Young Players I’d like to see more of 20/21 Edition

[Scrumhead]

Always somewhat reticent with the younger props and locks (though to a lesser extent) that we don't push them up against fully developed pros too much too soon. Some exposure is great but you run the risk of another Corbs situation where they should be coming into their prime in their mid 20s but they're broken and disillusioned from being physically stressed too much before their bodies are fully developed.

In contrast to the way we've abused some of our previous props, I think the way Street is being managed at Exeter is absolutely exemplary. They've given him regular opportunities off the bench, even in big games, but made sure they're never reliant on him or requiring him to play when they don't want him to. They signed Maks van Dyk this season to cover for internationals and haven't needed him because Williams has been unneeded by England, but they've had the foresight to plan ahead so that one injury or one callup doesn't leave Street needing to act as the senior tighthead at the club.

He's only 21, compared to Williams at 29 and Francis at 28 (and likely to need to go to Wales at some point), so you'd say there was a clear pathway for him if he keeps getting better. Absolutely pin-perfect development technique from Exeter.

Puja

Yeah. I’d agree with that.

I’m hoping Quins take a similar approach to bringing through Tizard and Hammond as both look very good.

It’s a bit of a dilemma because outside of Symons and Lewies, our locks are very average. On the one hand, it seems that we may have held back on signing more locks because we’re planning ahead for Tizard and Hammond. On the other hand, I wouldn’t want to put too much reliance on them too soon.

As EP said, Sam Riley is very highly rated. Like our locks, our senior hookers are nothing special so we may start seeing Musk, Head and Riley as our main options in future which would be a good advert for the academy.

Fin Baxter (tighthead) is also very highly rated, so we seem to have a decent crop coming through. Hopefully they’re brought through in the right way.

[Raggs]

My fear for Atkinson is how he gets more game time for Wasps. With Umaga, Gopps, Sopps, Minozzi, there's a huge amount of cover at 10/15 in just 4 players that could all be on the pitch to start with, let alone on the bench, you're not going to then put a 10 on the bench for cover.

[Stom]

My fear for Atkinson is how he gets more game time for Wasps. With Umaga, Gopps, Sopps, Minozzi, there's a huge amount of cover at 10/15 in just 4 players that could all be on the pitch to start with, let alone on the bench, you're not going to then put a 10 on the bench for cover.

When does Sopoagas contract run out? Not really gone as planned for him

[Raggs]

My fear for Atkinson is how he gets more game time for Wasps. With Umaga, Gopps, Sopps, Minozzi, there's a huge amount of cover at 10/15 in just 4 players that could all be on the pitch to start with, let alone on the bench, you're not going to then put a 10 on the bench for cover.

When does Sopoagas contract run out? Not really gone as planned for him

I think he signed for 2+1 and appears to have activated that +1 for him to be here this season. If he's finding his feet at fullback, and he seems to be, then he may be kept around more, but I can't imagine it'd be a huge salary.

[Stom]

My fear for Atkinson is how he gets more game time for Wasps. With Umaga, Gopps, Sopps, Minozzi, there's a huge amount of cover at 10/15 in just 4 players that could all be on the pitch to start with, let alone on the bench, you're not going to then put a 10 on the bench for cover.

When does Sopoagas contract run out? Not really gone as planned for him

I think he signed for 2+1 and appears to have activated that +1 for him to be here this season. If he's finding his feet at fullback, and he seems to be, then he may be kept around more, but I can't imagine it'd be a huge salary.

Well Gopperth will retire soon, so maybe that’s Atkinsons way in.

[Puja]

My fear for Atkinson is how he gets more game time for Wasps. With Umaga, Gopps, Sopps, Minozzi, there's a huge amount of cover at 10/15 in just 4 players that could all be on the pitch to start with, let alone on the bench, you're not going to then put a 10 on the bench for cover.

When does Sopoagas contract run out? Not really gone as planned for him

I think he signed for 2+1 and appears to have activated that +1 for him to be here this season. If he's finding his feet at fullback, and he seems to be, then he may be kept around more, but I can't imagine it'd be a huge salary.

I would imagine he's still got enough cachet to get a contract in France, almost certainly at more than a Wasps renewal to compete for 15 with Minozzi would be.

Puja

[FKAS]

My fear for Atkinson is how he gets more game time for Wasps. With Umaga, Gopps, Sopps, Minozzi, there's a huge amount of cover at 10/15 in just 4 players that could all be on the pitch to start with, let alone on the bench, you're not going to then put a 10 on the bench for cover.

When does Sopoagas contract run out? Not really gone as planned for him

I think he signed for 2+1 and appears to have activated that +1 for him to be here this season. If he's finding his feet at fullback, and he seems to be, then he may be kept around more, but I can't imagine it'd be a huge salary.

