Every season a new generation of rugby talent begins to push toward the professional game, and FloRugby’s Top 50 Rugby Union Prospects list highlights the young players already making waves across the sport.

The first installment of this year’s ranking reveals prospects ranked from No. 50 to No. 35, featuring emerging stars from leading professional pathways in Europe, the Southern Hemisphere and beyond.  From explosive back three finishers to powerful young forwards already breaking into senior squads, the group represents the next wave of talent likely to shape the international game over the coming decade.

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Many of the players included have already made their professional debuts, while others are starring in elite age grade competitions and rapidly climbing through academy systems. Several have also featured for their national under 20 sides and are beginning to attract attention from senior international selectors.

Next up is our list of players ranked 35th - 21st. This is a diverse group of players in terms of position and where they ply their trade, but crucially they all have immense upside.

This is only the beginning of FloRugby’s countdown. The next installments will reveal players ranked from No. 20 to No. 11, followed by the final release of the Top 10 prospects.

To qualify for the list, players must meet three key criteria. Each prospect must be under 23 years old at the start of the 2026 calendar year, have fewer than five senior international caps and be in a position to make a meaningful impact for both club and country before the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

35. Ollie Blyth Lafferty

Prop | Edinburgh Rugby | Scotland

Few positions in rugby demand patience like tighthead prop, yet Ollie Blyth-Lafferty is already making his mark at just 19 years of age. The Edinburgh front rower sits at No. 35 on FloRugby’s Top 50 rugby prospects list after a rapid rise through the Scottish pathway into professional rugby.

A product of Boroughmuir RFC, Blyth-Lafferty has progressed through Edinburgh’s development system alongside his older brother Jerry, another front rower in the club’s academy. The pair have come through many of the same age-grade teams, becoming one of the more intriguing sibling stories within Scottish rugby’s emerging generation.

His rugby journey began in the Boroughmuir youth ranks, where he played from primary school level through under-18 rugby, helping the club capture the U18 Boys Youth Cup. Recognized early for his potential in the front row, he joined Edinburgh’s academy structure and was aligned with the club as part of the FOSROC contracted academy program for the 2023–2024 season.

Despite still being a teenager, Blyth-Lafferty quickly began gaining valuable exposure to senior rugby. He featured for Currie Chieftains and the FOSROC Futures XV while also appearing for Heriot’s in the Scottish Premiership during the 2024–2025 season. Those experiences helped accelerate his development in one of the most demanding positions on the field.

On the international stage, Blyth-Lafferty first made his mark with Scotland's U18, featuring in all three matches of the 2024 Under-18 Six Nations Festival. He later stepped into the Scotland under-20 environment, making history alongside his brother Jerry when the pair started together in the front row during Scotland’s opening match against Samoa at the 2024 World Rugby Under-20 Trophy.

His breakthrough at club level came in late 2025. Blyth-Lafferty made his professional debut for Edinburgh as a replacement in a United Rugby Championship victory over the Ospreys before being handed a bigger challenge.

Just a week later, the teenage prop was named in the starting lineup for an Investec Champions Cup clash against three-time European champions Toulon at Hive Stadium. The occasion marked his first professional start and an early indication of the faith the coaching staff already have in his ability.

That performance helped secure his first professional contract with the club, officially making him a full-time member of the Edinburgh squad.

Still developing physically and technically, Blyth-Lafferty remains at the beginning of his career. With his grounding in the Scottish system and early exposure to elite competition, he is widely viewed as one of the most promising young tighthead props pushing toward the Scotland senior setup.

34. Steffan Emanuel

Centre | Cardiff Rugby | Wales

Steffan Emanuel has already made a habit of turning up early. Still only 19, the Cardiff centre is ranked No. 34 on FloRugby’s Top 50 rugby prospects list, a reflection of how quickly he has moved from age-grade standout to a player the Welsh system is clearly tracking for the next cycle.

