As rugby gears up for an exciting 2025, several emerging talents have already proven their worth with remarkable achievements in 2024.
These players are set to leave their mark on the sport with their skills, determination, and impact.
Ilona Maher (USA, 26)
Ilona Maher, a powerful back, currently plays for the Bristol Bears in England.
Known for her explosive speed and strength, she has become a leader in American rugby.
In 2024, Maher led Team USA to an impressive performance in the Rugby World Cup Sevens, where her ability to break through defensive lines shone brightly. A
Additionally, her move to the Bristol Bears made headlines, as she became one of the first American women to play professionally in the English league, boosting the profile of women’s rugby.
Raffi Quirke (England, 23)
Raffi Quirke, a lightning-fast scrum-half, plays for Sale Sharks in England.
Despite dealing with injuries, he made a remarkable comeback in 2024, reclaiming his starting position at the club.
Quirke’s standout performances included leading Sale Sharks to the semi-finals of the English Premiership, where his sharp decision-making and speed around the breakdown made him a vital player.
Harry Byrne (Ireland, 24)
Harry Byrne is a talented fly-half currently on loan with the Bristol Bears.
In 2024, he played a crucial role in Leinster’s successful United Rugby Championship campaign, where his tactical awareness and powerful kicking proved decisive in tight matches.
One of his highlights was scoring a game-winning penalty in the URC semi-finals, showcasing his composure under pressure. Byrne’s move to the Bristol Bears signals an exciting new chapter in his career.
Asher Opoku-Fordjour (England, 21)
Asher Opoku-Fordjour, a versatile prop, plays for London Irish.
In 2024, he dominated in the U20 Six Nations Championship, where he earned Player of the Tournament honors for his exceptional performances.
Later that year, he made his senior debut for London Irish, quickly establishing himself as a regular starter thanks to his power, technique, and versatility in the front row.
Nick Timoney (Ireland, 28)
Nick Timoney, a hardworking flanker, is a key player for Ulster Rugby.
His 2024 season was marked by consistent excellence, as he played every minute of Ulster’s journey to the URC finals.
Timoney’s relentless work rate and ability to disrupt opposition play also earned him a spot in Ireland’s squad for the Autumn Nations Series, where his leadership qualities were widely praised.
Joseph Suaalii (Australia, 21)
Joseph Suaalii, a dynamic back for the Waratahs, made a seamless transition from rugby league to rugby union in 2024.
In his debut match, he scored a stunning try, immediately making an impact in his new code.
Suaalii’s performances in the Rugby Championship further demonstrated his line-breaking ability and defensive skills, earning him a place as one of Australia’s brightest young talents.
Wallace Sititi (New Zealand, 22)
Wallace Sititi, a dynamic back-row forward, represents the Chiefs in New Zealand.
His 2024 season included standout performances in Super Rugby Pacific, where he won the Player of the Month award for his dominant displays.
Sititi capped off the year with a man-of-the-match performance in New Zealand’s test victory over England, solidifying his reputation as a rising star.
Marcus Smith (England, 25)
Marcus Smith, a fly-half for Harlequins, dazzled fans with his creativity and flair in 2024.
He guided Harlequins to the Premiership finals, consistently delivering moments of brilliance with his attacking play.
On the international stage, Smith played a crucial role in England’s Six Nations campaign, cementing his position as the team’s leading playmaker.
Martim Souto (Portugal, 19)
Martim Souto, a promising loosehead prop, has already shown incredible potential at just 19 years old.
In 2024, he played a key role in Portugal’s strong showing at the Rugby Europe Championship, where his scrummaging skills and work ethic were vital.
Souto also helped Portugal secure qualification for the 2025 Rugby World Cup, drawing attention from rugby fans worldwide.
Charlie Cale (Australia, 24)
Charlie Cale, a hard-running backrower, plays for the Brumbies in Australia.
In 2024, he delivered a standout performance in the Super Rugby Pacific quarter-finals, scoring the match-winning try that secured his team’s place in the next round.
Cale’s impressive work rate and line-out skills also earned him a call-up to the Wallabies’ extended training squad, where he made a strong case for future international selection.
Cameron Hanekom (South Africa, 22)
Cameron Hanekom is a rising star in South African rugby, excelling as a number eight for the Bulls.
His ability to carry the ball with power and dominate defensively has made him an essential player for his team.
In 2024, Hanekom stood out in the United Rugby Championship (URC), earning a spot in the URC Elite XV team.
His consistent performances caught the attention of national selectors, and he made his Springboks debut against Wales, where he impressed with his versatility and impact in the back row.
Ben Afshar (Scotland, 22)
Ben Afshar is making waves as a scrum-half for Glasgow Warriors, demonstrating exceptional control and precision on the field.
In 2024, Afshar showcased his talent in a critical United Rugby Championship match against Ulster, where his quick thinking and accurate execution turned the tide in his team’s favor.
His ability to maintain composure under pressure and dictate the flow of the game has put him on Scotland’s radar as a potential national team starter for the Six Nations in 2025.
Isikeli Rabitu (Fiji, 21)
Isikeli Rabitu has quickly become a standout player for the Fijian Drua in Super Rugby Pacific, turning heads with his physicality and dynamic play.
During the 2024 season, Rabitu consistently broke through defensive lines and created scoring opportunities, establishing himself as a critical asset for his team.
His strong performances helped elevate the Drua’s competitiveness in the tournament, and he is now expected to be a key figure for Fiji in the Rugby World Cup, bringing his energy and tenacity to the global stage.
Henry McLaughlin-Phillips (Australia, 20)
Henry McLaughlin-Phillips has emerged as a promising young fly-half for the Queensland Reds, displaying impressive maturity and skill for his age.
In 2024, his performances in the Junior World Championship highlighted his tactical understanding and ability to lead under pressure.
With senior players stepping aside, McLaughlin-Phillips is ready to take on a bigger role for the Reds, shaping their attacking strategy and building his reputation as one of Australia’s brightest young talents.
Nolann Le Garrec (France, 22)
Nolann Le Garrec is carving out a reputation as one of the most reliable scrum-halves in European rugby, representing Racing 92 with distinction.
Le Garrec’s inclusion in France’s Six Nations squad in 2024 marked a significant milestone in his career.
His ability to control the pace of the game and make decisive plays under pressure has positioned him as a vital part of France’s plans for the Rugby World Cup. At Racing 92, his performances have cemented him as a leader in the team’s backline.
2025 Season
The rise of these 15 players signals a transformative period in rugby, where fresh talent is redefining the game across every position.
Whether it’s their ability to make game-changing plays, their leadership on and off the field, or their determination to excel on the international stage, each of these athletes represents the future of the sport.
As they take their careers to the next level in 2025, their journeys will not only inspire fans but also push the boundaries of what’s possible in rugby.
These are the players who will shape the stories that captivate the rugby world for years to come.