3. GABRIEL IBITOYE – BRISTOL BEARS
Steadily progressing up the pecking order, Gabriel Ibitoye has emerged as Pat Lam’s go-to flyer for Bristol this season. The former Harlequin has enjoyed a club career throughout France, with club stints at Agen and Montpellier before he arrived in Bristol in 2022. Ibitoye has so far been off the radar for Steve Borthwick’s wingers, yet the 26-year-old has had a solid season in the 2023/24 Premiership, with his final Bears outing once again showcasing his talents.
Ibitoye scored his 10th try of the season (in all competitions) last weekend, as he showcased his impressive pace and agility against his former Quins. One of the brightest sparks of an 11-try thriller, Ibitoye was quickest to react to a loose pass, as Chandler Cunningham-South spilt the ball for the home side. Ibitoye did not hesitate as he scooped up the ball, and raced away at a blistering rate of knots, with the likes of Premiership speedsters Marcus Smith and Tyrone Green a noticeable stride away from the wing.
Untouched on his way through to the try-line, Ibitoye’s unadulterated speed was on full display for this 24th minute score at the Stoop. It was not just this breakaway try that garnered Borthwick’s attention this past weekend, as Ibitoye would routinely ask questions of the Harlequins defenders, with his dominant leg drives requiring at least two tacklers to bring the wing to the deck. Certainly one to keep an eye on as Borthwick pens down his decisions, Ibitoye could well be an outside shout for an England debut this coming Summer.
Also, an honorary nod to Max Malins is in order, as the Bristol wing reminded Borthwick as to what he let go following the Rugby World Cup.
4. JACK VAN POORTVLIET – LEICESTER TIGERS
If we cast our minds back to 12 months ago, Leicester Tigers scrum half Jack van Poortvliet had the England nine jersey at his fingertips. Heading into the Rugby World Cup, England had a Summer of warm-up fixtures to get through, in order to iron out the creases of their 36-man squad. Van Portvliet was the heavily favoured halfback to lead Borthwick’s men in France, but suffered a horror ankle injury against Wales which curtailed his hopes for the tournament.
The Borthwick butterfly effect then opened up the door to Northampton scrum-half Alex Mitchell, who was happy to oblige for the Rugby World Cup squad. However, Mitchell did more than just make up the numbers, and impressed to such an extent he has since established himself as the front-runner for the England scrum half spot. Jump back to the present day, and Van Poortvliet is back tearing up trees for Leicester. The Tigers man has his sights set on his East Midlands rival, and the goal of regaining the England nine shirt for the tour of Japan and New Zealand.
Van Poortvliet certainly put his front foot forward for this case, and impressed all onlookers with his final round try against Exeter Chiefs. JVP helped end the Chiefs’ hopes for a late play-offs push, with his 26th minute score helping Leicester towards a solid first half points tally. Van Poortvliet spied a gap in the Chiefs defence from the back of a ruck, and scurried through unscathed ahead of a race to the try-line. A tricky piece of footwork through the last defender off his trail, as he capped off a stunning effort which has only helped his chances for an England re-calling.
An honourable mention is also in order for Van Poortvliet’s Leicester teammate Ollie Hassle-Collins. The formidable wing has not seen England action since his brief run in the 2023 Guinness Six Nations, yet has been putting his hand up for an international comeback since swapping London Irish for Leicester ahead of the 2023/24 season. OHC scored a scorcher of a try to open up Leicester’s account against Exeter, as he battled his way through an assortment of Chiefs defenders, in a try that showcased his power along the touchline.