Every year, an unexpected player rises up to play on the European stage. The European stage is a great place for both young and fringe players to get a little extra playing time compared to league rugby.
Here are The Rugby Paper’s picks for some players who could make a better name for themselves through their Champions Cup campaign.
Ethan Hooker – Shark
Sharks center Ethan Hooker is potentially the Springboks’ next man, with many believing he is the heir to the current World Cup-winning generation.
He moves from center to wing and is equally adept in either position. As a winger, he is very big and powerful and can match anyone currently in that position in terms of strength.
It will be interesting to see how he fares against Europe’s best. At just 21 years old, the sky is the limit for Hooker.
Paul Costes – Toulouse
Paul Costes is a completely different profile to Hooker at center, another player who can reach the top despite being smaller at just 6ft tall.
In a talent-laden Toulouse side, Costes provides the consistency and consistency needed to balance the star power and is a vital cog in the machine that is Stade Toulousain.
Having already won the competition last year, it will be a huge help to him to get 3 out of 3 points.
It may be harsh to call him a breakout star as he made a big impact in last year’s finals, but he still needs a lot of proof to advance to the next level.
Andre Hugo Venter – Stormer
Hooker Andre-Hugo Venter, son of Andre Venter, has a big future ahead of him for the Springboks.
He is a dominant player with pure rugby mixed with intelligence and raw power.
At just 23 years old, he has a lot of promise and is someone to watch against a decent Stormers team who could be an outsider capable of winning trophies if he shows them fully.
Having been called a ‘prostitute version of his father’, those words alone are enough to prove that he is capable of great things.
Siya Masuku – Shark
The only player on this list who could be considered not young, Siya Masuku has suddenly had an upturn for the Sharks recently after an unremarkable career in South Africa.
Rassie Erasmus recently mentioned that Masuku is potentially in contention for the Springboks at number 10.
His kicking ability sets him apart from the rest and he’s not one to like a rags-to-riches story of a late bloomer in rugby.
Hugo Royce – La Rochelle
The youngest player on the list at 20, Hugo Reus is still waiting for his first senior international game, but could soon go one step further after winning the Golden Boot at the World Rugby under-20 Championship.
It’s only been a year since his senior debut and his rise so far has been tremendous. Playing on the Champions Cup stage would be the perfect next step for his career, if possible.
Theo Ntamac – Toulouse
The second Toulouse player on this list is youth and strength in depth. Theo Ntamack is among the eight players who have impressed in limited time with the French team.
Unlike his half-brother Romain, who has already played for his country, Ntamack, a bigger and stronger player, will be hoping to replicate his brother’s success.
At just 22 years old, Theo is another Toulouse player who could contribute to another potential success at club level.
Read more: The best Champions Cup matchups of the weekend
