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 this season, each with the potential to shape the season in their own way.
Atunaisa Sokobale (Castres, Fiji) - A 21-year-old prop who arrived in Castres in 2023, Sokobale has quickly earned a place in the club's main senior squad and 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, France) - One of the few players from last year's list to keep his place, Massa has 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, Argentina) - A surprise addition to the Pumas ensemble for the Nations Championship, Rapetti is a young tighthead prop looking to become a regular member of Ugo Mola's matchday squad. His development will be fascinating to watch.
Junior Kpoku (RC Toulon, England) - An England U20 utility forward, Kpoku has switched sides to join RC Toulon for three years. His prowess in the breakdown and 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, Fiji) - Refined by Stade Français after arriving as a raw prospect, Turagacoke has emerged as one of the game's most exciting young talents. Blending rugby intelligence, explosive pace, physical dominance, and relentless aggression, he's a player to watch.
Marko Gazzotti (Union Bordeaux-Bègles, France) - An established international player, Gazzotti is one of the greatest young talents in the world, looking to become a member of France's starting line-up for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Lucas Andjisseramatchi (Stade Rochelaois, France) - While France didn't win the Junior Championship title this year, Andjisseramatchi's performance was impressive. Already earning a place in Ronan O'Gara's La Rochelle first team, the flanker thrives on disrupting opponents at the breakdown and in the collision area.
Mikheili Shioshvili (RC Toulon, Georgia) - Georgia once had Mamuka Gorgodze, and now, RC Toulon's Shioshvili looks set to be the next player capable of striking fear into opposition packs. Resembling a Tyrannosaurus Rex, he's a fierce competitor who will stop at nothing.
Baptiste Tilloles (Aviron Bayonnais, France) - Fast-paced, smooth handling skills, and a natural gift for throwing the oval ball around make Tilloles a valuable member of the Les Bleus.
Diego Jurd (Stade Rochelais, France) - Jurd, a 20-year-old with a natural gift for injecting pure exhilarating fuel into his side's offensive strategy, showcases a level-headedness uncommon for someone of his age.
Théo Attissogbé (Pau, France) - Unpredictability, brilliance, and versatility make Attissogbé one of the most lethal wingers in the rugby world.
Fabien Brau-Boirie (Section Paloise, France) - Consistently demonstrating his worth, Brau-Boirie is a versatile and adaptable center who could be a key factor in bringing Les Bleus closer to the world title in 2027.
Kalvin Gourgues (Stade Toulousain, France) - Gourgues has unreal speed, pace, and physicality, looking destined to become a supernova in the Top 14. His rapid rise from zero appearances to an integral part of Toulouse's championship triumph is remarkable.
Israel Leota (Stade Français, New Zealand) - A potentially standout performer at the highest club level, Leota possesses all the tools required to become a standout performer. His inclusion might raise eyebrows, but he's a player to watch.
Mathis Ferté (RC Toulon, France) - In his debut Top 14 season, Ferté racked up 31 appearances, delivering sensational performances that translated into eight tries and six assists. He's a firecracker who can help Toulon get back on the playoff horse this year.
Honorable mentions include Grégoire Arfeuil, Olivier Cowie, Thomas Lacombre, and Owen Sorhaindo, each bringing unique skills to their respective clubs.
