Ten breakthrough players to watch at this World Cup

With the Rugby World Cup only three days away, we’ve put together a list of ten players who are aged 23 or under, heading to their first Rugby World Cup, and have shone for their countries in their so far limited international careers. Here’s why they’re ones to watch:

1. Braxton Sorenson-McGee (New Zealand)
New Zealand has a history of producing mercurial outside backs just in time for Rugby World Cups, and Braxton Sorenson-McGee looks to be the next cab off that ultra-talented rank.

At just 18 years of age, the breakthrough Blues star has taken the leap to professional rugby in her stride, collecting two Super Rugby titles in her rookie season after influential showings in both the Aupiki and Champions Final.

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A run-it-from-anywhere fullback, Sorensen-McGee is the quintessential Kiwi superstar in the making, and is yet to look overawed by any stage she’s stepped in.

One to keep an eye on as she accompanies elusive running with an eye for the try line, a dangerous combination. NL

2. Teani Feleu (France)
The fact that the 22-year old can play centre or back row speaks to the way she plays the game. Sharp with ball in hand, rock-solid in defence, she never fades when the tempo stays high even for 80 minutes.

Her work rate doesn’t slow even when switching positions in the same match which she was required to do in France’s opening match of this year’s Six Nations, when centre Gabrielle Vernier was shown a red card- and adapted so well the versatile young gun won Player of the Match.

Like her sister (France captain Manae), Teani was brought up in French Polynesia and spent time playing rugby in New Zealand in her youth.

She moved to Grenoble in 2020 to join her sister, who was already well established at the club. Before earning her first XV cap alongside Manae during the 2024 Six Nations, she represented France in rugby sevens.

Despite her limited experience, she is definitely is a player to watch at this summer’s World Cup. WB

3. Faitala Moleka (Australia)
As an 18-year-old, Faitala Moleka was tipped for greatness. In 2023, Wallaroos assistant coach Scott Fava believed the teenager had the potential to become “a superstar of the future, a world XV player.”

Fast-forward a couple of years and Moleka is a regular starter for the Wallaroos, despite being only 20.

Moleka is primarily a fly-half but the Wallaroo has also started two Tests at fullback, boasting an effective kicking game and a strong game awareness. Ahead of the Rugby World Cup, Moleka is positioned as one of two leading candidates to wear the number ten jersey, along with Australia sevens ace Tia Hinds.

The sister trend continues as Moleka’s younger sibling Manu’a has recently been selected in Australia’s World Cup squad as cover for injured sevens superstar Charlotte Caslick. FM

4. Sara Mannini (Italy)
At 19 years old the centre is already a nine cap international for the Azzurre. Sara Mannini belongs to one of the most exciting generations of the women’s game, destined to not only accomplish great things but to break through the wall and entice more fans to follow women’s rugby.

A standout performer in last year’s Under 20 Women’s Summer Series in Parma alongside her strong performances for club side Colorno convinced selectors she was ready for her for senior Test match duty, making her debut against Japan in 2024 and has only missed one call-up since.

If we said ‘pure pace’ was the biggest tool in her arsenal, it would fall short of what Mannini really offers to her team. Her vibrant physicality can dictate the game’s flow and she can manage the dynamics and timings of a match with ease, always remaining calm and finding the right moment of when and where to act, looking like a seasoned veteran. FI

5. Dannah O’Brien (Ireland)
Another player who exudes calm and composure outside her years is 21-year-old fly-half Dannah O’Brien.

Number five ranked side Ireland have built their game plan around her and despite having the ever so occasional off day from the boot, O’Brien can kick penalties and conversions over with her eyes shut, as well as using her tactical nous to devastating effect under the tutelage of Premiership and European Champions Cup winning ten Gareth Steenson.

Turning Ireland’s kicking game into an attacking weapon has been one of the turning points of the team and O’Brien has shouldered the responsibility with aplomb.

Steenson said: “She can kick it as far as some men – comfortably from 22 to 22 – and can always turn to that super strength when under pressure. She can change things up: kick high, find grass, or pop a little one through. There are so many elements at her disposal now.”

Certainly a player to keep an eye on as Ireland face a challenging pool including reigning champions New Zealand and dark horses Japan. LL

6. Caitlyn Halse (Australia)
Caitlyn Halse is already a record-breaking phenomenon for the Wallaroos. Wherever the Australian has gone, records have tended to fall.

The chain reaction began when Halse became the youngest player to make their Super Rugby Women’s debut at just 16, the full back then became the youngest debutant in Wallaroos or Wallabies history last year, named to start at fullback against the USA aged just 17 years and 242 days.

Now only 18, she’s about to compete in her first World Cup campaign. Halse commands space on the pitch with composure, showcasing strong kicking and running games.

The teenager also demonstrates game knowledge well beyond her years – remarkable for someone so young. FM

7. Claudia Pena (Spain)
One of the most exciting prospects in Spanish and world rugby, Clàudia Peña enjoyed a standout debut season when she moved to the PWR to play for Harlequins, being named the club’s Players’ Player of the Season for 2024-25.

The youngster has astonishing feet and has played for Spain’s sevens team on the World Series. If there’s a hole she’ll find it, running smart lines and using her pace to put defenders on the back foot.

Able to play across the majority of the back line, her versatility and enthusiasm to get involved in the breakdown and tackle is another strength, but her biggest threat is with ball in hand.

She’s likely to be Spain’s most potent attacking weapon come the World Cup as the 13th ranked side in the world face strong opposition with New Zealand, Ireland and Japan in their pool. FI

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8. Maddie Feaunati (England)
Maddie Feaunati has quickly emerged as one of the most exciting talents in women’s rugby, pushing her way into one of the most competitive teams in the world- the Red Roses.

Having only recently returned to England where she was born after living in New Zealand, the youngster signed for Exeter Chiefs where she was spotted by the England set up and has shown fierce determination to improve and play in typical Kiwi style, with no fear.

Only making her England debut during the 2024 Six Nations, the 23-year-old has been an influential cog in England’s back row with her unbridled athletic ability and powerful build. LL

9. Kelly Arbey (France)
A raw and talented player, Kelly Arbey earned her first international call up at only 18. Enjoying climbing and hiking in her spare time, the 20-year-old admits she is a very hands on type of person.

In the summer of 2024, she lifted the Six Nations U20 Summer Series trophy with the Bleuettes and then went on to make a mark in three first legs of the World Rugby Sevens Series, sharpening her sense of the game.

The winger or centre can reach speeds of up to 31 km/h whilst also showing endurance in the longer format of the game.

Putting on some impressive displays in this year’s Six Nations, Arbey is just as effective in the 15s format of the game- tall and versatile, she has taken the rugby world by storm in under a year, becoming indispensable wherever she plays. WB

10. Camilla Ísis Carvalho (Brazil)
The young and talented Camilla Isis Carvalho is without doubt one of the rising South American rugby superstars, possessing an insane box of skills capable of taking down most opposition.

Having excelled at SVNS level since making her debut in 2022, the loose forward made a successful transition to 15s and is an exciting addition to the Yaras’ 32-player World Cup squad, with four international caps.

The Rio de Janeiro local has insane athleticism, sprinting and evading incoming tacklers like she is dancing the samba, feeding on counter attacking opportunities, making line breaks and inevitably scoring tries.

Combined with her positive aggression, Carvalho also has a knack for pulling off fabulous low tackles.

The 22-year-old deserves recognition as the present star and future trailblazer of Brazilian rugby and will be a player to keep an eye on as her country face France, Italy and South Africa in their pool. FI