These range from some international newbies, to others who may be unfamiliar to some but are set to make a mark on the competition going forward.
Ultan Dillane - Connacht
A virtual unknown heading into the season, Dillane has been one of the major beneficiaries of Ireland's difficult RBS 6 Nations, getting his first cap against England at Twickenham. He's also played his part in helping Connacht to the top of the GUINNESS PRO12 and the second row looks like a foundation for the future in Galway. It's no coincidence that virtually every top team has an outstanding player in the second row, Dillane might be that man for Connacht and Ireland.
Zander Fagerson - Glasgow Warriors
Another who made his international bow in the RBS 6 Nations, Fagerson has been one of the most highly-touted prospects in Scottish rugby for a while now. Still only 20 years old, Fagerson made his GUINNESS PRO12 bow back in 2014 and already has 20 appearances to his name. The young tighthead, who in his younger days was a choir singer, made his Test debut off the bench against England, with Vern Cotter showing faith in his young charge.
Sam Davies - Ospreys
For followers of the GUINNESS PRO12, Sam Davies is hardly a new name, but it's worth remembering he's still only 22. Much like Dan Biggar before him at the Ospreys, Davies has had the opportunity to make an impression as a youngster and already has 312 points to his name in the GUINNESS PRO12. Son of former Wales centre Nigel, he was named Junior World Player of the Year back in 2013.
Angelo Esposito - Benetton Treviso
Esposito was so highly-rated coming through the ranks that he was first called into the Italy squad as an 18-year-old with no top-flight experience. He made his international debut in 2014, aged just 20, and has been part of the Treviso set-up for four seasons now. Still only 22, he is a real threat out wide and will be key for Treviso as they look to overhaul Zebre this season.
Jack O'Donoghue - Munster
Thrust into the limelight this week after a first international call-up, Munster No.8 Jack O'Donoghue is part of a new wave of Irish talent coming through. A former Ireland Under-20s skipper, O'Donoghue was also a very good hurler, representing his county at age group level. With teammate Tommy O'Donnell struggling with an injury this week, O'Donoghue's recent form has not gone unnoticed by Joe Schmidt.
Jamie Ritchie - Edinburgh
Still only 19 years old, Ritchie has received considerable praise for his recent performances with both Edinburgh and Scotland Under-20s. His Edinburgh boss Alan Solomons has already ear-marked the back rower as a future international and Ritchie has racked up the GUINNESS PRO12 appearances this season, with four starts already in 2016 having only made his debut last season.
Ellis Jenkins - Cardiff Blues
When it comes to opensides, Cardiff Blues have been about as fortunate as any team in Europe over the past decade and a half, and that run shows no signs of abating. Between Martyn Williams and Sam Warburton they have been lucky to count two of Wales' best flankers of recent vintage among their own, while Josh Navidi has been hugely influential at GUINNESS PRO12. The next cab off the rank appears to be Ellis Jenkins, who is enjoying a breakthrough season. Danny Wilson will certainly be enjoying his displays.
Marcello Violi - Zebre
Carlo Canna has stolen all the headlines as the next Diego Dominguez but his Zebre half-back partner Violi might be just as promising. In fact had it not been for a serious knee injury suffered earlier this season, he would likely be playing a key role in Italy's RBS 6 Nations campaign. He won two caps in the build-up to last year's World Cup and looks to be the long-term successor to Edoardo Gori at Test level. For Zebre he and Canna look like a partnership for the future.
Josh van der Flier - Leinster
The man with one of the best names in rugby, van der Flier made his Test bow a fortnight ago for Ireland after a breakthrough season. He had only made two GUINNESS PRO12 appearances before this season but the dynamic flanker has been a relevation this term. An incredible tackler, he also showed his ability with ball in hand on debut at Twickenham. He's part of a new generation of Leinster players.
Steffan Evans - Scarlets
The latest in a long list of Scarlets youngsters, Evans grabbed the headlines this week with two tries against Treviso at Parc y Scarlets. With the race for the top four getting very tight, any try-scoring threat will come in useful, and in utility back Evans, the Scarlets have a man who knows his way to the line. With five tries in just 17 GUINNESS PRO12 appearances including four in his last three games, he's one to watch.
Rory Scholes - Ulster
Ulster has long been a breeding ground for top quality wingers, with Andrew Trimble and Craig Gilroy both established Irish internationals, and that's without even mentioning Tommy Bowe, the most prolific try-scorer in the history of the GUINNESS PRO12. The next player coming through looks to be 22-year-old Scholes, who has managed three tries in seven starts this season. Given the quality in front of him, he's made the decision to move to Edinburgh for next season, and Belfast's loss could well be their gain next year.
Sam Underhill - Ospreys
The centre of a bidding war between England and Wales at the tender age of 19, Underhill has made quite an impression this season. A summer arrival at the Ospreys, he has been simply outstanding and already was being talked about as a possible England international. As it stands he is under contract in Swansea though and given his performances, they will be keen to hold onto him.
Blair Kinghorn - Edinburgh
He was more of a footballer as a youngster but 19-year-old Kinghorn has certainly taken to rugby and is already proving to be a valuable player at Edinburgh. Capable of playing fly-half and full-back, he has been used more in the latter position this season. The star of Scotland Under-20s' first-ever win over England, he has taken on kicking duties when required for Edinburgh this season and looks to be well and truly in Solomons' plans.
Jack Conan - Leinster
If many of the players on this list made their breakthroughs this season, it was very much the 2014/15 season that stood out for Conan. The powerful No.8 is the latest back-rower to come through the ranks in Dublin, and managed 17 appearances in the GUINNESS PRO12 last term. A broken foot slowed his progress this season but he made a mark on his return playing the full 80 minutes against Cardiff Blues last month. At 23, he is certainly one for the future at Leinster.
Hallam Amos - Newport Gwent Dragons
Possibly the most established player on this list, Hallam Amos made his debut all the way back in 2011, becoming the youngest-ever player in Welsh regional rugby - although that record was beaten in the very same game by teammate Jack Dixon. A versatile three-quarter, Amos was first capped in 2013, and now looks a key player for the future in Newport, despite still being only 21 years old. As a medical student, he is also following in the footsteps of Welsh greats such as JPR Williams and Jamie Roberts.
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