The week’s opening round of the Super Rugby U16s and U19s competition will showcase the new generation of second-generation stars set to have major futures in the sport.
More than 300 of Australia's most talented juniors will get valuable insight into the professional game throughout the five week regular season before the Grand Final on November 3.
For some, they don’t have to look far for advice about how to handle the big stage.
The NSW Waratahs U16s side entesr the competition having never lost a game in the entire history of the tournament.
Captain Harry Whitaker is the son of RA GM of Men’s High Performance Ben and the nephew of former Wallaby Chris, with the former Waratahs assistant captaining Australia in their record-breaking 142-0 win over Namibia in the 2003 World Cup.
In the 19s squad, Lotu Vunipola-Sailoso follows in the footsteps of brothers Mako, Billy and Manu Vunipola as he lines up in the front-row alongside Charlie O’Kane, son of former Waratah Kevin.
Centre Oscar is the latest Jorgensen to be unleashed after cousin Max made his Wallaby debut, with Felix Turinui, son of Classic Wallabies and 20-Test centre Morgan providing a spark off the bench.
For the Rebels, their U19s side is filled with talented relatives as Lucas Aedo Kailea joins breakout star and brother Isaac in representing the Rebels.
Caedus Vaihu joins cousins Glen and David as the Rebels look to make a name for themselves.
In the ACT, prop Finn Baxter comes from a strong pedigree of front-rowers after dad Al cemented himself as a legend for the Wallabies in the 2000s.
Australia U20s standouts Joe Dillon and Shane Wilcox add quality to a Brumbies side out to defend their title.
For the Force, they call on centre Oakley Pearce, brother of prop Marley as part of a stacked backline.
This includes recruits Boston Fakafanua and Finn Press as part of their Force Academy that has added Queensland talent such as Ollie Barrett and Berakah Tuifaasisina.
The Reds will get their chance in round two to showcase their talent with Noah Rauluni, son of former Fiji international Jacob and nephew to Fijiana head coach and international Moses, one of several with connections to the game.
"The Super Rugby U16 and U19 competitions expose the next generation of Super Rugby Pacific and Wallabies stars to the demands of a week in, week out, high performance Rugby environment," Rugby Australia National Pathways Manager Nic Henderson said.
"At the same time they provide a platform for these players to showcase their talents and take an important step on the path to the professional game
"With all matches broadcast live on Stan Sport, it's fantastic to give every rugby fan across the country the opportunity to be part of that journey."
