U20 Six Nations: Dewi Morris looks at two up-and-coming stars
Wednesday 2 March 2016 11:03, UK
Dewi Morris was in Newcastle last Friday to watch the U20 Six Nations match between England and Ireland, and two players in particular caught his eye...
As has been the case for some time, the England U20 set-up is working incredibly well - nine of the side that started against Ireland in Saturday's Six Nations tie at Twickenham came through the system.
England have a phenomenal record at youth level in recent years and so they should. They have a huge player base, good rugby schools; everything is geared towards it.
There is a structure in place which is working but other countries are starting to realise that.
Scotland were excellent in both attack and defence when they ran in four tries against England in the opening round, while it was great to see a free-flowing game of rugby last Friday when Ireland came from behind to win.
There is a lot of talent in the system but two players really stood out for me at Kingston Park.
Mathew Protheroe
Date of birth: October 10, 1996
Position: Fly-half
Height: 1.80m
Weight: 70kg
Protheroe went to Hartpury College and is the subject of a tug of war between England and Wales. He was born in Swansea but came through the England system.
He can play for England U20s at Six Nations level, but not at the U20 World Championship in June as he must serve another two years of residency.
Protheroe played for England at U18 and has made the progression to U20, but Wales are aware of him. He has a big decision to make.
Whoever he decides to represent at senior level, they are getting a serious talent. He has an excellent kicking game and is lightning fast. He played really well on a pudding of a pitch in Italy and made a try for George Perkins against Ireland with an incredible break.
England face Grand Slam-chasing Wales in Bristol on March 11, live on Sky Sports, and everyone will be keeping a close eye on how Protheroe performs.
James Ryan
Date of birth: July 24, 1996
Position: Lock
Height: 2.03m
Weight: 107kg
Ryan is from the Lansdowne club and is the U20 captain of Leinster and Ireland. He is an outstanding second row forward and is the coming man.
It might take a couple of years to him to bulk up but he has got what it takes. He understands the game, his players, is not fazed about calling lineouts to himself and is as fit as a back row.
Ryan scored Ireland's opening try against England when he broke off the back of a driving maul, and then produced a brilliant offload to put prop Andrew Porter over from close range as they came from 20-6 down to win.
He is a modern-day second row and I see shades of Paul O'Connell in him. Ireland have a fantastic player for the future, and a possible captain. He is that good.
Live Under-20s Six Nations Rugby Union