He signed a whopping contract to join Wasps so I doubt money will be an issue for him. I'd agree I can't see Wasps offering to match that salary again so it'll be interesting to see what happens. They might have to pay more than they want if Gopperth announces his retirement though because Umaga and Atkinson is a bit too raw a selection.

[Mr Mwenda]

Sopoaga was an all black, right? Has he been injured or just not up to it?

[Raggs]

Wasps backline was hugely disrupted along with him struggling to settle in. Bad first season. Second season was looking better but interrupted with injury and less time due to Umaga being first choice.

There's talk that he's on a huge salary but also that whilst on a very good wage he's not on the monstrous pay packet that was originally rumored.

[Gloskarlos]

What's going on with George Barton at Glaws? He was supposed to be the bright young thing coming through at flyhalf. I think he was playing England under 20s early in the year.

Yeah, he’s played three times for the U20s. He looked pretty decent at schools and U18s, but hasn’t pushed on yet into the senior team. 2 or 3 appearances and a couple of Prem cup ones too. He’s only just turned 20 mind.

The year below him with Smith, Atkinson and Bayley looks a better standard, but all four are decent prospects.

I think he will get a bit more game time this season, DC playing less, and frankly not really on his mettle by his own standards, Lloyd Evans been going pretty well, but won’t start every game.

[FKAS]

Wasps backline was hugely disrupted along with him struggling to settle in. Bad first season. Second season was looking better but interrupted with injury and less time due to Umaga being first choice.

There's talk that he's on a huge salary but also that whilst on a very good wage he's not on the monstrous pay packet that was originally rumored.

He's earning enough to support his family back home.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.thegua ... ma-sopoaga

Rumours at the time were that it was 1m NZ dollars a year which is roughly £500k which was about the going rate for a good international flyhalf which is what he looked before coming to the Prem. Saints are allegedly paying Biggar something similar and ditto Tigers with Ford.

[Epaminondas Pules]

Always somewhat reticent with the younger props and locks (though to a lesser extent) that we don't push them up against fully developed pros too much too soon. Some exposure is great but you run the risk of another Corbs situation where they should be coming into their prime in their mid 20s but they're broken and disillusioned from being physically stressed too much before their bodies are fully developed.

In contrast to the way we've abused some of our previous props, I think the way Street is being managed at Exeter is absolutely exemplary. They've given him regular opportunities off the bench, even in big games, but made sure they're never reliant on him or requiring him to play when they don't want him to. They signed Maks van Dyk this season to cover for internationals and haven't needed him because Williams has been unneeded by England, but they've had the foresight to plan ahead so that one injury or one callup doesn't leave Street needing to act as the senior tighthead at the club.

He's only 21, compared to Williams at 29 and Francis at 28 (and likely to need to go to Wales at some point), so you'd say there was a clear pathway for him if he keeps getting better. Absolutely pin-perfect development technique from Exeter.

Puja

Yeah. I’d agree with that.

I’m hoping Quins take a similar approach to bringing through Tizard and Hammond as both look very good.

It’s a bit of a dilemma because outside of Symons and Lewies, our locks are very average. On the one hand, it seems that we may have held back on signing more locks because we’re planning ahead for Tizard and Hammond. On the other hand, I wouldn’t want to put too much reliance on them too soon.

As EP said, Sam Riley is very highly rated. Like our locks, our senior hookers are nothing special so we may start seeing Musk, Head and Riley as our main options in future which would be a good advert for the academy.

Fin Baxter (tighthead) is also very highly rated, so we seem to have a decent crop coming through. Hopefully they’re brought through in the right way.

Most certainly is. Stood out as a level above any competition from U15 onwards. Formed a formidable front row with Brantingham (Newcastle) and Vanes (Tigers). All three have only recently left school.

[Raggs]

Maybe not in the original list, but Barbeary and Atkinson both start for Wasps on Saturday. Love the ballsy call to start Atkinson rather than Sops or Gops at 10.

[Digby]

Maybe not in the original list, but Barbeary and Atkinson both start for Wasps on Saturday. Love the ballsy call to start Atkinson rather than Sops or Gops at 10.

Sop Gop is a stop gap which hasn't held against Atkinson

[Scrumhead]

In contrast to the way we've abused some of our previous props, I think the way Street is being managed at Exeter is absolutely exemplary. They've given him regular opportunities off the bench, even in big games, but made sure they're never reliant on him or requiring him to play when they don't want him to. They signed Maks van Dyk this season to cover for internationals and haven't needed him because Williams has been unneeded by England, but they've had the foresight to plan ahead so that one injury or one callup doesn't leave Street needing to act as the senior tighthead at the club.

