What happened to the 10 youngsters Sir Ian McGeechan backed to dominate rugby in 2020
03/25/2025 05:32 AM
Legendary British and Irish Lions coach Sir Ian McGeechan highlighted ten young rugby talents in 2020 who he believed were destined to make a significant impact on the international stage.
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Five years later, it’s time to revisit McGeechan's predictions and see how these players have progressed.
1. Marcus Smith, England
McGeechan's 2020 prediction:
Smith was praised for his calmness under pressure, a hallmark of great players. A rapid rise from school rugby to Harlequins, he was seen as a future England star despite not yet being capped.
What happened next:
Smith made his England debut in 2021 and has since become a regular for both club and country. He starred for the British and Irish Lions in 2021 and played a crucial role in Harlequins’ 2021 Premiership title win. His position in the England squad became more contested with the return of George Ford, but his creative playmaking style keeps him as a key figure in English rugby.
2. Jordan Joseph, France
McGeechan's 2020 prediction:
A powerful runner and skillful offloader, Joseph was tipped as the future of France's back row.
What happened next:
Joseph's career has been somewhat stop-start. While still highly regarded, he struggled to break into the senior national team quickly. He spent time on loan at Pau from Racing 92 to gain more game time and experience. Joseph remains a talent, but fierce competition in France's back row has limited his international opportunities.
3. Caelan Doris, Ireland
McGeechan's 2020 prediction:
Doris was identified as a special talent, standing out for his ball-carrying and physicality at Leinster. McGeechan expected him to win many Ireland caps.
What happened next:
Doris has firmly established himself as one of Ireland's top players. He played a starring role in Ireland's 2023 Six Nations Grand Slam and continues to be a crucial figure for both Leinster and the national team. He has cemented his reputation as one of the best No. 8s in world rugby. Such is his reputation, Doris is being back as genuine contender to captain the British & Irish Lions in 2025.
4. Joe Simmonds, England
McGeechan's 2020 prediction:
Simmonds was seen as an excellent fly-half with impressive game management and kicking skills. He was close to an international call-up.
What happened next:
Despite captaining Exeter Chiefs to a Premiership and European double in 2020, Simmonds never fully broke into the England setup, with stiff competition from the likes of Marcus Smith and George Ford. He has since moved to Pau in The Top 14.
5. Louis Rees-Zammit, Wales
McGeechan's 2020 prediction:
Rees-Zammit was lauded for his explosive pace and finishing ability, with his first Wales cap imminent.
What happened next:
Rees-Zammit has become a star for Wales, earning caps and scoring tries with regularity. He was one of the standout players in the 2021 Six Nations, helping Wales to win the tournament. He also toured with the British and Irish Lions in 2021. However. he quit the sport in January 2024 to try and play in the NFL, first signing with the Kansas City Chiefs before subsequently joining Jacksonville Jaguars.
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