England Rugby's Rising Stars to Watch in 2024
The future of English rugby burns bright. As the international calendar unfolds in 2024, a new generation of talent is poised to make its mark on the Test stage. Building on a foundation of England's 2023 Rugby World Cup campaign, head coach Steve Borthwick and his staff are integrating dynamic young players who promise to shape the team's identity for years to come. This article profiles the most exciting rising stars set to push for regular selection and become household names for England fans.
The Back Three Prodigies
England's backline is being infused with blistering pace and attacking ingenuity. These young backs are redefining the role of the back three in the modern game.
Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints)
While not a complete newcomer, Freeman has cemented his status as a rising star in 2024. His powerful, deceptively quick running lines and remarkable aerial ability have made him a fixture on the wing. His performances for the high-flying Northampton Saints showcase a complete skillset, combining the strength of a modern winger with the footballing intelligence of a fullback. Freeman’s consistency and try-scoring knack make him a cornerstone of England’s attacking future.
Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (Exeter Chiefs)
One of the most talked-about breakthroughs of the season, Feyi-Waboso has taken the Premiership by storm. The Exeter Chief’s powerful, direct running and explosive acceleration have drawn immediate comparisons with some of the game’s greats. His ability to break tackles and find the try line has seen him fast-tracked into the England setup. His integration is a prime example of how new caps integrate into England's squad, and his development will be fascinating to watch.
The Creative Engine Room: Halves and Centres
The strategic heart of the team is also seeing an injection of youthful creativity, offering new tactical dimensions for England's game plan.
Fin Smith (Northampton Saints)
In the pivotal fly-half role, Fin Smith has emerged as a genuine contender. His game management for Northampton has been exceptional, blending a calm tactical kicking game with a sharp attacking edge. His distribution puts players into space, and his goal-kicking is reliable under pressure. As England looks to evolve its kicking strategy for the modern game, Smith represents a compelling long-term option at number 10.
Ollie Lawrence (Bath Rugby)
Already an established force, Ollie Lawrence, at 24, remains a rising star in terms of his potential global impact. A wrecking ball in the midfield, his ability to consistently win the gainline and offload in contact gives England a potent attacking focal point. His partnership with Henry Slade has flourished at Bath, and replicating that understanding at international level could unlock England’s backline for the next World Cup cycle.
The Forwards: Power and Precision
England’s traditional strength is being renewed by a crop of young forwards who blend physicality with high skill levels.
Chandler Cunningham-South (Harlequins)
The Harlequins flanker has burst onto the scene with a series of barnstorming performances. A hybrid blindside/flanker with immense physicality, Cunningham-South is a defensive menace and a formidable carrier. His work at the breakdown and ability to dominate collisions have quickly made him a fan favourite. He embodies the modern, athletic back-rower and is set to be a key part of England’s defensive organization for years to come.
Theo Dan (Saracens)
At hooker, Theo Dan has shown he is much more than an understudy. Dynamic in the loose with surprising pace, Dan’s core set-piece work—his lineout throwing and scrummaging—has improved markedly. His try-scoring ability from close range adds a valuable extra threat. Competing with the experienced Jamie George, Dan’s progression is accelerating rapidly, ensuring England’s depth at hooker is in excellent health.
Bevan Rodd (Sale Sharks)
The young Sale Sharks loosehead prop continues to develop into a complete front-row forward. Strong in the scrum and incredibly mobile around the park, Rodd’s work rate is exemplary. His development is crucial as England looks to build long-term stability in the front row, a key component of set-piece excellence.
Pathways and Preparation
The emergence of these players is no accident. It is the result of a structured development pathway from academy to international rugby. Many have honed their skills through the England U20s program, which has a strong history of success. Furthermore, the intensity of the Gallagher Premiership provides the perfect proving ground. The league’s role in developing talent is well-documented, as explored in our guide on how the Premiership develops England players.
These players also benefit from England’s advanced support structures. They are products of world-class fitness and conditioning programs and sophisticated data-driven analysis that helps refine their games. The challenge now is transitioning club form into consistent Test match performance, a process managed carefully by the coaching team.
Looking Ahead: The 2024 Stage
The upcoming Summer Tour and Autumn Nations Series present the perfect platform for these rising stars to stake their claim. With an eye on the 2025 Six Nations and the longer-term Road to the 2027 Rugby World Cup, each cap they earn is a vital step in their journey.
For fans wanting to follow these players' careers closely, staying updated with the latest England training squad announcements is essential. The competition for places is fierce, and the integration of this new talent alongside established stars is the most exciting storyline in English rugby.
To learn more about the current squad landscape, you can explore our full guide to the current England rugby squad. For authoritative news and updates on global rugby and player development, resources like World Rugby and the official England Rugby website are invaluable.
The production line of English rugby talent is in full flow. The names profiled here possess the skill, athleticism, and temperament to not only wear the red rose but to elevate England back to the pinnacle of the world game. Their time is now.