Meet the Young Rising Stars: Who Will Light Up the Rugby World Cup 2023

The next edition of the Rugby World Cup will take place in France from 8 September to 28 October 2023. It will be the first time that France will host the tournament entirely on its own soil, after co-hosting it with the United Kingdom and Ireland in 1991 and 2007.

The Rugby World Cup 2023 will feature 20 teams, divided into four pools of five teams each. The top two teams from each pool will advance to the quarter-finals, followed by the semi-finals and the final1. The tournament will be played across nine venues in France, with the opening match between France and New Zealand at Stade de France in Saint-Denis, and the final at the same stadium on 28 October.

The Rugby World Cup is not only a showcase of the established rugby powerhouses, but also an opportunity for emerging talents to shine on the global stage. Every edition of the tournament has produced some memorable performances from young players who have gone on to become stars of the game.

Rising Stars of Rugby World Cup 2023

In this article, we will look at some of the rising stars who are expected to make an impact at the Rugby World Cup 2023. These are players who have shown great potential and promise in their domestic and international careers, and who could be the future stars of rugby.

Jordan Petaia (Australia)

Jordan Petaia is a versatile back who can play at centre, wing or fullback. He made his debut for Australia at the age of 19 in 2019, becoming the youngest player to represent the Wallabies at a Rugby World Cup3. He scored a try in his first match against Uruguay and impressed with his pace, power and skill.

Petaia plays for Queensland Reds in Super Rugby AU, where he has been a standout performer. He has scored 11 tries in 29 appearances for the Reds and helped them win their first title since 2011 in 20214. He has also formed a formidable partnership with Hunter Paisami in the midfield, creating opportunities for himself and his teammates.

Petaia has been compared to former All Blacks legend Jonah Lomu, who was also a teenage sensation at the Rugby World Cup. Petaia has the potential to be a game-changer for Australia, who will need his flair and creativity to challenge their rivals in Pool C, which includes Wales, Fiji, Georgia and Portugal1.

Romain Ntamack (France)

Romain Ntamack is a fly-half who can also play at centre or fullback. He is the son of former France international Emile Ntamack, who was part of the team that reached the final of the Rugby World Cup in 19995. Romain Ntamack has followed in his father’s footsteps, becoming a key player for France since making his debut in 2019.

Ntamack plays for Toulouse in Top 14, where he has won two titles in 2019 and 2021. He has also been instrumental in France’s resurgence under coach Fabien Galthié, who has given him the responsibility of leading the attack. Ntamack has shown maturity and composure beyond his years, as well as a range of skills that make him a threat to any defence.

Ntamack has been hailed as one of the best fly-halves in the world, and has drawn comparisons to former France great Frédéric Michalak. Ntamack will be eager to emulate his idol’s achievements at the Rugby World Cup, where Michalak was named as the best young player in 2003. Ntamack will be crucial for France’s hopes of winning their first Rugby World Cup on home soil, as they face New Zealand, Italy, Namibia and Uruguay in Pool A.

Cheslin Kolbe (South Africa)

Cheslin Kolbe is a wing who can also play at fullback or scrum-half. He is one of the most exciting and explosive players in world rugby, with his speed, agility and footwork leaving defenders bewildered. He was a star performer for South Africa at the Rugby World Cup 2019, where he scored three tries, including one in the final against England.

Kolbe plays for Toulouse in the Top 14, where he has formed a lethal combination with Romain Ntamack. He has scored 28 tries in 46 appearances for Toulouse and helped them win two titles in 2019 and 2021. He has also been named the European Player of the Year in 2020 and 2021, becoming the first player to win the award twice.

Kolbe has been praised as one of the best players in the world and has been likened to former All Blacks legend Christian Cullen. Kolbe will be a key weapon for South Africa, who will defend their Rugby World Cup title in France. They will face Ireland, Scotland, Tonga and Romania in Pool B1.

Marcus Smith (England)

Marcus Smith is a fly-half who can also play at centre. He is a prodigy who has been making waves in English rugby since he was a teenager. He made his debut for Harlequins in 2017, becoming the second-youngest player to play in the Premiership at the age of 18. He has since become a regular starter for Harlequins and helped them win their second title in 2021.

