Six Nations 2020 – Ones To Watch!

Its finally here, the 2020 Six Nations kicks off tomorrow afternoon (14:15) at the Principality Stadium, Cardiff where Wales take on Italy in the first game of the series followed by Ireland v Scotland at the Aviva Stadium, Dublin (16:45) and on Sunday France v England at Stade de France, Paris (15:00).

With the Rugby World Cup only just behind us, the wait has still felt long enough, and we are well overdue some international rugby in our veins.

With the modern game ever changing, new stars are emerging…

Tom Curry – 21 England – Having just played the world cup of his life young Tom has landed himself a solid role in the England back row. With big Billy Vunipola out injured with a broken arm whilst playing against Racing 92 for Saracens in the 7th Minute of the Heineken Champions Cup match, Tom has been named Number 8 for England. I believe Tom Curry, Sam Underhill and Courtney Lawes will be hard to handle for any side in the back row.

Louis Rees-Zammit – 18! – Wales – Back in April, the 18-year-old was producing coast-to-coast wonder scores for his club’s second-string (Hartpury College), but nobody expected him to make the step up so soon or so assuredly. Having scored 5 tries’ in December alone Louis earnt himself premiership player of the month. He has showed amazing potential and been referred to as the new George North… He has blistering pace, great physicality and doesn’t mind doing the dirty work rucking etc. Although he has not been named in the squad against Italy on Saturday, I am sure we will see him feature in the games to come.

Caelan Doris- 21 – Ireland – With Leinster team-mate Jack Conan out injured with a fractured foot and Irish critics questioning CJ Stander’s dynamism, Caelan Doris’ time has come.
The sound and fury of the Aviva Stadium for Ireland’s opener against Scotland on Saturday is a long way from the tiny coastal village of Lacken, population about 500, where Doris grew up.
A footballing number eight with great hands and an iron shoulder in defence, he has three tries in 10 starts for Leinster this season. We should see young Caelan feature in Irelands 2020 six nations campaign.

However, it has to be mentioned that the 2020 Tournament will mark Sergio Perisse’s retirement from international Rugby. I believe he will play the final game of the tournament against England in Rome as a final hoorah. He is a legend in the sport and will be missed by all.