Emanuel came through Cardiff’s pathway before taking a full rugby scholarship to Millfield School, a move that has become a familiar route for talented Welsh youngsters. He did not just blend in, he led, captaining the First XV and sharpening an all-court skill set suited to the modern midfield. When his studies finished, Emanuel bucked the usual trend of staying across the bridge and returned home to sign with Cardiff in the summer of 2024 on a professional deal.

Cardiff wasted little time exposing him to higher levels. He was selected for a European Challenge Cup fixture against Lyon in December 2024, an early sign the coaches saw him as more than an academy project. By the 2025–2026 season, he was logging serious minutes, including a full 80 against Stade Francais and another against Zebre, before announcing himself in the URC with a try against Ulster on Jan. 31, 2026.

Internationally, Emanuel has been playing up the age groups for years. At 17, he was fast-tracked into Wales under 20 for the Junior World Championship in South Africa, debuting against New Zealand and scoring a try off the bench in a narrow defeat. He returned for the 2025 Under-20 Six Nations and was named vice captain, another endorsement of his maturity and leadership.

With a professional base at Cardiff and a clear runway into the Wales pathway, Emanuel looks well placed to make a genuine impact for club and country before the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

33. Cheswill Jooste 

Wing | Vodacom Bulls | South Africa

The production line of South African wings rarely slows down, and Cheswill Jooste looks like the latest name ready to follow that tradition. The Vodacom Bulls speedster sits at No. 33 on FloRugby’s Top 50 rugby prospects list after a breakout introduction to professional rugby.

Still only 19, Jooste has already shown the kind of finishing instinct South African rugby values so highly in its back three players. Standing 175 centimeters tall and weighing around 75 kilograms, he relies on acceleration, sharp support lines, and instinctive positioning rather than physical size.

Jooste grew up in Vredenburg on South Africa’s west coast and attended Hoërskool Noordheuwel, one of the country’s respected rugby schools. His performances quickly pushed him into the national youth spotlight.

He represented the Golden Lions at Craven Week in both 2023 and 2024, tournaments that traditionally serve as a launching pad for South Africa’s next generation of professional players. His displays earned selection for the South Africa Schools side in consecutive seasons before he joined the Bulls academy system.

International recognition followed soon after. Jooste stepped into the Junior Springboks setup in 2025, featuring in eight matches and scoring three tries as part of the national under-20 program.

His transition into senior rugby happened quickly. Jooste was named in the Blue Bulls squad for the 2025 Currie Cup Premier Division before being promoted to the senior Bulls setup.

The winger made an immediate impression in the United Rugby Championship. On debut against the Ospreys in the opening round of the 2025–2026 season, Jooste crossed for two tries, announcing himself at professional level with a statement performance. He followed that with another try in the Investec Champions Cup against Pau, underlining his ability to produce in big matches.

His early performances have also caught the attention of national coaches. In early 2026, Jooste was invited to his first Springbok alignment camp, an indication he is already on the radar as South Africa builds toward the next World Cup cycle.

With blistering speed and an eye for the try line, Jooste is another young back emerging from the South African system with the tools to make a significant impact at both club and international level.

32. Hugh Gavin

Centre | Connacht Rugby | Ireland 

Size and athleticism have always been valuable commodities in midfield, and Hugh Gavin brings plenty of both. The Connacht centre checks in at No. 32 on FloRugby’s Top 50 rugby prospects list after emerging as one of Ireland’s most promising young backs over the past two seasons.

Standing 1.92 meters tall and weighing just over 100 kilograms, Gavin has the physical profile of the modern international centre. Equally comfortable carrying into traffic or distributing in wider channels, the Galway native has developed into a versatile option capable of covering multiple backline roles.

Gavin grew up in Salthill in County Galway and initially split his sporting interests between rugby and Gaelic football. Rugby eventually took priority, and he progressed through the Connacht development pathway from a young age, following in the footsteps of his father Barry, who played number eight for the province.

