U20s RBS Six Nations XV of the Championship

The U20 Six Nations is an ever-improving competition, giving fans and coaches alike a glimpse into the future stars of its senior equivalent.

We have assembled below what we believe to be the team of the tournament over the last seven weeks, one which is littered with players who could be making big impacts at the next level over the coming years.

15. Max Malins, England

One of the only players to come out of England’s campaign with any credit to his name, Malins impressed at full-back, injecting ambition and incision with his counter-attacks. Why he was not moved to fly-half, his favoured position, remains an unanswered question.

14. Robbie Nairn, Scotland

The Scotland U20s’ answer to George North, Nairn was physical and continued to build on the impressive performances he put in with his side during the World Rugby U20 Championship in the summer. It wasn’t a tournament chocked-full of expansive, high-scoring games with wingers running rampant, but Nairn certainly added to the Scottish back line.

13. Damian Penaud, France

You can’t turn around in Clermont-Ferrand without bumping into a graceful, effective midfielder and Penaud is the latest player to come off of that conveyor belt of centre talent. Skill levels have been improving at U20 level but it is still common to see physical monsters dominate at the level and as such it is pleasant to see such a technically-gifted player as Penaud excel.

12. Alex Arrate, France

The Biarritz man will be keen to develop a strong partnership with Penaud, as it could prove very beneficial for France in this summer’s world championship. At just 18 years of age, Arrate is making a name for himself at Pro D2 and U20 levels and is certainly worth keeping an eye on.

11. Keelan Giles, Wales

Whilst Nairn provides a physical presence on the opposite wing, Giles offers pure pace on this one, with more than handy footwork helping him leave defenders grasping at thin air. He proved to be a try-scoring threat for Wales from anywhere on the pitch, including when the opposition were in possession, and should have Welsh fans salivating at his potential.

10. Dan Jones and Billy McBryde, Wales

The two Welsh fly-halves dovetailed superbly throughout the championship. Jones led Wales excellently against Ireland and England, whilst McBryde took over for the challenge of France, as well as nailing the pivotal penalty kick against Scotland. Both players guided Wales to their first ever championship with aplomb.

9. Reuben Morgan-Williams, Wales

Italy’s Charly Trussardi ran Morgan-Williams close, but the Welshman had the benefit of playing behind a dominant pack and with plenty of weapons to unleash in his back line, and ultimately looked the more polished player as a result. There’s not much to say other than he ran well, passed well and controlled games well.

1. Clement Castets, France

French rugby may be in all sorts of trouble at higher levels but at U20 level the stereotypes of what once made it great are still in good shape. Castets scrummaged very proficiently and is possibly a player that could be earmarked as a solution to the senior team’s loosehead problems in two or three years’ time.

2. Dafydd Hughes, Wales

Like Morgan-Williams, Hughes didn’t have to do too many flashy things in a very good Wales side. Performing his set-piece duties and contributing earnestly in attack and defence were all that were required of Hughes and he delivered in all three facets.

3. Will Stuart, England

With so many players missing from the England squad due to Aviva Premiership duty and/or injury, Stuart was one of the few England players to really step up in their absence. The monstrous tighthead had his way with looseheads throughout the tournament and was at the top of a very short list of positives for this summer’s world championship hosts.

4. James Ryan, Ireland

Like England, Ireland had a fairly forgettable championship, but the ability of Ryan was one thing which won’t be forgotten anytime soon. The Leinster lock is a physical menace at this level and is a very strong candidate to be fast-tracked into both the Leinster and senior Ireland set-ups. Hopefully former lock Leo Cullen sees the unquestioned talent in James and helps push him onto the next level.

5. Scott Cummings, Scotland

Cummings led Scotland superbly throughout the tournament, and if it were not for the dynamic pairing of the Gray brothers in the Scotland engine room, he would be another player worthy of talking about as a fast-track candidate into the international arena. Leone Nakarawa is rumoured to be the apple of Racing 92’s eye and if he makes the move south, Glasgow need not look outside the club for his replacement.

6. Anthony Jelonch, France

The French U20 back rows have proven to be a rich feeding ground of late, with Yacouba Camara recently stepping up to test rugby and Sekou Macalou surely also on Guy Novès’ radar, and Jelonch could be the next to make the leap. Admittedly, that is a way off and he has a pecking order to start climbing first, but he was one of the stars of a French team which really impressed this year.

7. Matt Smith, Scotland

After Jamie Ritchie was withdrawn due to club commitments with Edinburgh, Smith stood up and continued the excellent work which Ritchie had started in Scotland’s 24-6 victory over England. In addition to the tackling, breakdown work and set-piece impact that Smith brought, he also proved quite the handful with ball in hand.

8. Harri Keddie, Wales

The way Keddie imposed himself physically on the U20 Six Nations was certainly reminiscent of Akira Ioane at last year’s world championships, albeit Keddie is not quite in Ioane’s league just yet. As a second year player, Keddie made the most of his experience and was the pick of the Grand Slam-winning Welsh side.