Photos: Players to watch at the 2019 Rugby world Cup

Leading athletes from 20 countries are set to compete for the prestigious Rugby world Cup title in Japan from September 20 to November 2 this year. We take a look at some of the most promising and exciting players to look out for in the upcoming tournament.

Position: Fly-half

Despite being in a team filled with some of the best players in the game, Barrett manages to stand out thanks to his impeccable game running, and creative maneuvers with ball in hand. He also has experience on his side, having been a member of England’s world Cup winning team four years ago.

Position: Wing

A nimble player on the field, the 23-year-old has scored 14 tries in his 19 Ireland caps so far. Stockdale gets a chance to truly showcase his skills when his team plays wide, allowing him the opportunity to crack the opposing defense.

Position: Scrum-half

Position: Lock

Aged just 24, Itoje is already a three-time European Cup winner as well as a two-time Six Nations winner. A powerful and agile forward with an explosive style of play, Itoje is sure to make waves in his first world Cup mission.

Position: Fullback

One of the biggest hitters on the Scottish side, Hogg is best known for his ability to convert defence into attack in the blink of an eye. Thanks to his pace and footwork, the opposition can’t afford to execute one bad kick when Hogg is on the field. He played in one world Cup in early 2015, where the Scots were eliminated in the quarter-finals by Australia.

Position: Hooker 

A hooker of equal ability in the back row, Fainga’a scored 12 tries for his club, the ACT Brumbies, in this year’s Super Rugby tournament. This year marks its first world Cup campaign, making it one of Australia’s to watch. 

Position: Back row

With 67 caps under his belt, the Uruguayan skipper is set to feature in the second world Cup of his career. Back in 2008 he was part of the IRB Junior World Rugby Trophy-winning team.

Position: Fly-half

The 20-year-old upstart has already represented Georgia at the 2017, 2018 and 2019 Rugby world cups. Along with his ball in hand, abjandadze has a Mature temperament on the field, holding it against some of the more experienced players there.

Position: Back row

Despite a career-threatening injury and an attack charge looming over him, the Tongan-born powerhouse is best known for his ball-carrying and try-scoring ability, making him one of Japan’s biggest threats in this tournament on home turf. Back in the 2015 World Cup, his final pass is still credited to clinch the win for his team against South Africa – which was later voted as the best match moment of the tournament.

Position: Prop

Following in the footsteps of father Vili, who played for Samoa at the 1991 world Cup, Alalatoa has already wowed the world with his skill, playing for the crusaders since 2016. He was also part of the Samoa U-20 team that participated in the 2011 IRB Junior world Cup.

Position: Fullback

Having won the six Nations Grand slam and Triple Crown titles earlier this year, Wales are hotly tipped to perform in Japan. A key member of the team’s back line and a world-renowned defender, Williams is best known for his rock-solid defence. This makes it an exciting prospect for the tournament and certainly one to watch out for. 

Position: Midfielder

Recently named Newcastle Sharks player of the season for 2018-19, Takulua can dictate the pace of play as well as follow the line with equal ease. With 30 international test caps, Takulua has amassed a total of eight tries and 181 points to his name so far.

Position: Lock 

With 33 international caps and significant English Premier League experience on his side, ostrich could be the Russia go-to man when it comes to holding Fort in the back row.

Position: Scrum-half

Making his debut at the 2017 six Nations championship, the 22-year-old has already established himself as an invaluable addition to the French line-up, thanks to his impressive agility and strong ball-playing abilities.

Position: Wing

Perhaps his last world Cup before retiring for health reasons, van der Merwe’s commendable try-scoring credentials saw him cross the whitewash 37 times in 58 international caps. Despite his five shoulder surgeries over the years, he is still one of the strongest, fastest and most powerful members of the canadian team.

Position: Fullback

In his breakthrough in the Six Nations tournament in 2018 Minasi impressed with four tries in four games. Now, with a serious ligament injury in the direction Minasi is back in training and hoping to Shine in the back of the line.

Position: Hooker

Having scored 20 tries in 22 test appearances, Taufete’e is gifted with an exceptional ability to quickly lower his centre of gravity to bulldoze his way through opponents with ease.

Position: Back row

For a team that relies heavily on their flying backs to keep the ball alive, captain Matera is sure to bring his six-plus years of experience to the game, along with his towering physical presence and roar fatigue.

Position: Back row

One of the most exciting PRO14 players in recent seasons, Mata has been named player of the tournament for the 2018-19 season. Known for his offloading ability, he was part of the Olympic gold Rugby sevens squad in 2016.

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