The upcoming Top 14 season promises to be a thrilling affair, with a host of young talents set to challenge established stars and make waves across the competition. Here's a look at 15 players under 22 to watch out for this season, each with the potential to shape the season in their own unique way.
- Atunaisa Sokobale (Castres, Fiji) - A loosehead prop with mobility and scrummaging ability, Sokobale earned a professional contract at Castres and made his debut for Fiji against France in the Autumn Nations Series 2025. His potential is clear, and he's a player to watch.
- Bernabé Massa (ASM Clermont, France) - Massa, a hooker, excelled in the lineout and ruck, earning a call-up to the Nations Championship. His performance against the All Blacks is a testament to his talent.
- Tomás Rapetti (Stade Toulousain, Argentina) - Rapetti, a tighthead prop, was a surprise addition to the Pumas ensemble. With a new Top 14 season ahead, he's looking to become a regular in Ugo Mola's squad.
- Junior Kpoku (RC Toulon, England) - Kpoku, an England U20 utility forward, has joined RC Toulon for three years. His breakdown prowess and lineout skills make him a fine young lock, needing consistency to reach the next level.
- Setareki Turagacoke (Stade Français, Fiji) - Refined by Stade Français, Turagacoke is an exciting young talent with rugby intelligence, explosive pace, physical dominance, and relentless aggression. He's one to watch.
- Marko Gazzotti (Union Bordeaux-Bègles, France) - An established international player, Gazzotti is one of the greatest young talents in the world, aiming to join France's starting line-up for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
- Lucas Andjisseramatchi (Stade Rochelaois, France) - Andjisseramatchi, a flanker, thrived in disrupting opponents at the breakdown and in the collision area. He's already earned a place in Ronan O'Gara's La Rochelle first team and is a top pick for the 2026/2027 season.
- Mikheili Shioshvili (RC Toulon, Georgia) - Shioshvili, a fierce competitor, resembles a Tyrannosaurus Rex with the ability to trample over anyone in his path. He's the next big thing from the Lelos.
- Baptiste Tilloles (Aviron Bayonnais, France) - Tilloles, a fast-paced player with smooth handling skills, is set to become a valuable member of the Les Bleus.
- Diego Jurd (Stade Rochelais, France) - Jurd, a 20-year-old with a natural gift for offensive strategy, showcases level-headedness uncommon for his age.
- Théo Attissogbé (Pau, France) - Attissogbé, an unpredictable and versatile winger, is already among the most lethal in the rugby world.
- Fabien Brau-Boirie (Section Paloise, France) - Brau-Boirie, a versatile and adaptable center, is one of the finest prospects from Section Paloise's academy. He could be a key factor in Les Bleus' 2027 world title quest.
- Kalvin Gourgues (Stade Toulousain, France) - Gourgues, with unreal speed and pace, is destined to become a supernova in the Top 14.
- Israel Leota (Stade Français, New Zealand) - Leota, a 21-year-old winger, possesses all the tools to become a standout performer at the highest club level. He's a potential Top 14 gem.
- Mathis Ferté (RC Toulon, France) - Ferté, in his debut Top 14 season, delivered sensational performances with eight tries and six assists. He's a firecracker who can help Toulon get back on the playoff horse.
Honorable mentions include Grégoire Arfeuil, Olivier Cowie, Thomas Lacombre, and Owen Sorhaindo, each bringing unique skills to their respective clubs.
