Where are they now? The 2016 five to follow U20 Championship players

It’s eight years since the World Rugby U20 Championship was staged in England for the one and only time. A glossy 28-page programme was published for that edition of the tournament and the preview intro certainly hyped what was set to unfold in Manchester.

“As historic locations go, the world’s best young players are in the right place,” began writer Simon Mills. “Manchester, the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, was full of power and invention, of noise and passion.

“And so is this tournament. It is where talent and temperament ae woven into greatness. It is where World Cup winners are forged. Make no mistake, the young men in action over the next three weeks will be jet-propelled into the Test teams of New Zealand, Australia, South Africa England, Wales and the rest.”

The prediction was spot on. For instance, the Baby Boks of 2016 under coach Dawie Theron included future RWC winners in Manie Libbok and S’bu Nkosi, while Edwill van der Merwe was the Qatar Cup player of the match last Saturday in London when he debuted for the Springboks.

Flick through the other team pages and more current Test stars are listed. A flavour? Argentina’s Marcos Kremer, England’s Harry Randall, France’s Antoine Dupont, Ireland’s James Ryan, New Zealand’s Jordie Barrett, Scotland’s Blair Kinghorn and Wales’ Adam Beard.

How the programme looked for the 2016 World Rugby U20 Championship

What also caught the eye was how the programme got out its crystal ball and suggested five players to follow at the Championship from the 336 who were taking part across the dozen 28-strong squads.

Here is what was written about the five chosen could-be age-grade stars ahead of a competition where England beat Ireland in the final, and a follow-up on how their respective careers have since panned out:

Harrison Keddie (Wales)

Then: Powerful ball carrier who provokes favourable comparisons with Dragons teammate Taulupe Faletau. Very experienced at this level and a focal point for a Wales team chasing a first global title.

Now: Has forged a successful club career at Dragons but has been unable to make the step up into the Test arena and remains uncapped at that level for Wales.

Damian Penaud (France)

Then: Electric outside centre on verge of great things with priceless finishing ability. He has scored five tries in his last two outings against England. Another with a fine bloodline: father Alain won 32 caps as a fly-half.

Now: Is preparing with Bordeaux for next weekend’s Top 14 final following a fantastic first season with the club after deciding to leave Clermont, whom he served with distinction. A prolific try-scorer, he has become a mainstay of the France national team under Fabian Galthie having previously debuted at Test level in 2016/17 following the U20s tournament.

Shaun Stevenson (New Zealand)

Then: Rangy, athletic and exciting attacker who stood out in the ITM Cup last year and stepped up to the Chiefs Super Rugby squad this year. “Very fast and can really play,” says New Zealand’s head coach Scott Robertson.

Now: A starter at full-back for the Chiefs in last Saturday’s Super Rugby Pacific final defeat away to the Blues. Having represented the Maori All Blacks on numerous occasions, he made an All Blacks Test debut last August and was a try scorer versus the Aussies in Dunedin. Not selected as part of new coach Scott Robertson’s squad for the upcoming matches, but is touring with the Maori ABs.

Sione Tuipulotu (Australia)

Then: Skilful all-round centre who made his Super Rugby debut for the Rebels this year. Returns to the U20 Championship after being part of the squad in Italy in 2015.

Now: What joy seeing him at the heart of Glasgow’s fantastic title-winning URC final heist at the Bulls in Pretoria last Saturday. It was 2021, following a few seasons in Japan with Shizuoka Blue Revs, when he joined the Warriors. Is now touted as a potential British and Irish Lions Test starter on their 2025 tour due to his consistent midfield performances with Gregor Townsend’s Scotland and Franco Smith's Glasgow.

Harry Mallinder (England)

Then: Arguably the young player of the season in the Aviva Premiership who has been athletic and physical in attack and classy on the ball. Father Jim Mallinder – in charge at Saints – was a similarly stylish full-back.

Now: Fell down the pecking order at Northampton after Chris Boyd took over from Mallinder. Decided a change was needed and spent the last few seasons in Japan with Black Rams in Tokyo. Has lately tried his luck in American football as a kicker/punter, being part of the same international player pathway programme that resulted in Louis Rees-Zammit being signed by Kansas City Chiefs.

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