Originally playing on the wing, Gavin later transitioned into the midfield, where his size, pace, and handling skills began to stand out. His performances at youth level earned him a place in the Connacht academy before he signed his first professional contract with the province in April 2024.

He was promoted to the senior squad ahead of the 2024–2025 season and quickly began gaining exposure at professional level in the United Rugby Championship and the EPCR Challenge Cup. A promising start to his debut campaign was interrupted by an ankle injury that required surgery after just his second appearance in November 2024, but Gavin returned later in the season and continued to build valuable experience.

Internationally, Gavin has been a central figure in Ireland’s age-grade setup. He played two full seasons with Ireland under 20 between 2023 and 2024, appearing in all 20 matches across the Six Nations and World Rugby Under-20 Championship while scoring six tries.

His performances soon pushed him into higher-representative teams. He featured for Emerging Ireland during their 2024 tour of South Africa before stepping up to Ireland A, scoring a try against England A in February 2025. Later that year, he received his first senior call-up to the Ireland squad for the summer tour.

With his blend of size, athleticism, and growing experience at both club and international level, Gavin is widely viewed as one of the next midfield prospects pushing toward a regular role in Ireland’s senior setup.

31. Siale Lauaki 

Tighthead Prop | Hurricanes | New Zealand 

Front row prospects rarely attract the same early attention as flashy backs, but Siale Lauaki is quickly becoming one of the most intriguing young tighthead props in New Zealand rugby. Ranked No. 31 on FloRugby’s Top 50 rugby prospects list, the Hurricanes prop represents the next wave of powerful scrummagers emerging from the country’s production line.

At 1.94 meters and around 125 kilograms, Lauaki possesses the physical profile modern international tightheads require. His size, combined with impressive mobility around the field, has made him a player coaches believe can develop into a long-term asset at both Super Rugby and potentially Test level.

Raised in Wellington, Lauaki attended St Patrick’s College where he quickly established himself as one of the most promising schoolboy forwards in the region. His performances earned selection for New Zealand Schools and saw him named College Sport Wellington Sportsman of the Year, recognition that highlighted both his on-field impact and athletic potential.

That pathway naturally led to higher honors. Lauaki progressed through the Hurricanes development system and later represented New Zealand under 20 during the 2023 international season, gaining experience against the best young forwards in the world.

At provincial level, he made his debut for Wellington in the National Provincial Championship in 2022 while still a teenager. Since then, he has steadily built his résumé, contributing to Wellington’s successful NPC campaigns, including title-winning seasons and a Ranfurly Shield run.

His rise continued when the Hurricanes brought him into the Super Rugby Pacific squad ahead of the 2024 season. Lauaki made an immediate impression on debut against the Fijian Drua, scoring a try and showcasing the kind of power and work rate coaches value in modern front rowers.

While he remains early in his professional career, Lauaki is benefiting from learning alongside established international props within the Hurricanes environment. Training with players such as Tyrel Lomax and Pasilio Tosi has provided valuable exposure to the standards required at the highest level.

Still just 22, Lauaki remains a developing player, but his combination of size, technical promise, and a strong development pathway places him firmly among the young forwards worth watching as New Zealand continues to build depth ahead of the next Rugby World Cup cycle.

30. Louie Hennessey 

Centre | Bath Rugby | Wales

Few young midfielders in British rugby have progressed as quickly in recent seasons as Louie Hennessey. The Bath centre checks in at No. 30 on FloRugby’s Top 50 rugby prospects list after emerging as one of the most exciting Welsh backs pushing toward regular international honors.

Standing 191 centimeters tall and weighing just over 100 kilograms, Hennessey combines the physicality required for modern midfield play with the pace and distribution to influence the game in open space. Coaches have frequently highlighted his composure and work rate as qualities that separate him from many players his age.

