The Wallabies’ jumper of the future looks to be in safe hands, as Australian rugby unleashes world class youngsters.

Taniela Tupou, the 135kg, 18 year old, known as the “Tongan Thor” is set to move across the Tasman to join an Australian Super Rugby Franchise. He quickly became an internet sensation this year due to a youtube clip demonstrating his barnstorming running during a New Zealand school rugby match 

. After moving from Tonga to New Zealand in 2010, Tupou is likely to pack up his bags and make the move to Australia, opting to turn down an opportunity to become eligible for the New Zealand schoolboys team. He told The Daily Telegraph: “If I signed it, I wouldn’t be able to go to Australia”, which in his opinion is “what is best for [his] poor little family”.

Reds coach Richard Graham has “been aware of Taniela’s ability since April, when the Reds toured New Zealand” and is in the running to sign the 18 year old, along with the Waratahs, Brumbies and Force. The Rebels team squad is full for next year, leaving them unable to bid for his services.

Andrew ‘the fire’ Kellaway has set the National Rugby Championships alight, after levelling the try scoring record (8 tries) at the IRB Junior World Cup this year. He has continued that form, running in six tries from three games for the NSW Country Eagles, who are competing in this years inaugural NRC tournament. The 19 year old Randwick and Scots college prodigy looks set for a Waratahs debut next season, filling the void left by Alofa Alofa. Anyone who has seen this kid play, will agree, he is likely to have an early impact at Super rugby level, being punted as Australia’s biggest schoolboy talent since Kurtley Beale.

Hulking Will Skelton has already set Super Rugby alight in 2014, receiving a call up for the national team against France, scoring on debut. McKenzie, however, has urged the Australian public to be patient, believing that at the age of 22, Skelton looks to have a long career ahead of him. Stating that his talent needs to be carefully nurtured.

With the NRC well and truly underway, another emerging talent is the the Reds’ and Brisbane City’s 20 year old centre Samu Kerevi. He looks likely to personally address the Reds’ Super Rugby woes, becoming a NRC sensation with his strong line running and ability to beat defender after defender.

These youngsters are setting the bar high for rising talent in Australia and are demonstrating that all is well in the nations rugby talent stocks. Be sure to earmark these names, as you are likely to hear a lot more about them over the coming months to years.

Written by Nelson Dale