Young, gifted and on the rise . . . big talents to follow this year

Of the team that played at the 2018 World Rugby Under 20 Championships, nine players have been contracted to Super clubs for the coming Super Rugby season and will no doubt be looking to make their mark. We have a look at some of those players set to have big futures . . .

Ngane Punivai — Crusaders

Punivai is a versatile back who has progressed through the ranks from captaining the Christ’s College 1st XV to picking up a Crusaders contract for 2019. With 12 Mitre 10 Cup caps to his name and an appearance for the New Zealand Under 20s last June, Punivai will look to bring his size and speed to the Crusaders’ backline in 2019. A smart player with a solid work ethic, Punivai can learn from the likes of Jack Goodhue, David Havili and George Bridge and could well join them as Crusaders stars. Position: Centre/Wing Age: 20 Province: Canterbury 1.91m, 100kg

Billy Proctor — Hurricanes

Proctor hit the headlines last year when he signed a five-year contract with the Hurricanes — the longest contract signed in the club’s history. If that doesn’t speak to his potential, you just needed to watch him in action for the New Zealand Under 20s and Wellington Lions in 2018. Following in the footsteps of his older brother and one-cap All Black Matt, Proctor is a hard-hitting midfield back and will look to push incumbents Ngani Laumape and Vince Aso. Position: Midfield Age: 19 Province: Wellington (13 caps) 1.87m, 96kg

Laghlan McWhannell — Chiefs

Laghlan McWhannell comes into his first season of Super Rugby with two years of Mitre 10 Cup under his belt. The mobile, rangy lock pulled on the Chiefs jersey in 2018 at the Brisbane 10s and has proven himself as a hardworking lock with a strong, physical presence. Standing just shy of 2m, expect McWhannell to be under the wing of Brodie Retallick in 2019 and become a regular fixture in Chiefs colours. Position: Lock Age: 20 Province: Waikato (13 caps) 1.98m 114kg

Harry Plummer — Blues

The Blues first five-eighth position is one of the most talked about subjects in Super Rugby and young Auckland product Harry Plummer might well be the answer. Vice-captain of the New Zealand Under 20s last year, Plummer went on to help guide Auckland to their first Mitre 10 Cup title in more than a decade. Blues coaches said “his outstanding season for Auckland belied his years” and there is little doubt he will get a crack in the No 10 jersey this season. Plummer is an accurate goal kicker with impressive vision and confidence. Position: First five-eighth Age: 20 Province: Auckland (15 caps) 1.84m 95kg

Caleb Clarke — Blues

Much has been spoken about the large boots Caleb Clarke has to fill, his father, former Blues and All Black Eroni Clarke was part of the Blues’ golden years. Clarke has proved to have all that class and some, playing for the New Zealand Under 20s in 2017 and 2018 as well as a stint with the All Blacks Sevens. Clarke combines his turn of pace with incredible strength and power and is a genuine starting option for the Blues. Position: Wing Age: 19 Province: Auckland (10 caps) 1.89m, 107kg

Class of 2018:

The following players were members of the 2018 New Zealand Under 20 team that have been contracted for Super Rugby this season: Caleb Clarke (Blues), Leicester Fainga’anuku (Crusaders), Laghlan McWhannell (Chiefs), Harry Plummer (Blues), Billy Proctor (Hurricanes), Ngane Punivai (Crusaders), Hoskins Sotutu (Blues), Bailyn Sullivan (Chiefs), Tanielu Tele’a (Blues).