Hennessey’s rugby journey began in Cardiff, where he first picked up the sport at Llanishen RFC as a six-year-old. His early development continued through the Cardiff Schools pathway, where he won the DC Thomas Cup with Cardiff Schools under 11 and later claimed the Dewar Shield with the under 16 side.

He later moved to Hartpury College, one of the most respected development environments in British rugby. There he captained the college side to an unbeaten league title, guiding the team through a ten-match campaign without defeat while refining his skills as a powerful attacking centre.

Hennessey initially signed an academy deal with Cardiff Rugby before making the move to Bath in 2022. His professional debut came later that year in the Premiership Rugby Cup, while his first Premiership appearance followed in November 2023 against Northampton Saints.

The young Welshman soon made his mark at senior level. He scored his first Premiership try away at Leicester Tigers on New Year’s Eve 2023 and continued to build experience in Bath’s backline, learning alongside established internationals such as Ollie Lawrence and Cameron Redpath.

Internationally, Hennessey has been a key figure for Wales at age-grade level. He represented Wales under 18 and was named in the NextGen XV World Under 18 Dream Team in 2022 before progressing to the Wales under 20 side, where he played across the 2023 and 2024 campaigns and featured at the World Rugby Under-20 Championship.

His development has already pushed him into the senior international conversation, earning selection in the Wales squad ahead of recent international windows. With his size, athleticism, and steady progression at Bath, Hennessey is widely viewed as one of the next midfield talents capable of making an impact for Wales as the nation builds toward the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

29. Finn Carnduff 

Second Row | Leicester Tigers | England

Leadership is not always easy to identify in young forwards, but Finn Carnduff has already demonstrated the kind of qualities coaches look for in future international locks. Ranked No. 29 on FloRugby’s Top 50 rugby prospects list, the Leicester Tigers forward has built a reputation as one of England’s most promising young pack leaders.

Carnduff stands 1.96 meters tall and weighs around 111 kilograms, giving him the physical profile to operate either in the second row or across the back row. That versatility has been a defining feature of his development and has allowed him to influence games through both his work rate and physical presence.

Born and raised in Leicester, Carnduff’s connection to the Tigers runs deep. A lifelong supporter of the club, he joined the Leicester academy pathway as a teenager after developing his game with Market Harborough Rugby Club. Interestingly, he did not begin his career as a forward, initially playing at fullback before moving into the pack as his frame developed.

His rise through the academy system came quickly. Carnduff made his senior Leicester debut in the Premiership Rugby Cup in March 2022 at just 17 years old, highlighting the faith the club had in his potential. His Premiership debut followed in May 2023 against Harlequins, and he has continued to gain experience within the Tigers senior squad while balancing his studies at Loughborough University.

Internationally, Carnduff’s leadership qualities have been on full display. He captained England under 20 during a historic 2024 season that saw the side win both the Under-20 Six Nations Championship and the World Rugby Under-20 Championship.

Throughout those campaigns, Carnduff was more than just a captain in name. He scored tries against Italy, Scotland, and Ireland during the Six Nations and remained a central figure throughout the Junior World Championship in South Africa, starting the final as England defeated France to claim the title.

Still only 21, Carnduff continues to develop his game at club level with Leicester Tigers, where he is learning from experienced international forwards. With his leadership experience, positional flexibility, and strong physical profile, he remains firmly on the radar as England builds its next generation of forwards ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup cycle.

28. Jack Bracken 

Wing | Saracens | England

Jack Bracken has grown up around elite rugby, but the young Saracens winger is quickly proving he is more than just the son of a World Cup winner. Ranked No. 28 on FloRugby’s Top 50 rugby prospects list, Bracken has emerged as one of England’s most exciting young finishers as he continues to establish himself at Premiership level.

The 20-year-old brings pace, balance, and strong finishing instincts to Saracens’ back three. Standing 1.83 meters tall and weighing 89 kilograms, Bracken has the speed to threaten defenders in open space while also possessing the aerial ability and defensive awareness required of modern outside backs.

