2025 Quilter Nations Series – Players to Watch

As the 2025 Quilter Nations Series kicks off, rugby fans around the world are in for a clash of hemispheric heavyweights. From breakout talents making their mark to seasoned internationals rewriting their own limits, this year’s tournament promises unforgettable performances!

Here’s your guide to the players to watch – choose your team and meet the stars who could shape the story of 2025: England, Australia, Scotland, USA, Ireland, Japan, Italy, South Africa, New Zealand, France, Wales, Argentina, Chile, Tonga, Fiji.

England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

Player to Watch: Henry Pollock

If you’re looking for a player who embodies the future of English rugby, look no further than Henry Pollock. At just 20 years old, the bleach-blonde Northampton Saints flanker has already achieved more than most players dream of in an entire career – and the 2025 Quilter Nations Series could be the stage where he transforms from promising prospect into a genuine England superstar.

Henry Pollock is fast becoming one of England Rugby’s most influencial players

In a recent interview with RUGBY.com.au, England coach Steve Borthwick has labelled Pollock a “ball of energy”, and it’s easy to see why. The 6’2″, 105kg back-rower brings a unique blend of pace, power, and personality that makes him impossible to ignore. His pace matches many wingers, and Borthwick has even considered deploying him on the wing – a testament to his versatility and athleticism.

That confidence isn’t just talk. In England’s opening Quilter Nations Series match against Australia, Pollock delivered the pivotal try in the 60th minute, showing speed and skill to run in his third Test try and build an eight-point lead at a stage when the match was finely poised. The 20-year-old demonstrated exceptional skill with a one-handed collection of a loose ball before accelerating past the Australian defence, and though ankle-tapped near the tryline, his momentum carried him over.

Three tries in just two Test appearances. That’s not a bad start!

Australia 🇦🇺

Player to Watch: Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i

When Australian Rugby splashed out to lure Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i from rugby league, eyebrows were raised across the sporting world. One year on, and Wallabies legend George Gregan is hailing the cross-code star as “one of Australian rugby’s best investments.”

The towering centre has made an immediate impact since his stunning debut against England last November, where he dominated in the air and showcased the kind of athleticism that makes him virtually impossible to defend against. England were so concerned about containing him that they called up 6’4″ teen sensation Noah Caluori specifically to replicate Sua’ali’i in training sessions.

Joseph Sua’ali’i (left) swapped Rugby League for Rugby Union, and has been unstoppable ever since!

Image Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/C6Lmy4nP0kc/?hl=en&img_index=1

Gregan, who will work for TNT Sports during the Quilter Nations Series, speaks glowingly of the 21-year-old’s influence:

He’s genuine, he’s real, he’s authentic. He understands what’s involved with representing the Wallabies, the players who’ve gone before him, but also the opportunity he has now and what the team can do moving forward. When a player with such talent says he wants to earn his jersey, and to get better, the effect tends to be that everyone else raises their level of performance.

While his performance in the opening match against England showed a mixed bag – proving a threat in the air but also coughing up possession twice in the first half – Sua’ali’i remains the most captivating prospect in Australian rugby. With matches against Italy, Ireland and France still to come, the Quilter Nations Series provides the perfect platform for him to cement his status as a genuine superstar of the 15-man game!

Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Player to Watch: Tom Jordan

Tom Jordan represents everything exciting about modern Scottish rugby. The Bristol Bears fly-half has quickly become one of the most talked-about prospects in the game, with his ability to orchestrate attacks while also providing a genuine running threat making him a nightmare for opposition defences.

With just nine caps to his name heading into the Quilter Nations Series, Jordan is still relatively fresh to international rugby, but his performances for Bristol in the Gallagher Premiership have shown exactly why Gregor Townsend rates him so highly. His versatility – capable of playing across the backline including centre – gives Scotland valuable tactical flexibility as they face USA, New Zealand, Argentina, and Tonga across four consecutive weekends at Scottish Gas Murrayfield.

Dynamic playmaker Tom Jordan is steering Scotland’s attack with flair and confidence as he eyes a long-term role at fly-half.

Image Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/DG_cRyhNLRj/?hl=en&img_index=1

Scotland’s coaching staff see Jordan as crucial to their evolution ahead of the 2026 Six Nations. With Finn Russell in the autumn of his career, Jordan represents the future of Scottish playmaking – a player who can blend traditional game management with the kind of X-factor that gets fans off their seats.

The Quilter Nations Series provides the perfect opportunity for Jordan to stake his claim as Scotland’s long-term solution at fly-half, particularly in the blockbuster clash against the All Blacks on 8 November…

USA 🇺🇸

Player to Watch: Corbin Smith

The USA Eagles are in a transition period as they build toward Rugby World Cup 2027 qualification, and among the newcomers is Corbin Smith, a standout star during the USA U20s Trophy campaign. With 19 players in search of their USA Eagles international debut in the extended player squad, head coach Scott Lawrence is casting a wide net to identify the next generation of American rugby talent.