He's only 21, compared to Williams at 29 and Francis at 28 (and likely to need to go to Wales at some point), so you'd say there was a clear pathway for him if he keeps getting better. Absolutely pin-perfect development technique from Exeter.

Puja

Yeah. I’d agree with that.

I’m hoping Quins take a similar approach to bringing through Tizard and Hammond as both look very good.

It’s a bit of a dilemma because outside of Symons and Lewies, our locks are very average. On the one hand, it seems that we may have held back on signing more locks because we’re planning ahead for Tizard and Hammond. On the other hand, I wouldn’t want to put too much reliance on them too soon.

As EP said, Sam Riley is very highly rated. Like our locks, our senior hookers are nothing special so we may start seeing Musk, Head and Riley as our main options in future which would be a good advert for the academy.

Fin Baxter (tighthead) is also very highly rated, so we seem to have a decent crop coming through. Hopefully they’re brought through in the right way.

Most certainly is. Stood out as a level above any competition from U15 onwards. Formed a formidable front row with Brantingham (Newcastle) and Vanes (Tigers). All three have only recently left school.

Baxter is on the bench for Quins

[Tigersman]

Callum Sirker is a player i'm interested in seeing develop.
Prob too soon this season.

[Raggs]

Callum Sirker is a player i'm interested in seeing develop.
Prob too soon this season.

Not sure if he's 100% fit yet.

[Tigersman]

Callum Sirker is a player i'm interested in seeing develop.
Prob too soon this season.

Not sure if he's 100% fit yet.

Don't think he is either.
but think he could get a proper breakthrough next season.

Crazy attacking potential. Him and Radwan.

[Epaminondas Pules]

Yeah. I’d agree with that.

I’m hoping Quins take a similar approach to bringing through Tizard and Hammond as both look very good.

It’s a bit of a dilemma because outside of Symons and Lewies, our locks are very average. On the one hand, it seems that we may have held back on signing more locks because we’re planning ahead for Tizard and Hammond. On the other hand, I wouldn’t want to put too much reliance on them too soon.

As EP said, Sam Riley is very highly rated. Like our locks, our senior hookers are nothing special so we may start seeing Musk, Head and Riley as our main options in future which would be a good advert for the academy.

Fin Baxter (tighthead) is also very highly rated, so we seem to have a decent crop coming through. Hopefully they’re brought through in the right way.

Most certainly is. Stood out as a level above any competition from U15 onwards. Formed a formidable front row with Brantingham (Newcastle) and Vanes (Tigers). All three have only recently left school.

Baxter is on the bench for Quins

That's awesome. Proper Munster side to cut your teeth against.

[Epaminondas Pules]

Just to bump this up. I'll try and dig out some bits on players coming through who look to have the goods to go pretty far, if they can transition into adult / first team rugby / are given the opportunity to transition.

Worcester U18 highlights from 2020 season. Players to watch are 10 Finn Smith, the most exciting (IMO) of the upcoming 10's and 8 Jack Forsythe, who was a standout in the backrow with Guy Pepper at Falcons.

Ollie Wynn, who is 9 & 21 in different clips looks decent too.

[Epaminondas Pules]

Not exactly the greatest video ever, but the player is worth watching out for. Deago Bailey (Bristol), who really stood out on the wing along with Cassius Cleaves (Quins) throughout schools rugby.

[Epaminondas Pules]

Sam Riley (Quins), who was almost the outstanding hooker at schools and age grade. His only mistake was being born in the same year as Alfie Barbeary. He, along with Fin Baxter (18 year old tighthead - who made his debut against Racing) are really top prospects in the front row.

[Epaminondas Pules]

Jake Garside (Saints), who is probably the standout of the 9's coming through. In his final year at Norwich School, who produced Freddie Steward.

[Epaminondas Pules]

You've probably already heard of Cassius Cleaves (mentioned earlier), but yet another bloody Quin coming through is Kitan Ojo, who is the year below Cleaves and another. A proper athlete, but with a good rugby brain on him too. Played centre for Epsom, but more likely to move out to the wing I suspect.

[Puja]

You've probably already heard of Cassius Cleaves (mentioned earlier), but yet another bloody Quin coming through is Kitan Ojo, who is the year below Cleaves and another. A proper athlete, but with a good rugby brain on him too. Played centre for Epsom, but more likely to move out to the wing I suspect.

That's a good highlights reel and interesting to see he had a section in there of winning turnovers. Am I right in seeing him playing 7 in some of those school games?

The chasing back to tackle the 15 who everyone thought was gone was most impressive. Lots of people have pace and strength, but that kind of will and desire is much rarer.

Puja