Rugby was always likely to be part of Bracken’s life. He is the son of former England scrum-half Kyran Bracken, a member of the nation’s 2003 Rugby World Cup-winning squad. However, rather than following his father into the scrum-half role, Jack carved out his own path on the wing after beginning his rugby journey with St. Albans RFC.

A product of the Saracens academy system, Bracken steadily progressed through the club’s development pathway before making his first senior appearances in the Premiership Rugby Cup. His early professional experience was further strengthened through a loan spell with Ampthill in the RFU Championship during the 2024–2025 season, where he gained valuable game time against experienced opposition.

His breakthrough moment at Premiership level came in October 2025 when he scored two tries on his league debut in Saracens’ 50–17 victory over Bristol Bears. The performance underlined his finishing ability and reinforced the belief that he has the potential to become a long-term contributor at one of England’s top clubs.

Internationally, Bracken has already made a significant impact at age-grade level. After representing England under 18, he announced himself on the global stage with a hat-trick of tries on his England under-20 debut against Argentina at the 2024 World Rugby Under-20 Championship. He later played in the final as England defeated France to claim the junior world title.

Bracken continued to feature prominently for England under 20 during the 2025 season, scoring tries across multiple competitions and maintaining his reputation as a reliable attacking threat.

Bracken is developing within one of the most competitive environments in English rugby. With his natural scoring instincts and growing experience at both club and international level, he remains one of the outside backs capable of pushing toward senior England honors in the years ahead.

27. Sean Edogbo 

Backrow | Munster Rugby | Ireland

The Edogbo name is gathering real momentum in Irish rugby. Sean Edogbo comes in at No. 27 on FloRugby’s Top 50 rugby prospects list, and his rise arrives just as older brother Edwin has broken through to make his debut for Ireland’s senior national team.

That family backdrop adds context, but Sean is building his own case quickly. A back row forward with strong athleticism and a high work rate, the 21-year-old has emerged from outside the traditional schools conveyor belt and forced his way into the Munster conversation through sheer output. Born and raised in Cobh, he played his age-grade rugby with Cobh Pirates and helped the club win the Munster Clubs Boys U18 Cup title in 2022.

He later featured for the Munster Club Select Programme, represented Munster U18 Clubs in 2021 and Munster U19s in 2022, then continued his development with UCC. Across four seasons there, Edogbo piled up 43 appearances in all competitions, including 39 in the All Ireland League, earning a reputation as one of the most promising young forwards in the club game.

Internationally, he made his mark with Ireland under 20 in 2024. His most memorable moment came in the Six Nations when he scored a dramatic match-winning try against Italy at Virgin Media Park. He also featured at that summer’s World Rugby Under-20 Championship before stepping up again in September as part of the Emerging Ireland tour to South Africa.

Munster brought him into the academy in 2024, and his senior opportunity arrived quickly. Edogbo made his debut against Dragons in January 2026 and was named Player of the Match after a standout display. He backed that up by retaining his place the following week away to Glasgow.

That form has already been rewarded with a two-year senior contract from next season. With Munster investing in him and Ireland keeping a close eye on the next wave of back row talent, Edogbo looks well placed to make a significant impact before 2027.

26. Oli Mathis

Utility Player | Crusaders | New Zealand

Versatility is one of the most valuable assets in modern rugby, and few young players embody that trait quite like Oli Mathis. Ranked No. 26 on FloRugby’s Top 50 rugby prospects list, the New Zealand forward has already built a reputation as a dynamic athlete capable of impacting matches across multiple positions.

Mathis first emerged as a standout talent at Hamilton Boys’ High School, one of New Zealand’s most renowned rugby nurseries. A natural loose forward, he captained the New Zealand Schools team in 2023 and was awarded the prestigious Jerry Collins Bronze Boot, recognizing him as one of the top schoolboy players in the country.

