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20 players aged 20 and under to watch out for in the Pro14: Pt 1
It’s often said that the lack of relegation in the Pro14 allows teams with a focus on Europe to rest their stars in the league until they are needed for the serious end-of-season business, devaluing the competition.
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Perhaps that’s true but the flip-side is that Pro14 fans frequently get the chance to see thrilling young talents emerge in their weekly rugby fixtures. The possibility of witnessing the emergence of the next Stuart Hogg (who made 100 Pro14 appearances before he turned 25) or George North, who broke onto the scene at 17, is an ever-present in this league.
Every league has talented young players break through, of course, but the more common practice of squad rotation in the Pro14 means fans get to see more than just the superstars emerge regularly.
Continue reading below…
RugbyPass takes a look at some of the most promising names to watch in the Pro14 aged 20 and under.
Ryan Baird, Leinster, lock
Where else to start but at Leinster, whose academy could probably fill this list. Baird announced himself with a hat-trick against Glasgow Warriors just before the season was postponed, showing remarkable pace for a lock, as well as mobility. He’d already made his senior debut during round 21 of the 2018–19 season, however, and been involved in an Ireland camp at the start of the year. He calls lineouts too, just in case you were worried. A ferocious second row partnership with James Ryan looms, for both province and country.
Errrrrrrrrm what???? ?
Last time you saw a lock do this???
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Jac Morgan, Scarlets, back row
Captain of the U20s team, five Pro14 appearances under his belt, an impressive ball carrier and a good jackal — Morgan is definitely one to keep an eye on, if you’re not already. Coach Brad Mooar has described him as “an outstanding young prospect and it looks like he has been doing it all his life.” The Welsh back row factory just produced another member and, while the path to senior international honours is crowded, he is already breaking into the Scarlets matchday squad. His versatility will help but his ball carrying will likely prove the point of difference.
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Jack Blain, Edinburgh, wing
The first player born in the year 2000 to represent Edinburgh, Blain’s exciting form throughout the age-grade levels for Scotland has meant he has been training with the senior team for a while now. He only has one Pro14 appearance to his name so far although he might have expected more as Cockerill balanced his international players’ welfare towards the end of a long season. An exciting prospect for this increasingly impressive Edinburgh team.
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Federico Mori, Zebre, centre
Italy’s age-grade teams have been emerging as a force for a while now and 19 year-old centre Mori is yet another example. He made his debut in the Pro14 — marking it with a try that showed his pace and power — before playing in the top Italian championship for Calvisano, with whom he is jointly tied, and has enjoyed Challenge Cup rugby this season too. He could make a very interesting addition to the Italian backline in a few years but, before that, expect to see much more of him for Zebre.
Dewi Lake, Ospreys, hooker
It’s been a tough season for Ospreys fans but the prospect of Dewi Lake has been one of the bright lights. He is a very modern front row with an all-round game and was training with the senior side during the Six Nations. He looks like he might be able to make the step up in physicality well. The former U20s captain skippered his side to a rare victory over New Zealand last year and much is expected from him in the future.
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Elrigh Louw, Isuzu Southern Kings, back row
The junior Springbok had a relatively late breakthrough in schools rugby but has made 12 appearances so far this season for Kings, starting seven and scoring a try against Munster in his second game. Kings list him as a No8 and that’s where most of his time this season has been, although he is also comfortable in the second row and the blindside flank. He is likely to continue to benefit from the South African side’s current focus on developing youth as part of a long-term plan.
Craig Casey, Munster, scrum half
Highly rated by Munster fans and with good reason, Casey has built on his Pro14 debut last season with some impressive cameos, including two Heineken Champions Cup appearances where he wasn’t intimidated by his more illustrious — or much taller — opponents. He has been rewarded with a senior contract for next season and looks to be a player Munster will use more and more, especially since he already seems comfortable managing a game at this level.
