Five young stars that could SHINE in the upcoming Nations Championship
Five young stars that could SHINE in the upcoming Nations Championship Credit: Luke Hastings/Taka G Wu/Alamy
The Nations Championship kicks off on July 4, as the best rugby-playing nations in the world compete for a brand new title.
This worldwide competition will see the best of the southern hemisphere compete with the best in the north, to decide which nation leads the pack heading into next year’s World Cup.
The competition will allow many stars to strut their stuff on a global stage, without the pressures that come with the quadrennial tournament. It will act almost as a catwalk for hoping to be selected for Australia 2027. For some, it could be the springboard that catapults them into the limelight.
So, without further ado, let’s check out the five future stars expected to shine at the 2026 Nations Championship.
Noah Caluori
The Saracens winger has enjoyed a truly terrific breakthrough season, leading the PREM try scorers list with 18 in just 13 matches, including 10 in two matches against Sale Sharks and four against Newcastle Red Bulls. In all competitions, he’s scored 24 tries in just 21 starts – solidifying his reputation as a stone-cold finisher.
But finishing isn’t all he’s known for. In fact, arguably his greatest trait is his ability in the air. He’s shown time and time again this season that he possesses a leap to rival any basketball player, and his handling mid-air is as safe as it comes. Defensively, however, he’s still learning his craft, helped massively by the likes of Elliot Daly at club level.
Internationally, he’s yet to cut his teeth at the senior level for England, but has performed impressively when called up by the ‘A’ team, or more recently, the U20s. With Tommy Freeman expected to take the number 13 shirt for England, Caluori will need to continue proving himself a viable option over Tom Roebuck if he’s to experience sufficient action this summer.
Anton Segner
One of the older players on this list, 24-year-old Segner has joined the All Blacks squad for the first time after a standout season for the Blues.
The versatile back-rower has fully established himself as a leader within the Auckland-based side, captaining the team for the first time this season.
All Blacks boss Dave Rennie told Sky Sport: “Anton has been the best player to come out of the Blues, just high consistency.”
“He’s been great with ball in hand, he’s stolen a lot of pill, so he’s been excellent.”
Zachary Porthen
The 22-year-old has entered the Springbok fold just as the previous generation of front-rowers are filtering out. Thomas du Toit, Ox Nché, Vincent Koch, Wilco Louw, and Frans Malherbe are all in their 30s now, while Steven Kitshoff, Tendai Mtawarira and others of that era have retired.
This means that this year’s tournament could allow Porthen to secure his spot in the famous green and gold. With three appearances under his belt already, the powerful Stormers prop is in a great standing to push on and become the next Springbok great.
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Fabien Brau-Boirie
Brau-Boire is one of the freshest talents in the international game, and with one try in two starting appearances for France already, he’s set to become an all-out superstar.
Devastating at the U20s level, the French centre is capable of playing at 12 or 13, and has often been compared to legendary midfielder Yannick Jauzion for his physical dominance and playmaking abilities.
Even at such a young age, the 20-year-old has already been exposed to some of the highest levels of club rugby around, competing in the Top 14 with Pau, as well as performing on the European stage in the Challenge and Champions Cup.
France are stacked with top-class centres, but expect Brau-Boirie to compete with the very best.
Kane James
Uncapped, but brought over from England for a reason. He competes with Tom Hooper, Greg Fisilau, Ethan Roots and Ross Vintcent in the back-row at Exeter Chiefs, yet he still manages to break into the matchday 23.
Wales are looking to build on a much-improved 2026 Six Nations, and to do so, they’ll need to bring quality talent through. And for a player who was a mainstay in the England U20s squad, Steve Tandy will look to get him capped as soon as possible.
Known for his explosive pace and aggressive carrying style, he’s already attracted comparisons with Sam Simmonds from the Chiefs faithful. If he can get a few caps under his belt this summer, there’s no saying just how important he could be heading into next year’s World Cup.