Thirteen hotshots to watch in the 2019/20 Premiership U18 League
With the school season currently finishing up in England, it’s the turn of the Premiership U18 League to show its wares, with the competition kicking off on Friday evening when Saracens host Exeter Chiefs at Allianz Park.
The annual competition is the perfect opportunity to get a first glimpse of the next big things in English rugby and this season should prove no different, with fly-halves and props seemingly particularly abundant heading into 2020. From last season’s competition, the likes of Ioan Lloyd and Freddie Steward are already beginning to make their presences known at the senior level, just months are they left school.
We’ve picked out 13 of the brightest talents in the country to keep an eye on over the next few months, as all of them battle not only to make it to finals day in February, but also to earn coveted senior academy contracts at their respective clubs.
Emeka Ilione, Leicester Tigers and Rugby School, flanker
Ilione was part of the Leicester Tigers side that won the U18 League last season, as well as then going on to star during England’s annual tour of South Africa. A well-rounded flanker who is capable of positively influencing the game in attack and defence, Ilione should be the spearhead of Tigers’ bid to win three-straight titles at this level.
Elsewhere in the U18s, Ilione’s Rugby School teammate Rob Hardwick, a tighthead, and Denstone College’s Oli Smith, a versatile centre, are also players of real talent and help round out a Leicester side which should be extremely competitive again this season. As the senior side’s fortunes fade on the pitch, the focus is going to fall more firmly on the club’s promising youngsters to help them work their way out of trouble, and Ilione could well be in that conversation in the years to come.
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Ethan Grayson, Northampton Saints and Northampton School for Boys, fly-half
The younger brother of James Grayson, Ethan follows closely in the footsteps of his elder sibling, with James having occupied the Northampton U18 fly-half jersey just a few short years ago. Whether the brothers end up competing with one another or one is moved to the centres or full-back remains to be seen, although both add plenty in their own way.
As a comparison of style, James arguably plays with more control, whilst Ethan is the more natural ball-handler, potentially giving Saints a very useful contrast of style. With Northampton School for Boys still in the hunt for the National Cup, too, Grayson’s hopes of silverware don’t solely lie in the U18 League this season. Another player worth keeping an eye on is Kayde Sylvester, as the lock continues his rehab from injury and could potentially come into the mix in the second half of the campaign.
Orlando Bailey, Bath and Beechen Cliff, fly-half
Bailey was the man sparking attacking opportunities for the likes of Max Ojomoh and Gabriel Hamer-Webb last season an U17 and will be looking to build on that this season, having once again guided Beechen Cliff to the AASE League final earlier this month. He is as adept playing deep as he is flat to the line and though he didn’t have his best game in that final, he is skilled at finding and creating space for his back line from first receiver.
His long-term development at fly-half could see Bath utilise Tom de Glanville as a full-back or centre moving forward, something which would be a testament to his burgeoning ability. He still has a lot of work to do, but Bailey is a player that Bath fans should enjoy watching at the U18 and possibly Premiership Shield level this season. Elsewhere, fellow Beechen Cliff player John Stewart is showing promise at hooker and on the flank.
Phil Brantingham, Newcastle Falcons and RGS Newcastle, prop
Comfortable on both sides of the scrum, Brantingham has proven his talent on the loosehead for England and his versatility at school level. An uncompromising scrummager and a brute with the ball in hand, Brantingham is one of the key players in the Newcastle U18 side, a group which could well be targeting a rare appearance at finals day this season.
It’s a talented Falcons squad, built around the Gosforth Academy AASE side, including free-scoring wing Matthew Ward, and a formidable RGS Newcastle group, that also boasts athletic lock Henry Schmid and versatile half-back James Blackett. Early impressions are that this is one of the more gifted Newcastle U18 groups in recent years.
Jack Forsythe, Worcester Warriors and Warwick School, lock/flanker
Unfortunately for Forsythe, his rugby has been limited of late, as he has suffered through successive ankle injuries, one of which ruled him out of England’s tour to South Africa in the summer. He recently made his comeback in Warwick’s game against local rivals Bromsgrove and though he may well be managed back into action for Worcester U18s, he could play an important role for them in the second half of the season.
A mobile lock or physical blindside flanker, Forsythe is inevitably going to be compared to fellow versatile forward Ted Hill, though they are considerably different players, despite playing similar positions. He can flourish as his own player and, along with fly-half Fin Smith, is well worth getting along to a Worcester game this season to watch in action.
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Louis Hillman-Cooper, Gloucester and Cheltenham College, centre
Hillman-Cooper brought his pace and finishing to the wing for Gloucester U18s last season, although that was due to the combination of Tommy Matthews and Isaac Marsh in the midfield, both of whom are now professionally contracted at Gloucester and Northampton respectively. The Cheltenham College pupil will likely bring his speed, eye for space and ball-handling to the centres this season.
