3. Will Evans (Harlequins)
Amongst one of the Premiership’s most unsung heroes, Harlequins back row Will Evans continues on with his form of getting his head down and doing the hard work. Evans was impressive in Harlequins’ 28-14 win over Newcastle Falcons this past weekend, with the 27-year-old once again towards the top of the tackle and turnover charts, after topping the breakdown leaders list last season. A try for Quins, 12 tackles and 12 carries put together a solid showing in the back row.
Ruck Harlequins Reporter George Davis said: “England’s back row stocks have been stacked in recent years but how this man has never had a cap is beyond me. Top of the turnover stats for the 22/23 season and back up there again last year, one of the best tacklers in the league and a show of pace and footwork in the carry.”
4. Josh Hodge (Exeter Chiefs)
Exeter Chiefs fullback Josh Hodge certainly brought his shooting boots to Franklin’s Gardens, as he sent nine points through the uprights in the defeat to Northampton Saints. Hodge also made 13 carries against the men in green, black and gold, and was a close second behind his opposite man George Furbank for the 15 shirt in Ruck’s Premiership Team of the Week.
Ruck’s Northampton Saints Reporter Ben Grundy said: “Great kicking from the tee and in hand from the fullback, who scored with a sensational 55-yard penalty kick and found the touchline impressively to win his side a 50-22 line-out in the second half.”
5. Nathan Jibulu (Harlequins)
Another exciting England front row to keep an eye on, Nathan Jibulu made good upon his first start in the famous Harlequins quarters this past weekend. The hooker contributed a try at the Twickenham Stoop, and was telepathic in his line-out throws with the air-borne Quins lock. Jibulu dug in for 35m from nine carries, and also made nine tackles against the flying Falcons.
Ruck Harlequins Reporter George Davis said: “The young hooker made his first Premiership start, having over a 90% success rate and got a try on the board as well. His power in the carry is one of the best in the league in his position, remember the name.”