His transition into senior rugby came quickly. Mathis made his National Provincial Championship debut for Waikato in 2024 and immediately caught the eye with his adaptability. Across seven appearances that season, he started five matches and scored five tries, splitting his time between flanker and wing. The unusual combination of breakdown ability and backline pace made him one of the most intriguing young prospects in the competition.

One of his most memorable moments came during the NPC semifinal when he produced an individual try that showcased his skill set, chipping ahead before regathering to finish the score. Performances like that helped earn him the New Zealand Rugby Players Association Men’s Young Player of the Year award in 2024.

Mathis has also experienced international rugby through the sevens program. In late 2024, he was selected for the All Blacks Sevens squad for the Dubai and South Africa legs of the SVNS Series. He marked his debut by scoring his first international try in Dubai against Spain, demonstrating the pace and instincts that translate well between formats.

His rise has now taken another step forward with a move to the Crusaders. The Super Rugby powerhouse has signed Mathis through the 2027 and 2028 seasons, with the young forward joining the wider training group in 2026 as he prepares to transition into a full-time professional contract.

While he has shown the ability to play both in the back row and out wide, the Crusaders see his long-term future primarily as an openside flanker. Learning alongside established loose forwards such as Ethan Blackadder provides the perfect environment for his continued development.

At 20, Mathis combines athleticism, leadership experience, and positional flexibility. Those attributes make him one of the most intriguing young forwards in New Zealand rugby as the next generation begins to emerge ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup cycle.

25. Bathobele Hlekani

Back Row | Emirates Lions | South Africa

Few young forwards in world rugby possess the physical presence of Bathobele Hlekani. Ranked No. 25 on FloRugby’s Top 50 rugby prospects list, the South African back row forward has quickly become one of the most talked-about young players in the country thanks to his size, power and rapid rise through the national pathway.

Hlekani grew up in Zwide in Ibhayi, the same township that produced Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, and his journey into professional rugby reflects a similar story of perseverance and opportunity. He first attended Ndzondelelo High School before moving to Graeme College, where his performances quickly placed him on the radar of South Africa’s junior structures.

Standing around 1.93 meters tall and weighing roughly 115 kilograms, Hlekani combines imposing physicality with the mobility required of modern back five forwards. Primarily a flanker, he is also capable of operating at lock, giving coaches valuable flexibility across the pack.

His breakthrough came at age-grade level when he earned selection for the Junior Springboks. Hlekani featured prominently during the 2025 World Rugby Under 20 Championship, where South Africa ended a 13-year wait for a second title by defeating New Zealand in the final. His performances throughout that campaign reinforced his reputation as one of the most powerful young forwards in the tournament.

Hlekani’s development continued at the provincial level with the Sharks, where he represented the union’s under 21 side before making his Currie Cup debut in 2024. He returned to feature again in the competition the following season and also made his first appearance in European competition during the EPCR Challenge Cup.

A significant step in his career came when he joined the Emirates Lions ahead of the 2026 season. The move immediately paid dividends, with Hlekani making his debut for the Johannesburg based side in January 2026 and earning Player of the Match honors in his first appearance.

His progress has also caught the attention of the national setup. Hlekani was among a group of uncapped players invited to a Springbok alignment camp as South Africa continues to build depth ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

Still only 20 years old, Hlekani already has the physical tools and experience to suggest a major future. With his combination of strength, mobility and growing technical skill, he remains firmly on the radar as a potential Springbok back row forward in the years ahead.

24. Mikheili Shioshvili 

Back Row | RC Toulon | Georgia

Georgia has built a reputation for producing some of the toughest forwards in world rugby, and Mikheili Shioshvili looks set to continue that tradition. Ranked No. 24 on FloRugby’s Top 50 rugby prospects list, the RC Toulon back row forward has already emerged as one of the most exciting young players in the Georgian pipeline.

Born on June 2, 2006, the 19 year old stands around 1.93 meters tall and has the physical profile that Georgian rugby has become famous for. Most commonly deployed at No. 8, Shioshvili is also capable of covering lock or other back row roles, offering coaches valuable versatility within the pack.