The Men’s National Team will face Belgium, Spain and England this July in a three-match series hosted in Charlotte and Washington DC, providing crucial opportunities for young players to stake their claim before the vital Pacific Nations Cup in September.

Young gun Corbin Smith symbolizes the next generation of USA Eagles talent building toward Rugby World Cup 2027.

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The USA’s focus on youth development through their High Performance Pathways program is paying dividends. Players like Rand Santos and Dominic Besag earned tour invites following spring and summer tours with the USA Men’s U20s after reaching the World Rugby Trophy final against host Scotland. This initiative aims to develop younger players who are expected to represent the United States on home soil for Rugby World Cup 2031.

While the Eagles may not have a single breakout superstar grabbing headlines, their commitment to building depth and developing domestic talent through Major League Rugby and the collegiate system is creating a pipeline of players ready to make their mark on the international stage.

Ireland 🇮🇪

Player to Watch: Sam Prendergast

At just 22 years old, Sam Prendergast has won the inaugural BKT Rising Player award in the 2025 Six Nations Championship after starting every game for Ireland in the tournament. The talented Leinster half-back kicked 44 points during the first four rounds and supplied two try assists as Ireland won the Triple Crown.

Born on February 12, 2003, Prendergast was the U-20 Six Nations Player of the Championship in 2023 before making his senior Ireland debut against Argentina in November 2024. During his first international start against Fiji, he scored five conversions while playing alongside his brother for the first time at international level.

Composed and classy, Sam Prendergast (left) is Ireland’s new conductor pulling the strings from fly-half.

Image Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/DCeUndht9am/?hl=en&img_index=1

The young playmaker has quickly established himself as first-choice for both Leinster and Ireland, overtaking more experienced rivals. Gerry Thornley in The Irish Times compared Prendergast with Stephen Larkham due to his tall, languid style and passing range. With Andy Farrell returning to coach Ireland after his British & Irish Lions sabbatical, Prendergast’s development will be closely watched as he looks to cement his place as Ireland’s long-term fly-half solution.

The Quilter Nations Series provides another opportunity for Prendergast to showcase his composure and skill on the biggest stage, building on his breakthrough Guinness Men’s Six Nations campaign.

Japan 🇯🇵

Player to Watch: Amato Fakatava

A dynamic and athletic presence, Amato Fakatava adds excitement and unpredictability to Japan’s game.

Powerful and unpredictable, Amato Fakatava injects energy and excitement into Japan’s high-tempo game.

Image Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/DGyHdbHyNhh/?hl=en&img_index=1

Comfortable both as a back-rower and lock, his agility and tackling make him invaluable in open play. Fakatava thrives on quick transitions, often linking beautifully with Japan’s pacey backs to create attacking momentum. His energy and work ethic are sure to make him one of the standout players of Japan’s Quilter Nations Series campaign!

Italy 🇮🇹

Player to Watch: Louis Lynagh

Louis Lynagh was born on December 3, 2000 in Treviso, Italy to an Italian mother and former Australian rugby player Michael Lynagh. After representing England at age-grade level, the Benetton winger made the bold decision to represent his country of birth – and it’s paying off spectacularly.

Making his Italy debut against Scotland in March 2024, Lynagh scored a try in a historic victory and said afterward: “I don’t have any words right now – one try and one win, I might retire!” The 24-year-old has quickly become a fan favorite, combining pace, defensive solidity and a nose for the tryline that’s electrifying Italian rugby fans.

Speedster Louis Lynagh (centre) is igniting Italian rugby with his finishing prowess and fearless attacking style.

Image Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/DDoorBoICFw/?hl=en&img_index=1

His decision to switch allegiances from England to Italy has injected fresh excitement into the Azzurri setup. After years in the Harlequins academy and developing his game in the Premiership, Lynagh brings a different dimension to Italy’s backline – a genuine finisher with international pedigree in his DNA.

As Italy prepare for their Quilter Nations Series fixtures, Lynagh represents exactly the kind of player who can help bridge the gap between the Azzurri and the Guinnes Men’s Six Nations’ traditional powerhouses. His combination of skill, speed, and rugby intelligence makes him one of the most exciting prospects in Italian rugby.

South Africa 🇿🇦

Player to Watch: Eben Etzebeth

Eben Etzebeth isn’t a rising star – he’s already a colossus of world rugby. But at 34 years old, the Springboks’ most-capped player continues to set every standard going in the second row. Standing 2.03m tall and weighing 122kg, Etzebeth is the enforcer who anchors South Africa’s feared forward pack.