In the latest instalment of our new series, @alexshawsport picks out the five key attributes for hookers and the players that best exemplify those qualities.https://t.co/dh1F16g6MN
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Jamie Dobie, Glasgow Warriors, scrum half
Scotland suddenly have a number of promising, high-tempo young scrum halves and Dobie might be the most exciting of the lot. Warriors offered him a professional contract straight out of school, gazumping their Edinburgh rivals, with then-coach Dave Rennie describing him as “one of the most exciting young talents in the country”. He already has eight appearances under his belt this season and, despite being one of the youngest players on this list, has shown impressive physicality and pace at this level.
Hayden Hyde, Ulster, centre
Another example of the successful Irish Exiles programme, Hyde could have stayed with Harlequins and England — both of whom wanted him. But he has been part of the Irish set-up for years already and packed his bags to move to Belfast when Ulster came calling. He starred in Ireland U20 Triple Crown before their remaining games were postponed, showing the physicality he developed in his earlier career as back rower as well as his running and passing ability.
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Ioan Davies, Cardiff Blues, fullback
The fullback impressed during last year’s U20 World Championship and this season has earned a call up to train with the senior Wales squad, as new coach Wayne Pivac cast his eye over those rumoured to have a big future. He also made his first Pro14 appearance against Edinburgh at the end of February and will have hoped to kick on before the season was postponed. Davies has an exciting turn of pace but, at this age, it is his defensive insight and high ball composure that impress more — comparisons with Leigh Halfpenny might be a little premature but there is more than a touch of the former Blues fullback to his game.
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Comments on RugbyPass
Says much about the player picking this gig over the easier and bigger rewards offered to him in Japan. Also says a lot about the state sanctioned tax benefits the Irish Revenue offers pro rugby players, with their ten highest earning years subject to an additional 40% tax relief and paid as a lump sum, in cash, at retirement. Certainly helps Leinster line up the financial ducks in a row to fund marquee signings like this!!! No other union anywhere in world rugby benefits from this kind of lucrative financial sponsorship from their government…
3 Go to commentsTrue Jordie could earn a lot more in Japan. But by choosing Leinster he’ll be playing with 1 of the best clubs in the world and can win a champions cup and URC…..
6 Go to commentsThanks for that Marshy, noticed you didn't say who is gonna win it. We know who ain't gonna win it - your Crusaders outfit. They've gone from having arguably the best Super Rugby first five ever, to having a clutch of rookies. Hurricanes all the way!
1 Go to commentsGeez you really have to question the NRLs ability to produce players of quality. Its pathetic. Dont the 25mil in Aus produce enough quality womens players. Sad.
1 Go to commentsBulls fan here, and agree 100% with the conclusion (and little else) of this article. SA sides should absolutely f-off from the champs cup until we get fair scheduling, equal support for travel arrangements and home semis. You know, like all the european teams get.
23 Go to commentsI’m yet to see why Grace would be an ABs contender. He’s pedestrian and lacks the dominance required of a top flight 8.
10 Go to commentsGee my Highlanders were terrible. They have gone backwards since the start of the season. The trouble began when we left Millar behind to prep as the 10 against the Brumbies and he was disconnected from the team that came back from Aussie. We rested Patchell for that game and we blew an avalanche of ball in good attacking positions in the 1st half. Against the Rebels we seem to of gone into a pod system with forwards hanging off from the breakdown leaving Fakatava to secure our ball!
78 Go to commentsPot Kettle, the English and French teams have done it for years.
23 Go to commentsHas virtually played every minute of previous games. Back row of Li Lo Willie , Grace and Blackadder would be the 1. Crusaders issue is a very average 1st 5 who cannot run. Kicking in general play is also below par They need to put Yong Kemara in. He must have so.e talent for them to bring him down from Waikato. Hoehepa would struggle to play in so.e club sided
10 Go to commentsI hope this a good thing making all these changes!
2 Go to commentsThe Hurricanes are good, especially with a decent coach now. However, let’s be real, the Crusaders and Chiefs are clearly a good degree weaker without the players they’ve lost overseas now. The Canes lost one player. It’s also why the aussie teams ‘seem’ to be stronger.
