This jump from young gun to fully fledged international-level pro, though, is never the same across the board. There are those where the adage is slow wins the race. Take Joe Bailey, who has returned to Exeter Chiefs for his final academy year.
The reigning age-grade Six Nations champions completed their Pool C campaign with a gruelling 17-12 win over South Africa last Tuesday at Athlone.
The English are in Eastern Europe for a two-match rehearsal ahead of the upcoming Junior World Championship in Cape Town.
The English were denied a shot at the Grand Slam by Ireland’s last-gasp, game-levelling converted try at The Rec last Friday.
World Rugby have announced the Men’s 15s Dream Team of the Year, but the absence of two international superstars has left fans on Twitter shocked and confused.
Jerry Collins was tragically killed in a 2015 accident but the colourful life of the All Blacks legend is recounted in Hard Men of Rugby.
World Cup-winning coach believes a broken game can be fixed with a return to old school values
