The Six Nations tournament is a breeding ground for rugby stardom, where young talents rise to the occasion and carve out their place in the rugby pantheon. Last year’s competition saw a changing of the guard as seasoned veterans like Johnny Sexton and Alun Wyn Jones made way for a new generation of stars. Among them, Joe McCarthy, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, Tommaso Menoncello, and Nolann le Garrec shone brightly, hinting at the promising future of rugby.
As the rugby world gears up for the Six Nations 2025, all eyes are on the emerging talents who are set to take the tournament by storm. With the British and Irish Lions tour on the horizon, players have an added incentive to showcase their skills and earn a coveted spot in Andy Farrell’s squad. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top players to watch out for in this year’s Six Nations.
England – Tom Willis:
At 26 years old, Tom Willis has been making waves in the Premiership with his exceptional performances for Saracens. The younger brother of Toulouse flanker Jack Willis, Tom has seamlessly filled the void left by the departure of Billy Vunipola, showcasing his ball-carrying prowess and soft skills on the field. With calls for him to take over as England’s number eight, Willis is poised to cement his place in the national team and prove his mettle against international defenses.
Ireland – Sam Prendergast:
Sam Prendergast, the 21-year-old fly-half, has been making steady strides in his career, earning his debut for Ireland last November. With impressive performances for Leinster and standout displays in the autumn internationals, Prendergast is on the cusp of solidifying his place as Ireland’s starting number 10. Known for his lengthy spiral kicks and deft passing, he brings a creative spark to the Irish attack as they aim for a historic third consecutive Six Nations title.
Wales – Dan Edwards:
Dan Edwards, the talented fly-half for Ospreys, has caught the eye of Wales head coach Warren Gatland with his stellar performances in the United Rugby Championship. Despite being just 21 years old, Edwards has shown maturity beyond his years, displaying composure under pressure and delivering crucial plays when it matters most. With his last-gasp drop-goal heroics against Ulster, Edwards has proven that he has the potential to be a game-changer for Wales in the upcoming Six Nations.
Scotland – Tom Jordan:
Tom Jordan, the versatile utility back, made his Scotland debut in November, showcasing his attacking prowess and adaptability on the field. With impressive performances at full-back for Glasgow Warriors, Jordan is vying for a starting spot in the Scotland midfield alongside Huw Jones. Born in Auckland, Jordan brings a blend of Kiwi flair and Scottish grit to the team, making him a player to watch in the Six Nations.
Italy – Ross Vintcent:
Ross Vintcent, the dynamic number eight for Exeter Chiefs, has been making waves in the Italian national team with his explosive pace and footwork. Despite juggling his rugby career with a job as a Domino’s delivery driver, Vintcent has risen to the occasion, showcasing his raw talent and determination on the field. With Italy looking to build on their recent successes, Vintcent will be a key player to watch in the Six Nations.
France – Romain Ntamack:
Romain Ntamack, the prodigious fly-half from Toulouse, is gearing up for a comeback in the Six Nations after missing out on the previous tournament due to a knee injury. A key figure in France’s Grand Slam-winning campaign in 2022, Ntamack brings a wealth of experience and skill to the French side. With competition from the likes of Thomas Ramos and Matthieu Jalibert, Ntamack will be looking to reclaim his spot as France’s starting fly-half and lead his team to glory in the Six Nations.
As the Six Nations 2025 approaches, these young talents stand on the brink of greatness, ready to seize the opportunity and make their mark on the international stage. With their blend of skill, determination, and passion for the game, they embody the spirit of rugby and the promise of a bright future for the sport. Watch out for these rising stars as they light up the Six Nations and captivate audiences around the world with their electrifying performances.
