A look back at England Under-20’s performance last season highlights just how inconsistent this stage can be for young players.
From that team, Chandler Cunningham-South made the leap, making his Test debut within months of graduating from the age-group leagues, while captain Lewis Chetham was loaned out to Championship side Nottingham after appearing in just three Premiership Cup games for Leicester Tigers last season.
There are many variables to deal with, particularly with fewer players in a 10-team Premier League, which will reduce opportunities. The class of 2024, who capped off a season in which they won two trophies with a stunning win over France, are expected to feature for the team in 2024-2025.
15. Ioan Jones
Born in Gloucester and with his local club since the age of 13, Jones made three senior appearances for the Cherry and Whites last season. He made two appearances off the bench in the Premiership as part of a heavily rotated team and the speedy runner was also loaned out to Hartpury in the Championship. Gloucester’s fly-half options – Gareth Anscombe, Santi Carreras, Charlie Atkinson and George Barton – can all play at full-back, so Jones will probably need to be patient, but his defensive composure is a big plus. Jones made some excellent reads on the edge in the second half against France.
14. Angus Hall
Hall, a centre who is deployed on the wing and has another year to play in the U20 ranks, has shown his finishing prowess in this tournament, his club is Saracens and he is yet to play in the Premiership Cup and could be loaned out to the Championship or National League.