9 Go to commentsOr you could develop your own players instead of constantly taking from the SH competition and weakening it in the process? With all the player and financial resources these unions have compared to SH countries you’d think they could manage that, or is weakening the SH comps and their national sides an added bonus? Probably.
3 Go to commentsNot so fast Aaron, we might need you in black yet lol. God knows he’d be a lot less nerve-racking than hot and (very) cold players like Perofeta. It’s really a shame Reuben Love isn’t playing 10, we’ve got enough 15 options.
4 Go to commentsAnd those from the NH still seem to be puzzled (and delighted) why NZ’s depth isn’t what it once was. Over 600 NZ players overseas, that’s insane. This sort of deal is why Super Rugby coaches have admitted they struggle now to find enough quality to fill out their squads.
6 Go to commentsArticle intéressant ! La question devrait régulièrement se poser pour les jeunes français originaires de Nouvelle-Calédonie, Wallis-et-Futuna et de Polynésie entre la Nouvelle-Zélande et la Métropole… Difficile pour la fédération française de rugby de se positionner : soit le choix est fait de dénicher les jeunes talents et de les faire venir très tôt en Métropole, au risque de les déraciner, soit on prend le risque de se les faire “piller” par les All Blacks qui, telle une araignée, essaye de récupérer tous les talents des îles du Pacifique… À la France de se défendre en développant l’aura du XV de France et des clubs français dans ses collectivités d’Outre-mer !
3 Go to commentsWrong bay. He needs to come to the REAL BAY which is Bay Of Plenty and have a crack at making the Chiefs.
3 Go to commentsIs Barrett going play full back??? They already have all the centers…
16 Go to commentsForgive my ignorance, I might not fully understand so would appreciate clarification: Didn’t the Bulls have to fly with three different carriers, paid for by the South African Rugby Union, whilst Edinburgh got a chartered flight sponsored by EPCR? Also, as far as I understand it South African teams don’t yet share in the revenue from the competition and are not allowed to host Semi-finals or Finals at home. Surely if everyone wants South Africans to “take the competition seriously” then they must make South Africans feel welcome, allow them to share in the revenue, and give them the same levels of access as the teams from the other countries. Just a reminder that South Africa has a large and passionate Rugby audience. Just by virtue of our teams being a part of these competitions means that more of us are likely to watch the knockout games, even if our teams haven’t qualified. It would be silly to alienate such a large audience by making them feel unwelcome.
23 Go to commentsFirst of all. This guy is very much behind the curve. All the bleating, whingeing, whining and moaning took place days ago already. Not adding anything to the topic other than more bleating, whingeing, whining and moaning. 🍼 Second of all, not one mention of the fact that South African teams can’t get home semi finals or finals. The tournament was undermined and devalued by the administrators. 🤡 Thirdly, football teams often have to juggle selections in mid week games, premier games, champions league games etc. and will from time to time prioritize certain titles over others. 🐒 And lastly FEK Neil, and anyone else for that matter, for insisting on telling teams how to manage themselves. If they make what is largely a business decision that suits them and doesn’t suit you - tough shite. 💩 It’s not rocket science as to why the Bulls did what they did. If this guy is too slow to figure it out (and is deliberately not mentioning one of the key reasons why) then he isn’t a journalist. He should join the rest of us pundit plebs in comments section. 🥴
23 Go to commentsSo the first door to knock on Rob is Parliament followed by HMRC. The Irish Revenue deliver a 40% tax relief rebate on the HIGHEST EARNING TEN YEARS of every pro Irish rugby players contract earnings at retirement. That goes a long way to both retaining their best talent and freeing up wages for marquee players. Who knows, if that had been in place in the UK, you might not have been able to poach Hoggy and Jonny Gray from Glasgow…!!!
3 Go to comments