Based on the calibre of youngsters surging through the junior system, the future is bright for Australian rugby.
In the past few years, the Australian Schools and Under 18s have enjoyed successful tours of Scotland, Ireland and New Zealand - including a win over the Kiwi schools team in New Zealand for the first time since 2012.
And in 2019 the Junior Wallabies beat the Junior Kiwis to win the Oceania under 20s, and they made the final of the World under 20s championships, too.
And in sevens rugby, the Australian Schoolboys and Australian under 18s teams have won major tournaments too.
In no particular order, RUGBY.com.au has combed through the ranks to put together a list of 20 boys under the age of 20 that you need to know. Some you'll know, others you'll know soon.
Study up and drop these names at your next barbecue.
Jordan Petaia (19 - Wallabies, Queensland)
The vanguard of the next generation, Petaia has already played two Tests for Australia and is entering his third Super Rugby season. And he is still only 19.
Angus Bell (19 - Waratahs, Australian Schools and U18s 2018, Junior Wallabies 2019, NRC)
Outstanding prospect at prop, mobile but with the bulk to anchor a scrum. Played in successful Australian Schools and U18s side, and Junior Wallabies.
Mark Nawaqanitawase (19 - Waratahs, Junior Wallabies 2019, NRC)
Athletic winger with Fijian heritage who missed all schools honours but forced his way into Junior Wallabies with irresistible U19s form. Tipped to play Super Rugby in 2020.
Carlo Tizzano (19 - Waratahs, Force, Junior Wallabies 2019, NRC)
Aggressive flanker who showed his immense potential by winning WA club player of the year in 2018 aged 17. Aussie Schools and under 18s honours and Junior Wallabies, along with senior footy for the Force. In NSW squad for 2020.
Reesjan Pasitoa (18 - Brumbies, Australian Schools and U18s 2018-19)
The hype around Pasitoa is huge after the Nudgee schoolboy star was signed by the Brumbies aged 17. Starred for the Aussie Schools and under 18s for the last two years. Wants to play Super Rugby in 2020.
Billy Pollard (18, Brumbies, Australian Schools and under 18s 2018-2019
Welcome to the family, Billy Pollard! ️ pic.twitter.com/aUnaUlQncn
— Plus500 Brumbies (@BrumbiesRugby) November 13, 2019
Chased by Wayne Bennett and six other NRL clubs, Pollard turned down the Bunnies to sign a long-term deal with the Brumbies. The superb Aussie schools and U18s hooker played in the team that beat New Zealand, almost scoring an incredible 95-metre try.
Luke Reimer (19, Brumbies, Australian Schools and U18s 2018)
Highly touted flanker who was also chased by several rugby league clubs, but elected to stay in rugby and sign with the Brumbies. Played first grade in Sydney club rugby in 2019 and tipped for Super Rugby debut in 2020.
Will Harris (19 - Waratahs, Australian Schools and U18s 2018, Junior Wallabies 2019, NRC)
Giant backrower from Queensland who turned down NRL interest to stay in rugby. Starred in Australian Schools and under 18s side, and Junior Wallabies.
Byron Ralston (19, Western Force, Junior Wallabies 2019)
Queensland speedster who played Oceania for the Junior Wallabies but came to the fore during the Force’s dominant NRC campaign.
Max Douglas (19, Waratahs, Junior Wallabies 2019, Australian Schools and U18s 2018)
A giant 2m, 105kg lock who impresses with his mix of athleticism and size.
Jeremy Williams (19, Waratahs, Junior Wallabies 2019, Australian Schools and U18s 2017-18)
Another promising lock who has been a strong contributor to all his Aussie age-group teams, and is impressing in NSW pre-season training.
Josh Flook (18, Queensland, Australian Schools U18s 2019)
Classy centre who captained the Australian Schools and U18s to their win over New Zealand, and was named Queensland’s under 19s player of the year. Flook has been training with the Reds squad over summer.
Carter Gordon (18, Queensland, Australian Schools U18s 2018-19)
Star playmaker for the Australian Schools and U18s in 2018 but denied involvement in victorious Kiwi tour in 2019 due to injury. On a long-term deal with the Reds and will be seen in Super Rugby sooner than later.
Angus Bell - (19, Australian 7s, Australian Schools and U18s XVs & Australian U18s 7s, 2018)
The ‘other’ Angus Bell who played wing for the Aussie schools and U18s on their Ireland and Scotland tour, and was impressive enough in the short-form game, the Aussie sevens program picked him up.
Jordan Williams - (18, Australian U18s 7s 2018-2019)
West Sydney youngster and Kings student who has impressed considerably in the junior schoolboys sevens competitions and is about to join the Aussie sevens program.
Dietrich Roche - (18, Australian Schools 7s, 2019)
Like Williams, another Parramatta Two Blues colt with league experience who has impressed in the junior sevens pathways and on the fringes of Aussie development squad.
Tolu Koula - (17 - Australian U18s 7s 2018, Australian Schools and U18s XVs 2019, Waratahs)
Freakish talent in elite academy programs in rugby and rugby league, Koula scored a try for the Aussie Schools and under 18s on the wing in their win over New Zealand. Very fast and exceptional sevens player too. In year 12 at Newington in 2020.
Joseph Suaalli - (16 - Australian Schools and U18s 2019, Australian U18s 7s, 2018)
Played first XV at Kings at the age of 14 and is one of the most hyped teenagers in the country. Was signed by Souths NRL club until 2021 but without limits on still playing rugby, so played on the wing in the Aussie schools team that beat New Zealand, whole in year 10 and one month past his 16th birthday. Has trained with the Aussie mens’ sevens team and will feature in junior rugby teams for years to come, prior to deciding on a post-school contract. Only going into year 11.
Zane Nonggorr (18, Queensland, Australian Schools U18s 2018-19)
Giant tighthead prop who can run like a centre, Nonggorr has fans in high places after his feats as a schoolboy over the last few seasons.
Alex Masibaka - (18 - Australian schools and U18s 2019)
The bullocking Perth backrower is rated a highly promising prospect, having come through the WA Academy and playing senior footy for Associates too. Big future.