With over 130 Test caps, two Rugby World Cup titles, and a reputation as one of the most physical locks in the game’s history, Etzebeth remains South Africa’s talisman. His ability to dominate at the lineout, his ferocious tackling, and his ball-carrying power make him virtually irreplaceable in the Springbok setup.

Springbok stalwart Eben Etzebeth remains the immovable force and emotional heartbeat of South African rugby.

Etzebeth said recently:

We all know what’s going on at home when we’re overseas, how people support us. People make videos, watch rugby on the streets, and in the malls because they don’t have DStv. It’s support that others don’t get in their countries, rugby is almost like another religion in South Africa, and when we don’t do well, people are angry with us, and we want it that way too.

As South Africa prepare for their Quilter Nations Series campaign, Etzebeth will be the rock upon which Rassie Erasmus builds his latest masterplan. Don’t be fooled by his age – this is a player who shows no signs of slowing down, and who remains absolutely central to the Springboks’ dominance of world rugby.

New Zealand 🇳🇿

Player to Watch: Wallace Sititi

At just 23 years old, Wallace Sititi has already been crowned World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year, and the Chiefs loose forward is only getting started. Named after Scottish hero William Wallace, this explosive back-rower took the Test scene by storm in 2024 with a series of captivating performances that showcased his breadth of skill.

Sititi possesses everything a modern flanker needs: power, pace, quick feet at the line, and offloading skill that makes him among the most engrossing talents to emerge in the modern era. His man-of-the-match performance at Twickenham last year turned heads across the rugby world, and after overcoming injury setbacks this season, he’s back and hungry for more.

Explosive and relentless, Wallace Sititi is the new face of All Blacks power and precision in the back row.

Image Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/C5xWBF9SOf8/?hl=en&img_index=1

Sititi told the New Zealand Herald:

I’m not looking to repeat what I did last year – I’m trying to redefine and put on better performances

That kind of mentality from someone who’s already reached such heights is a frightening prospect for opponents.

Selected for the All Blacks’ Grand Slam tour, Sititi will be key to New Zealand’s hopes of defeating England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales. With his grounded personality, driven mindset, and athletic gifts, the 23-year-old has all the qualities to leave an indelible imprint on Test rugby for many years to come. The Quilter Nations Series is his stage to show the world he’s ready to be a cornerstone of the All Blacks forward pack.

France 🇫🇷

Player to Watch: Antoine Dupont

Antoine Dupont is simply the best rugby player in the world. The 28-year-old scrum-half became rugby’s highest-paid player after signing a contract extension with Toulouse until 2031, and for good reason – he’s a generational talent who has redefined what’s possible from the number nine position.

World Rugby Player of the Year in 2021, Olympic gold medallist in rugby sevens at Paris 2024, and a three-time Six Nations Player of the Championship, Dupont has won 39 individual accolades in his career. He’s the first and only player to win both the Men’s 15s and Men’s Sevens World Rugby Player of the Year awards.

Magician-in-chief Antoine Dupont returns to inspire France with his world-class creativity and leadership.

However, Dupont suffered a serious knee injury in March 2025, rupturing his cruciate ligaments during France’s Six Nations victory over Ireland. After an eight-month recovery period, he’s targeting a return for France’s autumn internationals. His presence – even coming off the bench – would be transformative for Les Bleus.

Dupont said after the injury:

My heart hurts even more than my knee when I have to abandon my friends. This is the start of a new challenge, and I look forward to seeing you on the pitch in a few months’ time.

If Dupont returns during the Quilter Nations Series, it will be one of the storylines of the autumn. His creativity, vision, and ability to unlock any defence make him box office viewing – and France desperately need their talisman back.

Wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

Player to watch: Jac Morgan

Jac Morgan represents the fighting spirit of Welsh rugby at a time when the nation needs it most. The 25-year-old Ospreys flanker captains Wales into the Quilter Nations Series after a challenging period for Welsh rugby, but his leadership and work rate have been constant bright spots.

Morgan was named co-captain for the 2023 Rugby World Cup just 18 months after his debut, and toured with the British & Irish Lions in Australia in 2025 – a remarkable achievement for someone still establishing himself at Test level. His ability to lead by example, with dominant tackles and tireless work at the breakdown, has earned him comparisons to Welsh legends like Sam Warburton.

Captain Jac Morgan epitomizes Welsh grit and determination, leading from the front in every contest.

Wales prop Gareth Thomas Said:

What I think Jac does brilliantly is he leads by example. He puts a tackle in and it makes me want to put a dominant tackle in. A lot of the boys feed off his example on the pitch.

Wales face a daunting Quilter Nations Series schedule, including matches against Fiji, Australia, South Africa, and a home clash with the world champions. While results may not always go their way, Morgan’s passion, resilience, and never-say-die attitude embody everything Welsh rugby stands for. If Wales are to pull off an upset, their captain will be at the heart of it.

