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15 rugby players under 23 to watch in this season's Top 14
By Francisco Isaac
With the Top 14 and Pro D2 starting, there will be an influx of great talent flowing through these competitions with the likes of David Niniashvili, Nolann Le Garrec and Mathis Castro-Ferreira being just a few examples of the young prospects destined for greatness.
We have tried to fish out those who have the best chance of making it big in 2024/25, earning not only the respect and love of the fans but also having a shot to be in the next men’s Rugby World Cup.
Important to note that the selected players are all under 23, which means we only picked those born in or before 2001.
1 Sergo Abramishvili – Stade Français, 21 years old (born in 2003), Georgia
Georgia has produced more than a few front-row talents, and Sergo Abramishvili is the next one in line, as the Stade Français loosehead has already made an impact in 2023 and 2024. His scrummaging ability has helped the Stadistes more than once, and with a new season on the horizon, he will be a valuable asset to fight for the Top 14 title.
2 Barnabé Massa – ASM Clermont, 20 years old (born in 2004), France
He might not have Camille Chat’s neck, but Bernabé Massa has that special potential that you will only see with a few that are fated to be a bedrock of a Test match forward pack. He moved to Clermont this last Summer, triggering huge bidding in the process, as every club in the Top 14 recognises the raw talent oozing from the U20 French international.
3 Tevita Tatafu – Bayonne, 22 years old (born in 2002), Tonga
Tevita Tatafu, remember the name. He will become a highlight for Bayonne for years to come, not only due to his weight (150kg) but also for his skill at scrum time and the ability to munch tacklers with ease. There’s a chance he will become the next Ben Tameifuna.
4 Posolo Tuilagi – USA Perpignan, 20 years old (born in 2004), France
As big as the Eiffel Tower, the already-capped Les Bleus international is one of Perpignan’s best 'hidden' secrets, and one of the reasons why the French Catalan outfit did so well last season. After a breakthrough year, Tuilagi now needs to go a step further and become a fierce entity ready to send his opposition back and win the gainline over and over again.
5 Mathis Castro-Ferreira – Toulouse, 20 years old (born in 2004), France
How many times will you have the pleasure of watching a 19-year-old score nine tries in his debut season as a senior? That was the case with Mathis Castro-Ferreira, Toulouse's lock who possesses the monumental potential to reach the rugby Olympus. Pick up the popcorn and climb aboard the Castro-Ferreira bandwagon, because it is about to leave the station.
6 José Madeira – FC Grenoble, 23 years old (born in 2001), Portugal
FC Grenoble were close to pulling off an upset against Montpellier in the promotion playoff, with José Madeira being one of the top performers in the Alpine side. At the age of 23, Madeira has already seized a starting spot in his club and national team, thanks to his insane off-the-ball work rate and his relentless mindset that keeps him going non-stop.
7 Theó Ntamack – Toulouse, 22 years old (born in 2002), France
Ok, this isn’t a loophole, as the younger sibling of Romain Ntamack has played as an openside flanker for Toulouse in more than a couple of games, and we couldn’t leave him out of this talent-stacked XV. His jolting physicality and in-game knowledge allow him to have an advantage over his rivals, fitting well with Toulouse’s mindset.
8 Temo Matiu – Bordeaux-Bègles, 23 years old (born in 2001), France
From playing basketball and rugby at the same time until 2021 to becoming a mainstay for Biarritz Olympique, Temo Matiu has a story of success that will drive fans crazy if he makes it big for his new club, Bordeaux-Bègles. His athleticism and brashness make him a spectacular powerhouse destined for greatness, and Bordeaux is the perfect place to boost his chances.
9 Nolann Le Garrec – Racing 92, 22 years old (born in 2022), France
Yes, Antoine Dupont is the absolute owner of France’s No9 shirt, but having Le Garrec as his shadow might force a sweat or two from the one-time World Rugby player of the year. The 22-year-old scrumhalf is an exciting trailblazer capable of weaving a tight web of plays that will push his team closer to the finishing line.
10 Hugo Reus – La Rochelle, 20 years old (born in 2004), France
Is Hugo Reus the future replacement for Romain Ntamack? Well, for now, he will have to contend with Ihaia West and Antoine Hastoy for the starting flyhalf spot in Ronan O’Gara’s La Rochelle, but the wonderkid has the potential to put on a vivid and colourful show that would make any Moulin Rouge director blush. In 23/24 he played a total of 19 games and secured 140 points from the tee.
11 Théo Attissogbé – Pau, 19 years old (born in 2004), France
Is Théo Attissogbé the most promising back in France right now? At least he is one of the quickest and most difficult to stop, and Fabien Galthié has already granted him a chance to show his best for France. And how did he show his gratitude? Two tries in his first two caps. Is this the beginning of something special?
12 Robin Taccola – Vannes, 19 years old (born in 2005), France
Robin Taccola will have a hard time becoming a starter for Vannes in their first season in the Top 14, but give him time and space, and the 19-year-old will become an A-lister in the rugby world. Why? Look, a centre like Taccola who can pull the strings like a flyhalf, take down any ball carrier with brutal dominance and has a knack for flinging lethal offloads like they’re hot buns, is guaranteed to make it big, and believe us when we say he will.
13 Eto Bainivalu – Provence Rugby, 23 years old (born in 2001), Fiji
A former Toulouse academy player, Eto Bainivalu moved to Provence Rugby in 2023 and eventually settled as one of the most dominant centres in the Pro D2, possessing enough skill to warrant a serious following. He is a menacing presence and it will be interesting to see how he will link up with George North when the Welsh great returns from injury.
14 Henry Arundell – Racing 92, 21 years old (born in 2002), England
Nine tries scored in his first season abroad, Arundell’s impact for Racing 92 was felt but the outside back will certainly want to become an even bigger box office name in the Top 14. His agility, speed, and slickness have added a special spice to the ciel-et-blanc's offensive strategy, something to happen yet again in 2024/2025.
15 Davit Niniashvili – Lyon, 22 years old (born in 2022), Georgia
Magic in its purest state. That’s Davit Niniashvili, one of the most gifted athletes to have appeared in the Top 14, and who will make life hard for any team, especially those unable to win the aerial battle.
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Latest Comments
Nah hes a journeyman. Right call
Go to commentsAgreed for the most part. And perhaps Dmac needed a period were he is the 'Hobson's choice' too.
Yes and no, they main concern I had from the situation is Razor didn't really explain why they had developed differing opinions, had he? I've seen too many things happen in life to jump the gun. Fall all we know it was a locked in choice before they found the difference last year and played out this year to see if they were recoverable. I can certainly see where it would be a valid criticism to suggest he spent too much time reviewing his players tripping overseas and not enough work with his team at that time. But things like Tony Brown not even being contacted in the lead up to the naming of the squad are endemic in the union, and for much just as much blame should be laid on someone like Wayne Smith. Some like Mitch would have been aval at the same time too I'd think.
Ultimately I see MacDs time at the Blues much as I saw Ian Fosters time at the Chiefs. Heavily overshadowed by their successors but you could find something good in there if you wanted. Same here. This will play out.
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