Playing in a Rugby World Cup is the pinnacle of any player’s career, but imagine how it must feel to be named in your country’s squad for the Tournament when you are barely out of your teenage years.
This is exactly the scenario that several players will find themselves in at Rugby World Cup 2003, not least Georgian scrum half Merab Kvirikashvili who, at 19, is the youngest player in the Tournament.
Kvirikashvili, who does not turn 20 until 27 December, is a relative newcomer to the Georgian national team after only making his debut against Portugal in the European Nations Cup B match in February.
More than 10 other players will be only 20 years old when Rugby World Cup 2003 kicks off on 10 October, including Wales forward Jonathan Thomas, Sailosi Tagicakibau of Samoa and USA Eagles flanker Todd Clever.
We take a closer look at some of these young players who seem set to make an impact on the Tournament in Australia.
Joe Rokocoko (New Zealand)
All Black wing Joe Rokocoko may only have made his senior debut for New Zealand eight days after his 20th birthday in June, but with 11 tries in his seven Test appearances coming into the Tournament his name is now known around the world.
Blessed with an amazing turn of speed, Fiji born Rokocoko is a wing in the mould of All Black legend John Kirwan and was a member of the New Zealand Under 19 team who won the Junior World Cup in Chile in 2001.
With a Tri Nations title to his name already it is perhaps easy to forget that Rokocoko is so young, although his description of his experiences at the All Black pre season fitness testing as “like being a kid in a candy store” acts as a reminder.
Schalk Burger (South Africa)
Four months ago flanker Schalk Burger was captaining South Africa to fourth place at the IRB U21 World Cup in England, now he is one of three members of that team – the others being Derrick Hougaard and Jaque Fourie – named in the Springbok squad for Rugby World Cup 2003.
The youngest of the uncapped trio of 20 year olds, although only a month separates their birthdays, Schalk was one of the stars of the 2003 IRB U21 World Cup, scoring several tries including the first of the Tournament against Ireland.
Frédéric Michalak (France)
One of the most talented players in France’s squad for the Tournament, Frederic Michalak is not only blessed with both pace and a tactical mind, but the fly half also epitomises the flair that has long been associated with the French game.
Michalak made his international debut against South Africa in November 2001, a month after his 19th birthday, and has established himself in the starting team in the last few months.
If France are to go one better than their final appearances in the 1987 and 1999 Tournaments, then Michalak, who can also play at scrum half, will be one of the players orchestrating their success.
Mirco Bergamasco (Italy)
Another player to star in the IRB U21 World Cup was Italian full back Mirco Bergamasco, the younger brother of flanker Mauro – one of Italy’s truly world class players – who has been making a name for himself this year.
One of three 20 year olds in Italy’s Rugby World Cup squad, the others being Gonzalo Canale and Sergio Parisse, Bergamasco announced his arrival on the world stage during this year’s Six Nations with tries against Scotland, France and England.
Bergamasco, whose father Arturo also played for Italy, already has 12 caps to his name and is now established as the Azzurri’s first choice full back despite his tender years.