Second row Freddie Thomas and back rower Harry Taylor will bring continuity from last season for Gloucester, though with the Cherry and Whites having contracted up 10 upper sixth players earlier this year, they will be a relatively new-look side come the start of the U18 season this week.
Fin Baxter, Harlequins and Wellington College, tighthead prop
The England U18 captain earlier this year, Baxter is clearly a budding leader, as well as an impressive technician at the set-piece. He has been pivotal to Quins, England and Wellington College turning the screw on plenty of potent front rows over the past 18 months. Alongside giant loosehead Will Hobson, a school and academy teammate, Baxter has been making impressive strides in his development.
Quins will likely be pleased to have a tighthead of this talent to work with moving forward, especially if there is substance to the reports that homegrown Lion Kyle Sinckler could be on his way at the end of the season. Between the skilful Baxter and the physical Hobson, an almost ‘Beauty and the Beast’ prop combination, Quins’ front row will be as fun to watch as any in the competition this season, whilst Oscar Beard is a wing who ticks plenty of boxes.
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Will Joseph, London Irish and Millfield, outside centre
You wouldn’t necessarily know Will is the younger brother of Jonathan Joseph just by looking at him, but as soon as he runs with the rugby ball, his running style and high two-handed hold of the ball is uncannily reminiscent of the Bath, England and British and Irish Lions centre. He is not just a carrying threat, either, having previously spent time at fly-half at Millfield, and can open up a defence with his hands as well as his feet.
Joseph and Phil Cokanasiga proved a potent midfield combination for London Irish at this level last season, but there will be a bigger onus on Joseph to provide that go-forward for his side this season. Talented Wellington College lower sixth fly-half Monty Bradbury will be key to putting Joseph in the right positions to do that.
Oliver Melville, Sale Sharks and Sedbergh School, back three
An electric counter-attacker with rapid footwork, Melville is more than capable of leaving multiple defenders in his wake anytime he gets his hands on the ball. He is the latest in a long line of talented players to emerge from Sedbergh, with the Cumbrian school have been on an excellent run of success in both XVs and sevens of late.
Sale’s academy has not lacked for playmakers in recent years, with the likes of Cam Redpath, Kieran Wilkinson and Tom Curtis produced, as well as a power option with Tom Roebuck, and if Melville continues to develop, he could provide some much-needed incision to complement the potential young back line core the club are currently refining.
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Sam Bryan, Saracens and Felsted, scrum-half
A position which has slightly eluded Saracens since they brought through Ben Spencer, scrum-half Bryan could be a player to change that come the end of the U18 season. A lively ball-carrier around the fringes and a smart player who can exert control over the game with his kicking game and manipulation of the tempo, Bryan is a raw but talented nine.
With Richard Wigglesworth approaching the end of his playing career, Spencer likely to come into more significant England contention and Henry Taylor having left for Northampton, Bryan’s value to Saracens is only likely to increase moving forward. Flanker Toby Knight of Berkhamsted School is another worth keeping an eye on.
Daniel Eckersley, Wasps and Bloxham School, openside flanker
Bloxham is turning into quite the asset for Wasps, with last year’s standout Alfie Barbeary also having been produced at the Oxfordshire school. Eckersley may not have Barbeary’s raw physical gifts, but he does share the hooker’s refined technical ability on the pitch, and he showcased that not only for Wasps last season, but also the England U18 side on their annual tour of South Africa.
Eckersley could form quite the flank tandem this season for the Coventry-based outfit, with Rugby School’s Kofi Cripps a lower sixth player of considerable promise. In a high-tempo side, the two mobile flankers could wreak havoc in the U18 League and Eckersley can put his hand up to join a back row that already boasts homegrown products, Jack and Tom Willis.
Deago Bailey, Bristol Bears and SGS College Filton, wing
Bailey ticks all the attacking boxes you look for in a promising wing but what separates him from much of the competition is his ability to execute after making the initial break that his speed and footwork frequently allows him to achieve. He is able to consistently draw the last man and either make a pinpoint pass to a supporting teammate or beat the final defender himself.
He is a committed defender and uses his physical presence well in the air, too, and follows in the footsteps of Charlie Powell and Jack Bates in recent years as a prospect to keep an eye out for in Bristol’s back three. It will also be worth keeping an eye out for Jac Lloyd, Ioan’s younger brother, and Bailey’s SGS Filton teammates Chay Mullins and Charlie Rice.
Nathan Karea, Exeter Chiefs and Blundell’s School, tighthead prop
Another player with family links in the Premiership, Nathan is the younger brother of Exeter senior academy wing Barrie, who graduated from Blundell’s about a year and a half ago. The younger Karea is comfortable all across the front row and played hooker for Exeter’s U18 side last season, although it is arguably on the tighthead where he is at his most destructive in the set-piece.
His work in the loose is equally impressive, as there are few defenders at this level who can keep hold of him when he begins to pump his legs in contact and drive through the tackler. His lineout throwing is also solid and it would not be a surprise if Exeter value that versatility moving forward, should they see him as a complement to current senior academy tighthead Alfie Petch.
