With this season’s Six Nations Championship set to kick off this weekend, we select six young up-and-comers who we believe will make a big splash this year.
Louis Bielle-Biarrey (France and Bordeaux Bègles)
A breakout star of the World Cup for the tournament hosts, Bielle-Biarrey has been a revelation on the left wing, even displacing Fabien Galthié regular Gabin Villière. At just 20 years of age, the Bordeaux man looks set for a bright future in the colours of Les Bleus if he can remain injury-free.
Playing in a back three alongside the likes of Damian Penaud and Thomas Ramos, Bielle-Biarrey will have plenty of experience to depend upon as France go in search of a second Six Nations title in three years. And while it’s likely to be Penaud and Ramos who continue to grab the headlines for the French, the young winger’s raw pace will be a big boon for the side.
Superb try by France and Louis Bielle-Biarrey shows his pace #SCOvFRA pic.twitter.com/YZr24GE3yN
— Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) August 5, 2023
Joe McCarthy (Ireland and Leinster)
One of the first names on Leo Cullen’s team sheets, McCarthy’s influence on Leinster has been palpable in the URC and Champions Cup this season. Although the 22-year-old has started just two Tests heading into the Six Nations, that number looks set to increase dramatically given his enormous potential.
A fringe player during Ireland’s Grand Slam success last year and a replacement during their World Cup quarterfinal defeat to the All Blacks, the New York-born lock will be looking to make a mark during this next WC cycle which could spell bad news for the likes of Iain Henderson, Tadgh Beirne and the rest of Andy Farrell’s second row establishment.
Another powerful outing for 20-year-old Leinster academy lock Joe McCarthy against Benetton last weekend.
— Murray Kinsella (@Murray_Kinsella) March 8, 2022
17 carries
6 defenders beaten
3 offloads
8 passes
8 tackles
6 lineouts won. pic.twitter.com/IxgrXdjBQ8
Mason Grady (Wales and Cardiff)
Despite the ongoing speculation regarding a potential move to the Gallagher Premiership, Grady remains a handy option for Warren Gatland’s Wales – for now, at least. The 21-year-old started in two of his country’s Six Nations Tests last year and will be a strong contender for more run-on appearances this season given the form he’s shown in the colours of Cardiff.
With serious size (112kg, 1.96m) and pace, the midfielder’s long-term future may continue to be a cause for concern for Welsh fans, but his immediate availability will give the Dragons a massive boost in the months ahead.
Here's a glimpse of new Welsh call up Mason Grady, the 6'5" and 110kg outside centre for Cardiff. Big Talent. pic.twitter.com/z4iKvvbAf4
— Andrew Forde (@andrewfrugby) January 17, 2023
Alessandro Izekor (Italy and Benetton)
The Brescia-born Izekor has been a central figure in Benetton’s unbelievable season so far and will be eager to translate his domestic form onto the Test arena. Ranked joint-ninth in the URC for tackles made in 2023/24 (99), the big flanker’s loose forward partnership with Michele Lamaro and Seb Negri looks set to continue in Italy colours.
Uncapped and at just 23, Izekor will be out to make a big splash for the Azzurri when his chance comes.
Sometimes you get magic moments in games where everyone forgets their positions and they're just rugby players.
— EK Rugby Analysis (@ek_rugby) April 21, 2023
This is one such moment from Thomas Gallo and Alessandro Izekor.#URCpic.twitter.com/rViatpRrhl
Tommy Freeman (England and Northampton Saints)
Backed by Chris Ashton to start for England, 22-year-old Freeman debuted for the Roses on the 2022 tour of Australia but finally looks set to challenge for a regular place in Steve Borthwick’s starting XV. The versatile winger missed out on Rugby World Cup selection but will see game time in the Six Nations.
Having torn it up for Northampton Saints so far this season, there’s little doubt Freeman will be adding to his three international caps soon.
Cracking try from Northampton here. Tommy Freeman having a big game at 15.#NORvULS pic.twitter.com/BZ1YTOw3wC
— EK Rugby Analysis (@ek_rugby) April 10, 2021
Ewan Ashman (Scotland and Edinburgh)
The 23-year-old Ashman has been a regular for Edinburgh under Sean Everitt this season and will be another player looking to take full advantage during the current World Cup cycle. Having formed part of Scotland’s squad in France last year, and with 12- Tests to his name, the Toronto-born hooker will be eager to properly challenge George Turner for that starting No 2 berth.
Hooker Ewan Ashman, on debut, with an outstanding finish. 😲pic.twitter.com/5dI5voVLfR
— Planet Rugby (@PlanetRugby) November 7, 2021
