Add thelocalreport.in As A Trusted Source
The intensity of international rugby competition begins in November with a busy testing schedule for the Quilter Nations Series competition over the next five weeks.
while a New Nations Championship is coming The 2025 fixtures take on greater importance with the Rugby World Cup draw taking place in early December, adding additional context to these games next year.
Seeding could be important for extended tournament Australia hoping to join the top band Six more teams Wales hoping to avoid defeat Band 2 and thus faces a much more difficult draw.
The action should be fast and furious as the cross-hemisphere rivalry kicks off again – and it’s not just action from the top nations, with Hong Kong, the United States and Uruguay among the less publicized sides touring Europe.
However, limiting ourselves to a possible 12 teams Compete at the top level of the Nations Championship Next year, here’s a player to watch from all angles:
Carter Gordon, Australia
Australia’s search for a long-term solution at fly-half continues, with Carter Gordon returning to the 15-a-side game after a short, injury-interrupted stint in the NRL. The 24-year-old was Eddie Jones’ playmaker of choice at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, and with no one yet to occupy the number 10 shirt under Joe Schmidt, Gordon will be expected to quickly adjust back to union and make it his own.
Jamie Osborne, Ireland
There are some troubling questions about the age profile of Ireland’s team, which is looking a little longer than ideal in some places. Andy Farrell has already started the regeneration process as he returns to the top following his British & Irish Lions sabbatical, and Jamie Osborne could be a key figure over the next few years. Comfortable in the centres, where that may be his long-term home, the absence of Hugo Keenan could see Osborne primarily at full-back this autumn, where his impressive frame and aerial ability under the high ball will be vital.
Andre Esterhuizen, South Africa
it finally feels like this Andre Esterhuizen is really starting to make its presence felt in springboks team, even at the age of 31. It has taken time for Harlequins to make their way to the Hawking Center despite many years of excellence, but he has played a key role within Rassie Erasmus’ group; The always astute South African supremo is exploring the use of Esterhuizen as a supporting loose forward, with hybridisation of players becoming a major trend in the international game. His size and soft skills also make him an excellent deputy or replacement for Damien de Allende.
Rice Carre, Wales
Amid the ongoing chaos behind the scenes in Wales, Steve Tandy will be hoping to make some key plays in his first campaign as head coach at the Principality Stadium. little is needed Jug-pokery around Welsh eligibility criteriaBut it’s good to see prop Rhys Caray back after some strong seasons at Saracens. The type of ball carrier Wales have struggled to produce recently should form an effective one-two punch with scrum-time weapon Nicky Smith at loosehead.
Tomas Rapetti, Argentina
Argentina have a squad of increasingly impressive options, from a deep, dynamic group of outside backs to a fearsome array of back-five forwards who can mix it with the best on the goalline. One area, however, where he could help talent emerge is at prop – the return of Thomas Gallo is welcome after failing in the Rugby Championship, while there is plenty of excitement around Tomas Rapetti, who made his debut in the last game of that campaign against South Africa and kicked one scrum penalty in the Springboks’ spectacular eight. Contracted by Toulouse, but slightly down their pecking order, Felipe Contepomi will surely want to give him some international opportunities to accelerate his development.
Michel Guillard, France
France, as always, is in good shape these daysThe Six Nations victory followed a successful tour of New Zealand, devoid of its stars, which again proved the wealth of talent coming into the country. So the deployment of Mikel Guillard would be tempting – impressive in the spring lock, it was at number 8 where the Lyon forward did well against. all black – He could replace Gregory Aldritt in the leading role at the base of the scrum for Fabien Galthie.
Fabian Holland, New Zealand
Born in Alkmaar, Fabian Holland moved to New Zealand as a teenager to pursue a rugby dream fueled by his natural height. Lock is starting to show that he is more than just a fun story, however, as he is growing with games during the Rugby Championship and is really starting to attract attention. With Patrick Tuipulotu unavailable this November, Holland may get a bigger role in the engine room from assistant captain Scott Barrett.
Liam McConnell, Scotland
It looks like a good November for Scotland as Gregor Townsend, after signing a new contract, balances tough tests against the All Blacks and Argentina with matches against the United States and Tonga which could provide opportunities to mix and match in his side’s favour. A big team is never short of back-row options, but clearly Townsend and his staff have seen something in Edinburgh flanker Liam McConnell, who has quickly started the season on the blindside for the capital club. McConnell has impressively led Scotland Under-20s in some tough campaigns for the age-group side and could make a good start at Test level in the coming weeks.
Pita Gus Sovakula, Fiji
Also awaiting a debut is left-back Gus Sowakula, who has switched allegiance to the country of his birth after earning two caps for New Zealand in 2022. This wasn’t even Sowakula’s first foray into the international game – the 31-year-old played basketball at the highest level before making the full-time switch to rugby at the end of 2016, and that skill can be seen in an efficient, creative passing game. Sovacula is also a proper thumper, and has become a key cog in the fearsomely physical Clermont Auvergne side over the last few seasons.
Edoardo Todaro, Italy
A lot of attention has been focused on England’s 19-year-old sensation Noah Caluori in recent weeks, but Italy have their own, equally young, impressive wing in the Prem. Edoardo Todaro has started every game for Northampton Saints this season, taking advantage of his opportunity with his ability to get in and out of contact, and earning an immediate call-up to Gonzalo Quesada’s Italy squad. Interestingly, Todaro is typically used in the centers or at full-back having come by way of his countryman – this type of versatility will be useful as Quesada tries to find the right backline balance to enable his side to advance further.
Harry Hawkings, Japan
Once seen as a symbol of real potential in Australia, Harry Hawking is now available for Japan after spending the last few years with Suntory Sungolith. Eddie Jones has put time, confidence and caps into a group of more inexperienced players since reprising his role with Japan, but the addition of Hoskings is useful in adding another big body to the forward pack – he and the always impressive Warner Dearns, still just 23, could form a locking partnership with serious size.
Henry Pollock, England
It is worth remembering that it is Henry PollockIn his first proper international campaign with England, the youngster was given a late call up to the Six Nations to make his debut against Wales before touring with the British and Irish Lions in July. This won’t necessarily quell the excitement around a player who wants something special, and figuring out how to best utilize Pollock alongside his other back-row resources will have been a puzzle Steve Borthwick would have enjoyed entering November. yes On the openside, at number 8 or even on the wing – If necessary – the 20-year-old should continue his rapid rise through the ranks.