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Comments on RugbyPass
Why cant I watch Rugby games please?
1 Go to commentsBeautiful shot from Finau, end of story. Gutted for Shaun Stevenson though.
4 Go to commentsThe Chiefs definitely didn’t win ugly. They had the superior scrum, a dominant lineout, and their defence was excellent once the Waratahs scored their two tries (thanks to some lucky refereeing calls mind you). They put pressure on the Waratahs lineout throughout the game, and the mind boggles as to why the referee did not award a yellow card or a penalty try against the Waratahs for repeated scrum infringements on their own try line before Narawa’s first try. And the Chiefs were slick with their passing and running angles on attack. It was a dominant performance all round, even with many questionable refereeing decisions.
1 Go to commentsWasnt late. Ref 2 assistants andTMO all saw it so who are you to say it was?
4 Go to commentsAre the Brumbies playing the Blues twice in a row?
4 Go to commentsBig difference from the Saders. Forwards really muscled up and laid a solid platform. Scooter brought some steel and I liked the loosie combination. Newell has been rather disappointing this season but stepped up big time - happy also to see Franks dot down. He should do that more often! Reihana had a good game and there seems to be more flair and invention with him in the saddle. McNicoll plays well from the back and is reliable plus inventive when he joins the line. Keep it up chaps!
3 Go to comments🤦♂️🤣 who cares who’s the best . All I know is the All Blacks have the star coach but have few star players now …
30 Go to commentsJe suis sûr que Farrell est impatient de jouer avec Lopez et Machenaud et d’être entraîné par Collazo… 🤭
1 Go to commentsAn on field red (aka a full red) in SRP must surely carry a bigger suspension than a red card given by the bunker as that carries a 20 minute team punishment. Had Damon Murphy abdicated his responsibility as a ref and issued both Drua players a yellow, which would have been upgraded to a 20 minute red by the bunker, that would have killed Australia and New Zealand’s push for the 20 minute red to be trialled globally from July this year.
11 Go to commentsEver so often you all post a Danny Care story that isn’t the announcement that he has finally re-signed for one more, victory tour season at Quins and I’m just like, “well you fooled me again!” My absolute favorite player ever, we need to make his final year at the Stoop (and Twickers) official already. I know he supposedly snubbed France but I won’t feel better until he signs.
1 Go to commentslate hit what late hit it wasn’t at all late and can clearly see he was committed before the tackle
4 Go to commentsChristian Lio -Willies 2 try perfomance was a standout. As was captain Scott Barrett. Up front was where the boys won it.They are a great team and players. Fantastic Crusaders , you can keep going.
3 Go to commentsI don't know how the locals feel about that? I guess if you call yourselves the Worcester Wasps that might be appease. But really we need more teams in the Premiership in my view so they are not padding it out as they are at the moment. It might curtail so many players going abroad as well
5 Go to commentsNZ 😭😭😭is certainly rivaling England for best whingers cup!😭😭😭 !!!
30 Go to commentsYup. New Zealand won 3 out of 10 world cups played. SA 4 out of 8 attempts 30 Vs 50 per cent.🤔🤔
30 Go to commentsShould've done this years ago. Change Saturday kick off times to around 11am. Up and off and back home before 3pm, limit travel time too. Allows players to actually do something else with their Saturday that's family oriented or being rugby fans they could ‘watch’ pro rugby. Increases crowds etc. How can anyone that enjoys grassroots and pro rugby have to choose between the two on Saturdays?
9 Go to commentsI bet he inspired those supporters just as much.
1 Go to commentsBen Smith Springboks living rent free in his head 😊😂
67 Go to commentsGood to hear he would like to play the game at the highest level, I hadn’t been to sure how much of a motivator that was before now. Sadly he’s probably chosen the rugby club to go to. Try not to worry about all the input about how you should play rugby Joey and just try to emulate what you do on the league field and have fun. You’ll limit your game too much (well not really because he’s a standard athlete like SBW and he’ll still have enough) if you’re trying to make sure you can recycle the ball back etc. On the other hard, you can totally just try and recycle by looking to offload any and everywhere if you’re going to ground 😋
1 Go to commentsThis just proves that theres always a stat and a metric to use to justify your abilities and your success. Ben did it last week by creating an imaginary competition and now you did the same to counter his argument and espouse a new yardstick for success. Why not just use the current one and lets say the Boks have won 4 world cups making them the most successful world cup team. Outside of the world cup the All Blacks are the most successful team winning countless rugby championships and dominating the rankings with high win percentages. Over the last 4 years statistically the Irish are the best having the highest win rate and also having positive records against every tier 1 side. The most successful Northern team in the game has been England with a world cup title and the most six nations titles in history. The AB’s are the most dominant team in history with the highest win rate and 3 world cups. Lets not try to reinvent the wheel. Just be honest about the actual stats and what each team has been good at doing and that will be enough to define their level of success.
30 Go to comments