Five England under-20s stars looking to take the leap in the Premiership

It has been nearly two months since England Under-20s won the World Rugby U20 Championship in South Africa.

After beating France 21-13 in an enthralling final at Cape Town Stadium, the squad have returned to club duty and are hoping to make an impression at Gallagher Premiership Rugby level this season.

With two weeks until the new league season gets underway, here are five players ready to make the leap for their club team.

Asher Opoku-Fordjour (Sale Sharks)

There are few young English props who have made such an impression as early in their career as Asher Opoku-Fordjour.
The Coventry-born front row has won a variety of admirers across Gallagher Premiership Rugby, including 95-cap England international Joe Marler.

In a TNT Sports interview during Harlequins’ clash with Sale Sharks at the Stoop, Marler felt compelled to comment on the 20-year-old’s performance from the replacements.

“So there is a young tighthead that has come off the bench for Sale,” he said.

“He replaced James Harper in the warm-up, something like that. I have got a big thing about young, up-and-coming front-rowers.

“Fin Baxter for us - but this guy, number 18, I like the look of.”

By that stage Opoku-Fordjour already had nine Under-20 caps to his name and in the months that followed saw his stock continue to rise.

Capable of playing either side of the scrum, at international age grade level we have seen him line up at loosehead, while at club level Alex Sanderson has preferred him at tighthead.
He will hope to add to his four Premiership appearances last season in what could be a true breakout season following his impressive showings for England this summer.

Afolabi Fasogbon (Gloucester Rugby)

Afolabi Fasogbon has been a mainstay of the England Under-20s team for the past two seasons.

The Gloucester Rugby prop has made 16 appearances at age-grade level and made a name for himself in the process, forming the perfect double act with Asher Opoku-Fordjour on the opposite side of the scrum.

Bringing pure power, Fasogbon was primarily used from the bench by Mark Mapletoft, before retaking a starting spot for the semi-final and final of the World Rugby U20 Championship in South Africa.

A formidable opponent for any loosehead to face, this season could be the opportunity for the 20-year-old to step up at Kingsholm.

Making four Premiership Rugby Cup appearances as a replacement last season, this time around the youngster is going toe-to-toe with Ciaran Knight, Jamal Ford-Robinson and Alfie Petch for a position in George Skivington’s matchday squad.

Continuation of those frighteningly dominant outings for England’s world conquering side will surely get Fasogbon there.

Ben Redshaw (Newcastle Falcons)

Ben Redshaw has already made something of an impact for Newcastle Falcons in Gallagher Premiership Rugby.

Last season the 19-year-old made eight appearances in the top flight and even scored a try as the North East club finished at the foot of the table.

Coming into 2023/24 the full back was already highly thought of and spent time with Steve Borthwick’s England squad in France as the Rugby World Cup got underway.

Returning to the England Under-20s team in the new year, Redshaw played in his usual full back slot, along with outside centre and even on the wing as the team won the Under-20 Six Nations.

Redshaw then played a key role in the triumph on the world stage in South Africa, with the confidence and poise displayed by the teenager going a long way to helping his team.

He returns to Tyneside ready to compete with Louis Brown and Oliver Spencer for a starting slot in Steve Diamond’s team, and there is hope that Redshaw will make a starting spot well and truly his.

With all the attributes to succeed and undoubtable ability, there is no reason Redshaw cannot do just that.

Finn Carnduff (Leicester Tigers)

Exciting back five forwards coming out of the Leicester Tigers Academy are nothing new.

Finn Carnduff followed in the footsteps of clubmates Lewis Chessum and Emeka Ilione in taking on the England Under-20s captaincy and was superb at age grade level on the way to being crowned world champions.

Playing the majority of his rugby at blindside flanker in the title stint, Carnduff started all five matches for his country and was the example for his teammates to follow.

Cardnuff made five league appearances for Tigers last season as they secured Investec Champions Cup rugby for this season.

To step into Michael Cheika’s tam will not be a simple thing.

Wherever you look the 20-year-old is competing against international forwards and seasoned club pros for a position.

Already with a winning pedigree thanks to his age grade exploits, all the tools for success are at the fingertips of the young forward.

Henry Pollock (Northampton Saints)

In an England Under-20s squad teeming with talent, Northampton Saints flanker Henry Pollock has already won the hearts of many rugby fans.

Pollock already has 10 age grade caps and was a leading light in England’s Six Nations and World Rugby U20 Championship victories.

Pollock was awarded 2024 Under-20 Men’s Six Nations Player of the Championship and started all but one of his teams championship tilt in South Africa.

Domestically Pollock was not a heavily relied upon source by Phil Dowson as Saints went the distance in Gallagher Premiership Rugby.

Making a solitary domestic appearance from the bench in Round 6 last season, Pollock’s game time was found in the Premiership Rugby Cup and on loan to RFU Championship club Bedford Blues.

But with the departure of former club captain Lewis Ludlum to Toulon, there is a spot available for Pollock at openside flanker.

It has been Pollock’s ability to thrive in every aspect of the game that has seen the teenager win so many fans at such a young age.

A step into Gallagher Premiership Rugby is the next step in Pollock’s young career as he looks to make the most of his potential.

Resolute in defence, persistent at the breakdown and capable of bursting into vibrant attack, in full form Pollock could be a true asset to Northampton.

Coming off the bench in his Northampton’s recent pre-season loss to Leinster at cinch Stadium at Franklin's Gardens, it is clear that we could be seeing more of the openside in the weeks to come.