Shioshvili first gained widespread attention through the Georgian age grade system. His breakout moment came during the 2025 World Rugby Under 20 Championship, where he delivered one of the most impressive individual tournaments of any forward. Across five matches, he scored seven tries and accumulated 35 points, finishing as the tournament’s top try scorer.

Those numbers were not simply the product of opportunistic finishing. Shioshvili also ranked among the leaders for carries and tackles throughout the competition, underlining his all around impact. Several analysts named him the tournament’s standout No. 8 and included him in unofficial teams of the tournament.

His performances reinforced the growing reputation of Georgian rugby’s development pathway, which continues to produce physically dominant forwards capable of competing in elite professional environments.

That pathway has now taken Shioshvili to France. He joined the academy system at RC Toulon, one of the Top 14’s most established clubs, where he is developing within one of Europe’s most demanding rugby competitions. The move follows a well worn route for Georgian forwards, many of whom sharpen their skills in the physical environment of French rugby.

Shioshvili has already begun taking steps toward senior rugby with Toulon, making his Top 14 debut during the 2025 to 2026 season. While still early in his professional journey, his combination of size, mobility and try-scoring instincts has already attracted attention from scouts across Europe.

With Georgia continuing to push toward greater competitiveness on the international stage, players like Shioshvili represent the next generation of forwards who could lead the national team in the years ahead. If his development continues on its current trajectory, he could play a significant role in Georgia’s pack as the country builds toward the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

23. Eamon Doyle

Second Row | Waratahs | Australia

Australia’s next generation of forwards is beginning to take shape, and Eamon Doyle has emerged as one of the most intriguing prospects within that group. Ranked No. 23 on FloRugby’s Top 50 rugby prospects list, the towering Waratahs forward combines size, versatility and leadership experience as he pushes toward a breakthrough at Super Rugby level.

Born in Austinmer near Wollongong, Doyle stands 1.98 meters tall and weighs approximately 112 kilograms, giving him the physical frame required to compete in the tight exchanges of elite rugby. Primarily a lock, he also has the athleticism to operate across the back row, making him a valuable option throughout the pack.

Doyle’s early rugby development came through the Illawarra system, where he represented local club Woonoona Shamrocks before progressing through representative pathways. His performances eventually led him to St Joseph’s College in Sydney, one of Australia’s most respected rugby schools, where he further refined his game despite losing much of his final school season to a meniscus injury.

Following that setback, Doyle quickly regained momentum through the Waratahs academy system. His progress accelerated as he began training with the senior squad while gaining valuable experience playing club rugby with Sydney University.

Internationally, Doyle has already proven his leadership credentials. In 2025, he captained Australia Under 20 at the World Rugby Under 20 Championship in Italy, guiding the side to a fifth place finish. The highlight of their campaign came in a dominant 68 to 40 victory over England in the placement playoff, a result that showcased the team’s attacking potential and Doyle’s ability to lead from the front.

Equally comfortable calling lineouts, carrying in heavy traffic or defending in the wider channels, Doyle represents the type of hybrid forward increasingly valued in modern rugby. His rugby influences reflect that blend of skill sets, having grown up admiring the work rate of Michael Hooper and the physical dominance of Pieter Steph du Toit.

Now part of the Waratahs professional environment, Doyle continues to develop under the guidance of experienced forwards such as captain Matt Philip, whom he has identified as an important mentor. With his size, leadership experience and positional flexibility, Doyle remains firmly on the radar as one of the Australian forwards capable of pushing toward higher honors before the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

22. Seb Atkinson

Centre | Gloucester Rugby | England

Seb Atkinson’s rise through English rugby has been anything but straightforward, yet the Gloucester midfielder has quickly established himself as one of the most complete young centres emerging from the Premiership.

