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The most capped U20s graduate list is a who’s who of Test rugby stars
By
Liam Heagney
It was 2008 when the Junior World Championship was created, Word Rugby – then known as IRB – deciding it would be best for the development of age-grade players in the international game if the existing U19 and U201 tournaments were amalgamated into one at U20s level.
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A dozen tournaments have so far been staged, the last taking place in Argentina in 2019 before the pandemic resulted in the cancellation.
However, with the world now re-opened, the Junior World Championship will brilliantly swing back into action this Saturday with six opening-round pool matches in South Africa, three in Paarl and three more in Stellenbosch.
Fans who believe this age-grade event is an invaluable stepping stone on the pathway towards becoming a professional player will be thrilled at its return and will savour the prospect that they could be watching numerous stars of the future.
Past tournaments at U20s have been quite the breeding ground for players who have gone on to become household names at Test level. Of the 12 countries taking part in this year’s tournament, the World Rugby website states that 791 players who played at this age-grade level between 2008 and 2019 went on to play Test rugby.
The list of U20 graduates who have become the most capped players for their country is also a veritable who’s who of the Test game globally with the countdown firmly on towards Rugby World Cup 2023 in France. Here are the vital country-by-country statistics:
ARGENTINA
U20 graduates: 85
Most capped U20 graduate: Pablo Matera (91)
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AUSTRALIA
U20 graduates: 74 (72 Championship, two Trophy)
Most capped U20 graduate: James Slipper (127)
ENGLAND
U20 graduates: 65
Most capped U20 graduate: Ben Youngs (124 – 122 England, two British and Irish Lions)
FIJI
U20 graduates: 36 (22 from Championship and 14 from Trophy)
Most capped U20 graduate: Manasa Saulo (50)
FRANCE
U20 graduates: 83
Most capped U20 graduate: Gael Fickou (79 Test caps)
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GEORGIA
U20 graduates: 63 (27 Championship and 36 Trophy)
Most capped U20 graduate: Lasha Khmaladze (U20 Trophy – 94 Test caps)
IRELAND
U20 graduates: 69
Most capped U20 graduate: Conor Murray (114 – 105 Ireland, nine British and Irish Lions)
ITALY
U20 graduates: 75 (67 Championship, eight Trophy)
Most capped U20 graduate: Tommaso Allan (70)
JAPAN
U20 graduates: 51 (23 Championship and 28 Trophy)
Most capped U20 graduate: Michael Leitch (78)
NEW ZEALAND
U20 graduates: 64 (63 Championship, one Trophy)
Most capped U20 graduate: Sam Whitelock (143)
SOUTH AFRICA
U20 Graduates: 55
Most capped U20 graduate: Eben Etzebeth (110)
WALES
U20 graduates: 71
Most capped U20 graduate: Dan Biggar (111 – 107 Wales, four British and Irish Lions)
I find this a slightly odd article - I don't think many people would be surprised to learn that most top players played international u20 rugby.
A more interesting idea might be to look at who has the most caps at u20 level - and whether those players went on to have steller senior careers.