Smith plays with flair and confidence and has a knack for creating and finishing tries. He has scored 16 tries and 768 points in 88 appearances for Harlequins and has also been named the Premiership Player of the Season in 2021. He has also been called up to the England squad by coach Eddie Jones and made his debut against the USA in July 2021.

Smith has been tipped as the next big thing in English rugby and has been compared to former England great Jonny Wilkinson. Smith will be hoping to follow Wilkinson’s footsteps at the Rugby World Cup, where Wilkinson was the hero of England’s triumph in 2003. Smith will be competing with Owen Farrell and George Ford for the fly-half role, as England aims to bounce back from their defeat in 2019. They will face Argentina, Japan, Samoa and Chile in Pool D.

Caleb Clarke (New Zealand)

Caleb Clarke is a wing who can also play at centre or fullback. He is the son of former All Blacks winger Eroni Clarke, who played at the Rugby World Cup in 1995 and 1999. Caleb Clarke has inherited his father’s genes and has emerged as one of the most promising talents in New Zealand rugby.

Clarke plays for Blues in Super Rugby Aotearoa, where he has been a standout performer. He has scored nine tries in 21 appearances for the Blues and helped them win their first title since 2003 in 2021. He has also made an impact for the All Blacks, scoring two tries in his first three tests in 2020.

Clarke has been described as a “wrecking ball” by his teammates and has drawn comparisons to former All Blacks legend Jonah Lomu. Clarke will be looking to emulate Lomu’s exploits at the Rugby World Cup, where Lomu was the top try-scorer in 1995 and 1999. Clarke will be a vital asset for New Zealand, who will seek to reclaim their Rugby World Cup crown in France. They will face France, Italy, Namibia and Uruguay in Pool A.

Conclusion

These are just some of the rising stars who are expected to shine at the Rugby World Cup 2023. There are many more players who could make their mark on the tournament, and surprise us with their skills and performances. The Rugby World Cup is always a spectacle of rugby excellence, and we can expect nothing less from the next edition in France.

The Rugby World Cup 2023 is less than a year away, and we can’t wait to see these players and teams in action. Who are you most excited to watch? Who do you think will win the tournament? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Most Asked Questions and Answers

Here are some of the most asked questions and answers about the Rugby World Cup 2023.

Q: When is the Rugby World Cup 2023?

A: The Rugby World Cup 2023 will take place from 8 September to 28 October 2023.

Q: Where is the Rugby World Cup 2023?

A: The Rugby World Cup 2023 will take place in France, across nine venues: Stade de France (Saint-Denis), Stade Geoffroy-Guichard (Saint-Étienne), Stade de Bordeaux (Bordeaux), Stade de Marseille (Marseille), Stadium de Toulouse (Toulouse), Stade Pierre-Mauroy (Lille), Stade de la Beaujoire (Nantes), Stade de Nice (Nice) and OL Stadium (Lyon).

four pools of five teams each. The teams are:

• Pool A: France, New Zealand, Italy, Namibia, Uruguay
• Pool B: South Africa, Ireland, Scotland, Tonga, Romania
• Pool C: Wales, Australia, Fiji, Georgia, Portugal
• Pool D: England, Argentina, Japan, Samoa, Chile

Q: How can I watch the Rugby World Cup 2023?

A: The Rugby World Cup 2023 will be broadcasted by various TV channels and streaming platforms around the world. You can check the official website of the Rugby World Cup for the list of broadcasters in your region. You can also follow the live updates and scores on the website and social media channels of the Rugby World Cup.

Q: Who are the favourites to win the Rugby World Cup 2023?

A: The favourites to win the Rugby World Cup 2023 are the current champions South Africa, who have a strong and balanced squad. They will face tough competition from New Zealand, who have won the tournament three times and have a talented and experienced team. Other contenders include England, who were the runners-up in 2019 and have a powerful and dynamic team; France, who will have the home advantage and a young and exciting team; and Ireland, who have been consistent and competitive in recent years.

Q: Who are the dark horses to win the Rugby World Cup 2023?