A product of the Worcester Warriors academy, Atkinson’s early career was thrown into uncertainty when the club collapsed into administration in 2022. For many players, that disruption proved a major setback. For Atkinson, it became the launch point. Gloucester moved quickly to secure the then 20 year old, and within months he had cemented himself as a regular presence in the Cherry and Whites midfield.

Standing close to 1.90 meters tall with genuine pace and a powerful running game, Atkinson has developed into a modern inside centre capable of influencing matches in several different ways. He offers a direct carrying threat that consistently dents the gain line, but what has impressed coaches most is his ability to link play and bring outside runners into space.

Those qualities were on full display during one of his standout performances for Gloucester, when he scored a hat trick in a 53-28 win over Bristol Bears, earning player of the match honors and underlining his ability to finish as well as create.

Atkinson has already experienced success at club level. He played a key role in Gloucester’s run to the 2024 Premiership Rugby Cup title, scoring in the final against Leicester Tigers as the club ended a nine year wait for silverware. That same season he also started the EPCR Challenge Cup final as Gloucester finished runners-up.

International recognition soon followed. After impressing at Kingsholm, Atkinson was invited into Steve Borthwick’s England training environment before earning selection for the 2025 summer tour to Argentina and the United States. He made his Test debut against Argentina and marked the series by scoring his first international try a week later as England secured a 2 to 0 series win.

Interestingly, Atkinson originally played fly half during his youth career before being shifted into the midfield. That positional background still shows in his game today. His distribution and vision often allow him to act as a secondary playmaker, particularly when operating outside a controlling fly half.

With over 60 appearances already for Gloucester at just 23 years old and early Test experience under his belt, Atkinson has quickly moved from promising academy graduate to a genuine contender in England’s midfield depth chart.

If his trajectory continues, the Gloucester centre looks well positioned to become a central figure in England’s backline as the national side builds toward the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

21. Bryn Ward 

Back Row | Ulster Rugby | Ireland

Bryn Ward’s rise has come fast, but there is little about his game that feels rushed. The Ulster back rower slots in at No. 21 on FloRugby’s Top 50 rugby prospects list after forcing his way from academy rugby into the provincial and international conversation in a matter of months.

The first thing that stands out is the power. Ward is a big, explosive carrier who looks built for senior rugby already, but what has really caught the eye is how quickly he has adapted to the pace and physicality of the professional game. Whether operating at number eight or openside, he brings real collision dominance, strong footwork through contact and the sort of presence that changes the tone of a pack.

A product of Royal Belfast Academical Institution, Ward played a key role in RBAI’s 2023 Ulster Schools’ Senior Cup winning campaign before continuing his development with Ballynahinch. He later stepped into the Ireland under 20 setup in 2024, featuring in both the Six Nations and the World Rugby Under 20 Championship.

Ulster brought him into the academy for the 2024 to 2025 season, although a knee injury briefly slowed his progress. Once the opportunity came, though, Ward wasted no time. His senior debut arrived away to the Lions in Johannesburg in October 2025 after a late change to the starting side, and he looked immediately at home. By early January he had produced a player of the match display against Munster, scoring his first senior try and announcing himself as one of the most powerful young forwards in Ireland.

Rugby runs in the family. Ward is the son of former Ireland and Ulster forward Andy Ward, while older brother Zac is now also part of the Ulster setup after his own rise from Ireland Sevens into the fifteen a side game.

That background helps explain the confidence, but Ward is making his own case. He earned an Ireland A cap in 2026 and has already spent time training with Andy Farrell’s senior squad during the Six Nations.

For a player who was relatively unknown outside Ulster circles not long ago, the climb has been steep. The bigger point is this: Ward looks built for it.

How To Watch Rugby Matches In The United States On FloRugby

Professional club rugby in Europe all streams on FloRugby and the FloSports app in the United States. FloRugby and FloSports also are the U.S. home to: 

• United Rugby Championship
• PREM Rugby
• Top 14
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