Opinions

Rugby Rugby has always been a fan of young talent and with the new year comes some new hopes - we pick out the five young stars from around the planet who we are expecting big things from in 2010.

With the 2011 World Cup now very much on the horizon the next 12 months look set to be an exciting time for a number of young and ambitious players.

The criteria for the list is simple - be young, talented and set to star throughout 2010!

A couple of the names on our list are already well known around the world - having made their debuts for their national sides - but this list is not only about who might break through on to the world stage - it's about young players who we expect to be grabbing headlines and going on to even greater things than they already have in the past.

Dan Lydiate - Wales (Newport-Gwent Dragons)

Born on the 18th December 1987, young Welsh star Dan Lydiate has had a remarkable career already. Suffering a serious, season-ending neck injury at the start of the 2007/2008 season, the dynamic young flank has quickly put that difficult setback behind him and is being tipped for big things in 2010.

The Newport-Gwent Dragons star has become an ever-present in the region's starting lineup and has emerged as the leading candidate to succeed Martyn Williams in the Welsh national side - having made his debut during the recent November international series.

Dynamic around the park and a willing ball carrier, the Llandrindod Wells-born star should look to 2010 as a year full of opportunity with a possible Six Nations campaign and, on current form, a possible Magners League top four play-off spot.

Courtney Lawes - England (Northampton Saints)

The former England Under-20 star broke into Martin Johnson’s England squad during the November international series, but it is only in 2010 that the rugby world should really get their first real look at what the Saints star has on offer.

Comfortable in both the second row and the back row, Lawes stands just over the two metre mark and yet still outstrips many of his backline teammates in a footrace. If he is not a certain starter for England by the time the November international come round next year then there should be some serious questions being asked.

Robert Ebersohn - South Africa (Free State Cheetahs)

The young Sevens Springbok turned down the chance to play Super 14 rugby in 2009 in order to become a vital part of Paul Treu's World Series winning side.

Despite being just 20 years old, the young Cheetah became one of the standout Sevens players over the course of the 2008/09 season. His attention now though has turned to the XV-man version of the game - with the Super 14 the first stage on offer to him.

One of the most naturally talented young players in the world, Ebersohn is destined for success and is believed by many to be the Springboks' long term solution in the No.12 jersey.

Just how well will he respond to all the pressure? Only 2010 has the answer but obviously we expect he'll do just fine!

David Pocock - Australia (Western Force)

The rugby world is already well aware of just what David Pocock is all about. The Zimbabwean-born star produced some sensational performances over the last 12 months and is now a genuine rival to the legendary George Smith for the Wallabies' No.7 jersey.

Worrying though for the rest of the world there seems like there is even more to come from the Western Force youngster. Having grown as a player through 2009, 2010 should be the year that we truly see the arrival of David Pocock.

Aaron Cruden - New Zealand (Manawatu – Hurricanes)

A year ago young flyhalf Aaron Cruden was given the all-clear from testicular cancer. After a lengthy bout of Chemotherapy the young playmaker finally won the war and returned to doing what he loved - playing rugby. And what a return it has been?!

The Manawatu youngster has already been named the IRB's Young Player of the Year for 2009 and, after impressing in the Air New Zealand Cup as well, is being tipped for even bigger things in 2010.

An exciting young playmaker, the 20-year-old has shown maturity beyond his years and could play a key role for the Hurricanes in the 2010 Super 14 campaign.

By Peter Murison