly-rated within the club.
A 90kg frame means Tompkins is not the biggest of wings, but his footwork and speed more than compensate. If England are to claim the title, it seems likely the Saracen will be a vital factor behind their success.