Three young South African stars make Ruck.co.uk‘s list of most exciting young prospects in rugby.

At No 9 is 21-year-old prop Zachary Porthen, who earned three Test caps on the Springboks’ end-of-year tour.

“A front-row powerhouse with frightening upside,” writes Ruck.co.uk. “Porthen combines raw scrummaging muscle with surprising mobility, smashing carriers and hammering rucks with Springbok intensity. He’s tracking exactly like South Africa’s next elite prop.”

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Cracking the top three is Canan Moodie, who featured at outside centre and on the wing for the Springboks in 2025.

“Moodie blends height, control under the high ball, and laser-guided finishing into one elite package,” says the website. “Already a reliable Springbok and still only 22, he’s developing into one of the world’s most polished young outside backs.”

At No 2 is Springbok flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, who on Thursday was named the SA Players’ Player of the Year.

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Ruck.co.uk refers to the 23-year-old as “a rare talent with the versatility to boss a match from flyhalf or centre. His kicking range, on-field leadership and game-breaking decision-making have seen him fast-tracked into the Springbok conversation. A born controller of matches – and a future superstar.”

But according to the website, the best young rugby player at the moment is France wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey.

“Bielle-Biarrey’s speed, footwork and finishing make him a constant highlight reel, but it’s his consistency that elevates him above his peers. A generational winger – and France’s next global icon.”

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Ruck.co.uk’s most exciting rugby prospects in the world:
10. Noah Caluori (England)
9. Zachary Porthen (South Africa)
8. Pedro Rubiolo (Argentina)
7. Sam Prendergast (Ireland)
6. Peter Lakai (New Zealand)
5. Max Jorgensen (Australia)
4. Henry Pollock (England)
3. Canan Moodie (South Africa)
2. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (South Africa)
1. Louis Bielle-Biarrey (France)

Photos: Shaun Botterill/Franco Arland/Anton Geyser/Gallo Images/Getty Images