A: The dark horses to win the Rugby World Cup 2023 are Argentina, who have shown great improvement and resilience in recent years; Japan, who have been impressive and entertaining in their style of play; Fiji, who have a flair and unpredictability that can trouble any opponent; and Scotland, who have a solid and spirited team.

Q: Who are the top players to watch at the Rugby World Cup 2023?

A: The top players to watch at the Rugby World Cup 2023 are:

• Cheslin Kolbe (South Africa): A wing who can dazzle with his speed, agility and footwork.
• Romain Ntamack (France): A fly-half who can orchestrate the attack with his vision, creativity and skill.
• Jordan Petaia (Australia): A versatile back who can break through any defence with his pace, power and skill.
• Marcus Smith (England): A fly-half who can play with flair and confidence, and create and finish tries.
• Caleb Clarke (New Zealand): A wing who can bulldoze his way through any defence with his strength, speed and skill.

Q: Who are the rising stars to watch at the Rugby World Cup 2023?

A: The rising stars to watch at the Rugby World Cup 2023 are:

• Louis Rees-Zammit (Wales): A wing who has been sensational for Wales and Gloucester with his speed, finishing and work rate.
• Antoine Dupont (France): A scrum-half who has been outstanding for France and Toulouse with his intelligence, leadership and dynamism.
• Will Jordan (New Zealand): A fullback who has been phenomenal for New Zealand and Crusaders with his scoring ability, support play and counter-attack.
• Pablo Matera (Argentina): A flanker who has been inspirational for Argentina and Stade Français with his physicality, aggression and passion.
• Semi Radradra (Fiji): A centre who has been exceptional for Fiji and Bristol Bears with his power, offloading and defence.

Q: What are the key matches to watch at the Rugby World Cup 2023?

A: The key matches to watch at the Rugby World Cup 2023 are:

• France vs New Zealand (Pool A): The opening match of the tournament between two of the favourites and rivals. It will be a clash of styles and cultures, with France’s flair and creativity against New Zealand’s efficiency and experience.
• South Africa vs Ireland (Pool B): The match that could decide the winner of Pool B between two of the top teams in the world. It will be a battle of physicality and intensity, with South Africa’s power and defence against Ireland’s accuracy and discipline.
• Wales vs Australia (Pool C): The match that could determine the runner-up of Pool C between two of the most consistent teams in recent years. It will be a contest of skill and resilience, with Wales’ structure and defence against Australia’s flair and creativity.
• England vs Argentina (Pool D): The match that could be crucial for both teams’ chances of qualifying for the quarter-finals from Pool D. It will be a challenge of strength and character, with England’s power and dynamism against Argentina’s improvement and resilience.

Q: What are some of the records and statistics of the Rugby World Cup?

A: Some of the records and statistics of the Rugby World Cup are:

• The most titles won by a team is three, by New Zealand (1987, 2011, 2015) and South Africa (1995, 2007, 2019).
• The most points scored by a player is 277, by Jonny Wilkinson (England) from 1999 to 2011.
• The most tries scored by a player is 15, by Bryan Habana (South Africa) from 2007 to 2015 and Jonah Lomu (New Zealand) from 1995 to 1999.
• The most points scored by a team in a match is 145, by New Zealand against Japan in 1995.
• The most tries scored by a team in a match is 22, by Australia against Namibia in 2003 and New Zealand against Japan in 1995.
• The biggest winning margin by a team in a match is 142, by Australia against Namibia in 2003.
• The highest attendance for a match is 89,019, for the final between New Zealand and Australia in 2015.

Q: How can I get tickets for the Rugby World Cup 2023?

A: You can get tickets for the Rugby World Cup 2023 through the official website of the Rugby World Cup. You can choose from various packages and options, such as single tickets, team packs, venue packs, hospitality packages and travel packages. You can also buy tickets from the official resale platform of the Rugby World Cup, where you can sell or buy tickets safely and securely.

Q: How can I support the Rugby World Cup 2023?

A: You can support the Rugby World Cup 2023 by following the official website and social media channels of the Rugby World Cup, where you can get the latest news, updates and content about the tournament. You can also join the official fan club of the Rugby World Cup, where you can access exclusive benefits, offers and experiences. You can also volunteer for the Rugby World Cup 2023, where you can be part of the team that delivers the event and make it a success.