England u20s set for bright future

England Under-20s became world champions for the first time in eight years on Friday night with a 21-13 victory over France in the final.

Having won the Six Nations earlier this year, this was the latest landmark moment at the start of what look set to be illustrious careers for those involved.

As the squad prepare to return to domestic duties, here are some names to watch out for in Gallagher Premiership Rugby in the years to come...

Power of the pack

England's forwards were superb throughout the competition and were particularly prominent in the final, dominating their young French counterparts.

The leader of the pack and the captain of the side, Finn Carnduff will hope to have caught the eye of new Leicester Tigers coach Michael Cheika with his performances in South Africa. The influential back-rower's leadership skills have been highly praised by Mark Mapletoft over the course of the competition and Carnduff looks set for a long-term impact at Mattioli Woods Welford Road.

His fellow back-rower Henry Pollock gained plenty of attention with his Six Nations displays and built on that burgeoning reputation in this competition. The jackal specialist returns to title-winners Northampton Saints and looks set to add to his single Gallagher Premiership Rugby appearance very soon.

Exeter Chiefs' Kane James completed the back row, one of two Chiefs prospects in the starting pack alongside lock Joe Bailey, who scored in the final.

The front row were in particularly powerful form against France, with props Asher Opoku-Fordjour and Afolabi Fasogbon giving their opposite numbers a torrid time. Opoku-Fordjour, who can cover loosehead and tighthead, returns to Sale Sharks while Fasogbon is hoping to make an impact at Gloucester Rugby after an injury-hit campaign last time out.

Between them, hooker Craig Wright had a similarly impressive competition and has Curtis Langdon to learn from at cinch Stadium at Franklin's Gardens.

Arthur Green, who came off the bench to score England's second try, made his Gallagher Premiership Rugby debut for Bath Rugby last season.

Backline strength

The centre partnership was an all-Harlequins affair, with Sean Kerr contributing 11 points from the tee in the final and linking up well with clubmate Ben Waghorn, who also used his boot effectively to help set up a try.

On the wings, Sale Sharks' Alex Wills started a European Champions Cup game last season while Angus Hall is awaiting the chance to make an impression for Saracens.

Completing the back three, full-back Ioan Jones made two Gallagher Premiership appearances for Gloucester Rugby last season and, like many of this squad, looks set for a loan to the Championship to gain valuable game time in the coming months.

Leicester Tigers scrum-half Ollie Allan, who is studying at Loughborough University, - is another who finds himself in that position, while fly-half Ben Coen is enrolled at Exeter University as well as being involved with Exeter Chiefs.

Both University sides are National 2 sides in their own right and the half-backs look set to continue starring for their student sides this campaign.

Replacement half-backs Lucas Friday and Josh Bellamy are clubmates at Harlequins while Jack Bracken is based across the capital at Saracens.