The upcoming Top 14 season promises to be a thrilling affair, with a host of young talents ready to challenge established stars and make waves across the competition. Here's a look at 15 players under 22 to watch out for this season, each with the potential to shape the season in their own unique way.
- Atunaisa Sokobale - Castres
Atunaisa Sokobale, a 21-year-old prop from Fiji, arrived in Castres in 2023 with little expectation. However, three years later, he's not only earned a place in the club's main senior squad but also made his debut for Fiji against France in the Autumn Nations Series 2025. His mobility and scrummaging ability have earned him a professional contract until 2029.
- Bernabé Massa - ASM Clermont
Bernabé Massa, a 21-year-old hooker from France, has kept his place from last year's list, fully deserving it. He's established himself as Clermont's first-choice hooker, excelling in the lineout and making a significant impact around the ruck. His efforts earned him a call-up to the Nations Championship, where he earned his first cap against the All Blacks.
- Tomás Rapetti - Stade Toulousain
Tomás Rapetti, a 21-year-old tighthead prop from Argentina, was a surprise addition to the Pumas ensemble for the Nations Championship. With the new Top 14 season dawning, he's looking to become a regular member of Ugo Mola's matchday squad, and we're eager to see his development.
- Junior Kpoku - RC Toulon
Junior Kpoku, an 20-year-old England U20 utility forward, has switched sides to join RC Toulon for the next three years. His prowess in plundering the breakdown and bossing the lineout contest makes him one of the finest young locks in the Top 14 scene, needing only greater consistency to reach the next level.
- Setareki Turagacoke - Stade Français
Setareki Turagacoke, a 20-year-old from Fiji, has emerged as one of the game's most exciting young talents. Refined by Stade Français, he blends rugby intelligence, explosive pace, physical dominance, and relentless aggression. Keep an eye on him, as he's set to grab headlines in the near future.
- Marko Gazzotti - Union Bordeaux-Bègles
Marko Gazzotti, a 21-year-old established international player from France, is one of the greatest young talents in the world. He's looking to become a member of France's starting line-up for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
- Lucas Andjisseramatchi - Stade Rochelaois
Lucas Andjisseramatchi, a 20-year-old flanker from France, has already earned a place in Ronan O'Gara's La Rochelle first team. He thrives on disrupting opponents at the breakdown and in the collision area, often turning seemingly lost situations into advantages for his team. He's a top pick for the 2026/2027 season.
- Mikheili Shioshvili - RC Toulon
Mikheili Shioshvili, a 20-year-old from Georgia, is the next player capable of striking fear into opposition packs. Resembling a Tyrannosaurus Rex, he's a fierce competitor who will stop at nothing to leave a trail of destruction in his wake. Are you ready to witness the next big thing from the Lelos?
- Baptiste Tilloles - Aviron Bayonnais
Baptiste Tilloles, a 19-year-old from France, has fast-paced, smooth handling skills and a natural gift for throwing the oval ball around. He seems set to become a valuable member of the Les Bleus.
- Diego Jurd - Stade Rochelais
Diego Jurd, a 20-year-old from France, has the natural gift of injecting pure exhilarating fuel into his side's offensive strategy. He showcases a level-headedness uncommon for someone of his age.
- Théo Attissogbé - Pau
Théo Attissogbé, a 21-year-old from France, is unpredictable, brilliant, and versatile, already among the most lethal wingers in the rugby world.
- Fabien Brau-Boirie - Section Paloise
Fabien Brau-Boirie, a 20-year-old from France, has consistently demonstrated why he deserves the starting spot in France's centre pairing. His versatility and adaptability set him apart, marking him as one of the finest prospects to emerge from Section Paloise's academy in recent years. He could be a key factor in bringing Les Bleus closer to the world title in 2027.
- Kalvin Gourgues - Stade Toulousain
Kalvin Gourgues, a 21-year-old from France, has it all: unreal speed, pace, and physicality that can shatter the best of tacklers. He's destined to become a supernova in the Top 14.
- Israel Leota - Stade Français
Israel Leota, a 21-year-old winger from New Zealand, is potentially one of the best pick-ups by a Top 14 team. He possesses all the tools required to become a standout performer at the highest club level.
- Mathis Ferté - RC Toulon
Mathis Ferté, a 22-year-old from France, had a sensational debut Top 14 season, racking up 31 appearances at the highest level. He delivered eight tries, six assists, and several great passages of play. He's a firecracker who can help Toulon get back on the playoff horse this year.
Honourable Mentions:
- Grégoire Arfeuil (Section Paloise's wing)
- Olivier Cowie (RC Toulon)
- Thomas Lacombre (Stade Toulousain and international hooker)
- Owen Sorhaindo (RC Toulon's prop)
