The World Rugby U20 Championship is now just ten days away from kick-off. 

As the game’s best young talent descends on South Africa’s Western Cape, here are six of the most promising players to watch. 

Sam Prendergast – Ireland 

Quite possibly the most highly touted U20 Northern Hemisphere rugby player in the game today. Leinster flyhalf Sam Prendergast has all of the traits of a top-class playmaker and has already played senior professional rugby, having made his United Rugby Championship debut this season. Kicking his side to victory with the final play of the game in his first professional game for Leinster, Prendergast proved that his U20 form translates to the highest level. Physically, the 6’4” playmaker is no shrinking violet and will certainly only get stronger as he spends more time in the professional environment. As a side note, his older brother Cian is fast becoming one of the top backrows in Irish Rugby, so the Prendergast family might as well buy season tickets to the Aviva Stadium for the next ten years.

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Jurenzo Julius – South Africa 

A viral sensation, Paul Roos superstar Jurenzo Julius nicknamed the “The Boogie Man” was one of the most sought-after signatures by clubs the world over this season. Eventually, he would sign with the Duban-based Cell C Sharks, where he will play alongside possibly the best outside centre in the world in Lukhanyo Am. Julius is a physical freak who is beyond dominant at the schoolboy level. Powerful, skilful and with a knack for scoring at the right times, Julius has all the makings of a world-class centre. Expectations are high for Julius at this year’s tournament, and an impressive showing could see him feature for the senior Springboks earlier than many might expect.

The Boogie man is heading to Durban 👻

The Cell C Sharks have announced the signing of Paul Roos sensation Jurenzo Julius 🦈pic.twitter.com/tRe9VDwZmO

— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) September 21, 2022

Harry Godfrey – New Zealand 

Having spent the past few seasons in the shadow of the otherworldly talent that is Payton Spencer, Godfrey showed his class in his recent Super Rugby debut for the Hurricanes. Whilst Spencer is heavily touted for both his playing ability and the fact that he is All Black legend Carlos’s son, a recent injury will keep him from competing at the tournament. Godfrey is more than just an able replacement and likely would’ve featured heavily even if Spencer had been in the squad. His playing style is reminiscent of current All Blacks star Damien McKenzie as a quick twitch playmaker. Capable of slotting in at either flyhalf or fullback, Godfrey offers the Kiwis exceptional versatility to change their game plan throughout a fixture. 

Lethal ⚡️

Harry Godfrey sets up Jordie Barrett for a beautiful counter-attacking try!#HURvMOA #SuperRugbyPacific pic.twitter.com/ydYHkXiCR4

— Super Rugby Pacific (@SuperRugby) May 13, 2023

Lewis Chessum – England 

One of the physically most imposing players at this year’s Championship, the 6’9” Chessum has already represented the English powerhouse club, the Leicester Tigers. Joining his older brother, England international Ollie at the club, Chessum has already been earmarked for higher honours in the English game. A natural leader, Chessum will captain England at the tournament as they look to bounce back from a disappointing Six Nations campaign and a recent shock loss to Georgia. Despite his size, Chessum is a dynamic force with skills that rival the very best in the U20 game. A strong carrier with a subtle offloading game, Chessum plays a key role in the English attacking game. 

The charge down 💪@olliechessum's brother Lewis Chessum pouncing on the opportunity to score for @EnglandRugby against Ireland 🐯@SixNationsU20 | @LeicesterTigers pic.twitter.com/vtEbgAviSk

— Premiership Rugby (@premrugby) July 6, 2022

Teddy Wilson – Australia 

Son of former Wallaby David, Teddy has already played Super Rugby for the NSW Waratahs. Having recently led his side to a memorable victory over the New Zealand U20, Wilson will lead the Junior Wallabies at the U20 World Championship. Wilson’s experience at the senior level with both the Waratahs and Australia A will be crucial to the Junior Wallabies' chances this year. Like his father, who was a no-nonsense backrow, Teddy is a direct and skilful operator with all the hallmarks of a world-class nine. Given Australia’s perceived lack of depth in the position at the senior level, he is another U20 star who could feature at the senior international level in the near future. 

Posolo Tuilagi – France 

The latest in a long line of world-class rugby talent from the iconic Rugby family that is the Tuilagi’s, 150kg Posolo is already dominating at the senior level. Scoring a crucial try for his club side Perpignan in their recent promotion/relegation fixture against Grenoble, Posolo showed his ability to dominate on his own. Unlike his father, Henry and uncles Alex, Freddie, Sanele and Anitelea, who all represented Samoa, Posolo will follow his other uncle Manu in representing the Six Nations side. Whilst Manu has become an icon of the English game, Posolo will look to do the same for France. In simple terms, Posolo is the most physically imposing player at this year’s tournament, and all indications are that he will be utterly dominant.