5 Northern Hemisphere Players Who Will Star in the Summer Tours

With the 6 Nations behind us, international rugby will have to wait until June. However, we are being spoiled then, with the conclusion of the under 20’s World Championships in May, and then England’s tour of Australia, Ireland’s tour of South Africa, Scotland’s tour of Japan, and Wales’ journey to New Zealand. Several players made a huge impression despite being young or untested, and those players are likely to be given a chance to secure a spot in these tests. So here are the 5 young players we feel put themselves in a great position looking towards the summer tours!

Maro Itoje:

The England lock has long been heralded as the future, but as with all young players, there were questions as to whether or not he’d live up to his potential. So far, the answer to that has been an emphatic yes. Itoje has looked, poised, confident, and assured in his 4 caps for England. Itoje brings the dominant physicality England will need going down to play Australia in June. Last time the two sides met, England were bullied by the Australian pack, but Itoje is just the sort of player to tip the balance in England’s favor.

Stuart McCloskey:

Ireland will play three tests against South Africa, and if there is one position where the Boks have an abundance of talent, it is in the centres. Damian De Allende and Jesse Kriel have set the world alight over the last 12 months, and their physical style perfectly suits the South African game plan. McCloskey’s size could prove vital for Ireland in defence and attack, and the Ulster center would give the Irish backline the X-factor they have lacked in years past. McCloskey only got one game in the 6 Nations, but he looked really dangerous in the second half, and had little trouble adjusting to the international game.

Zander Fagerson:

The Glasgow tighthead has made huge strides this season. The 20 year old made enough of an impression to be selected in the Scottish senior squad, and made his first cap against England. Fagerson is a phenomenal athlete, and he loves to carry the ball. His physicality and workrate have seen him become something of a cult hero for Glasgow. Fagerson is the prototypical “modern” prop forward, something that could lead to him seeing more time for Vern Cotter’s side while on tour.

Jack Clifford:

The Harlequins flanker didn’t see much time for England during the 6 Nations, but he would be well suited to a game against Australia. Clifford is one of England’s more exciting young players, and when you watch him play it is not hard to see why. He has truly electrifying pace, and his vision makes him a nightmare to defend against. He also loves to make huge tackles, a talent he has shown time and time again. Capable of playing at 6,7, or 8, Clifford gives Eddie Jones plenty of options, but his talent demands that he play a prominent role for England this June.

Ultan Dillane:

By rights I could have gone with the ever impressive Josh Van Der Flier or the injured Iain Henderson, but we are going with Dillane for now. One thing that Ireland will have to contend with when they head to South Africa is the physicality of the Springboks second row. Dillane would give Ireland a huge boost in that regard, one that Devin Toner simply cannot provide. While a Dillane-Henderson second row pairing would leave Ireland undersized in the lineout, both of those players are quick enough into the air to negate that. In any case Dillane gives Ireland an athletic presence they’ve never had in the second row, and that is something that may be too good to pass up.