Previous article : The Future Stars of England After the U20 World Cup Triumph (1/2)
Mark Mapletoft’s England U20 side won the World Championship in Cape Town this July, defeating France 21-13 to claim England’s first U20 world title since 2016. This victory in South Africa also marks the end of three years of French dominance and confirms the rise of a generation of young talents who could soon make their way into the senior team. After winning the U20 Six Nations earlier this year, these young English players, following in the footsteps of Joe Marchant and Max Malins, appear ready to lead English rugby into the future as the national team undergoes a rebuilding phase.
Jack Bracken: Following in His Father’s Footsteps
Scoring a hat-trick on your England U20 debut is a great way to get noticed—just ask Henry Pollock. The same applies to Jack Bracken, a rapid winger who made his mark in his first appearance for the U20 squad by scoring three tries against Argentina. This phenomenal performance was the perfect way for England to launch their U20 World Championship campaign, dominating their pool with a surge of momentum.
As his surname suggests, Bracken is the latest emerging talent from a family of former England internationals. The youngest son of Kyran Bracken, a 2003 Rugby World Cup winner, Jack is following in the footsteps of his father and older brother Charlie, who also came through England’s U20 ranks. Both brothers are now part of the Saracens Academy, and Jack Bracken looks set to earn his first senior cap for the Sarries in the 2024/25 season.
At just 18 years old, Bracken has plenty of time to develop within the England U20 system, having made his first three appearances during the recent tour of South Africa. He debuted with his aforementioned hat-trick against Los Pumas, then featured in matches against the Junior Boks and came off the bench in the final against France.
Bracken has already told RUCK that his dream is to play on the wing alongside his two brothers. With scrum-half Charlie linking up with their younger brother Lochlan at fly-half, the Bracken family could well become the core of the Saracens’ attacking line in the years to come.
Toby Cousins: England’s Future Utility Back
With his versatility, Northampton’s Toby Cousins has all the attributes to become England’s next attacking “Swiss Army knife.” The role is currently held by Elliot Daly, but with the Saracens back approaching the twilight of his career at 31, Cousins is emerging as a potential successor in the coming years.
Officially listed as a right-winger, Cousins has vast experience across the backline, having played at centre for his club’s U18 side. He also spent a season playing on the left wing at 15, giving him a skillset that makes him a dangerous attacking threat while also excelling at the breakdown with crucial turnovers.
Northampton fans have been eagerly awaiting Cousins’ senior debut, but his first opportunity was cancelled due to the passing of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022. Named in the squad for a Premiership Rugby Cup fixture, Cousins saw his chance taken away when all sporting events were postponed that weekend. Unfortunately, he later suffered hamstring issues that limited his involvement with the first team at Franklin’s Gardens. This season, he has been loaned out to the RFU Championship side Bedford Blues, where he has already made an impact, scoring a try in his first three matches after playing 85 minutes.
Cousins has already given Saints fans a glimpse of his potential with his performances for England U20 in the World Championship, featuring in matches against Fiji and Ireland. The 19-year-old impressed with two well-taken tries against the Pacific Islanders and played a key role off the bench as England secured their place in the final by defeating Ireland in the semi-final.
Asher Opoku-Fordjour: The Closest to the Senior Squad
At just 19, Asher Opoku-Fordjour is widely tipped to become a mainstay in England’s front row. A versatile prop capable of playing on both the loosehead and tighthead sides of the scrum, the Sale Sharks prospect is already emerging as a key figure in the next generation of English forwards. With veterans like Dan Cole and Joe Marler retiring or nearing the end of their careers, and Kyle Sinckler heading to Toulon, Opoku-Fordjour is perfectly positioned to seize his opportunity.
Alongside fellow rising stars Billy Sela and Craig Wright, he has been a standout performer for England U20. Inspired by the success of Chandler Cunningham-South his former teammate who recently made the jump to the senior squad Opoku-Fordjour is determined to follow the same path. “It’s inspiring; it shows that moving from U20s to the senior team is possible,” he said with ambition.
His journey to this point is a testament to his resilience. Initially part of Worcester’s youth system, Opoku-Fordjour was not selected for their academy, forcing him to work even harder. He later joined Wasps but was left without a club following their financial collapse. Soon after, Sale Sharks offered him a new opportunity. “That experience taught me the importance of adaptability. I had to quickly adjust to new environments and routines,” he explained.
Opoku-Fordjour refined his skills through loan spells with Stourbridge and Sedgley Tigers, facing seasoned players who challenged him physically. “Playing against experienced veterans was a humbling experience. You have to learn fast,” he admitted. His hard work paid off, earning him a place in Sale’s first team, where he made his Premiership and European debuts this season, notably featuring in the Champions Cup clash against Stade Français after being called upon early in the match.
Now training alongside experienced internationals like Bevan Rodd and Luke Cowan-Dickie, Opoku-Fordjour is gaining invaluable mentorship. “Nick Schonert and Sam McIntyre guide me in the scrum, sharing their experience and helping me improve,” he said, adding that he thrives under pressure. While he has alternated between loosehead and tighthead roles for the U20s, he ultimately sees himself settling as a long-term tighthead prop but values the diverse learning experiences he has gained.
As England prepares for their match against Australia on Saturday, November 9, Opoku-Fordjour has been called into Steve Borthwick’s senior training squad following Joe Marler’s retirement. While he is unlikely to make the final matchday squad, training with the senior team will be an invaluable experience. Given his rapid rise, it seems only a matter of time before he earns his first cap for England, perhaps alongside some of the young stars mentioned above.
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