Argentina 🇦🇷

Player to watch: Efraín Elías

At just 22 years old, Efraín Elías is already making waves on the international stage. The towering lock from Córdoba captained Argentina’s U20 side to impressive performances at both the Rugby Championship U20 and World Rugby Junior Championship in 2024, earning selection in the latter’s team of the tournament.

Standing 2.01m tall and weighing 119kg, Elías brings exactly the kind of physical presence that modern Test rugby demands. But it’s not just his size that sets him apart – his versatility across the second row and back row, combined with his leadership qualities, make him a complete forward package.

Towering lock Efraín Elías (center) represents Argentina’s next generation of power, poise, and potential.

Image Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cl9zkdcuNfY/?hl=en&img_index=1

His rapid rise saw him make his senior Argentina debut against New Zealand in August 2024, coming off the bench in a famous 38-31 victory over the All Blacks. Since joining Toulouse – where he won the Top 14 title in his debut season – Elías has continued to develop his game at the highest level of European club rugby.

Now selected for Argentina’s Quilter Nations Series campaign, the young lock has the chance to build on his early Test experience against some of Europe’s finest. With Los Pumas aiming to prove they belong among rugby’s elite, Elías could be the enforcer who helps them make a statement in their matches against Scotland and England.

Chile 🇨🇱

Player to Watch: Domingo Saavedra

At 27 years old, Domingo Saavedra is Chile’s most experienced back and a symbol of Los Cóndores’ remarkable rugby journey. The centre has been a mainstay in Chile’s starting XV, wearing the number 13 jersey through their historic Rugby World Cup 2023 campaign and their ongoing quest to qualify for Australia 2027.

Currently playing for New Orleans Gold in Major League Rugby, Saavedra brings professional standards and international experience to a Chilean squad that continues to punch above its weight. With 36 caps to his name, he’s one of the senior voices in a team that’s still developing on the world stage.

Saavedra comes from rugby royalty – his twin brother Clemente is also a Chilean international, as was their father Emilio. That rugby DNA shows in his game: smart positioning, solid defence, and the ability to create opportunities in midfield.

As Chile prepare for their Quilter Nations Series match against Italy – the first official meeting between the two nations – Saavedra will be crucial in guiding the South Americans through what will be a steep challenge. While Chile may be underdogs, players like Saavedra ensure they’ll compete with heart, skill, and the kind of passion that made them World Cup history-makers in 2023.

Tonga 🇹🇴

Player to Watch: Ben Tameifuna

At 151kg, Ben Tameifuna is an absolute mountain of a man – and he’s Tonga’s captain for a reason. The 33-year-old prop, who plays his club rugby for Bordeaux-Bègles in France, leads by example with rampaging runs in the loose and rock-solid set-piece ability that anchors the ‘Ikale Tahi scrum.

Tameifuna’s journey through rugby has taken him from New Zealand to Japan to France, accumulating vast experience along the way. He brings a wealth of knowledge to a Tonga side that boasts genuine star power, including former All Black fullback Charles Piutau, who switched allegiances to represent his country of birth.

Tonga have traditionally been one of the most physical and fearsome teams in world rugby, and Tameifuna embodies that spirit. When he gets ball in hand, defenders don’t want to be in his way – the big prop has surprising pace and agility for his size, making him a devastating ball carrier.

As Tonga head into the Quilter Nations Series, they’ll be looking to improve on their recent performances and potentially cause an upset or two. With Tameifuna leading from the front and setting the tone with his physicality, the Pacific Islanders will be dangerous opponents for anyone they face. Don’t underestimate the power of Tongan rugby – especially when this giant is leading the charge.

Fiji 🇫🇯

Player to Watch: Setareki Turagacoke

At just 19 years old, Setareki Turagacoke is already living the dream. The young lock made his Flying Fijians debut in spectacular fashion against Spain in November 2024, scoring a try that announced his arrival on the international stage.

Hailing from Dakuinuku, Tailevu, Turagacoke is a product of Fiji Rugby’s High Performance Unit, having been identified for his talent at age 16. His rapid progression saw him secure a contract with Stade Français Paris in 2024, where he’s already making appearances for the senior team in the French Top 14 – a remarkable achievement for someone still in his teens.

Standing 192cm and weighing 110kg, Turagacoke combines impressive physicality with the kind of speed and athleticism that’s become synonymous with Fijian rugby. His blend of skill, power, and technique has made his transition to Test rugby look seamless, and he’s shown he can handle the pressure of the biggest stages.

As Fiji head into their Quilter Nations Series fixtures against England and France, Turagacoke represents the next generation of Pacific Island talent ready to make their mark. With the Flying Fijians’ traditional flair and his emerging prowess in the engine room, the teenager could be the X-factor that helps Fiji pull off another famous upset in November.

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