Rising Stars in Rugby: Hanekom and Others Shine in the URC
The Vodacom United Rugby Championship (URC) has long been a breeding ground for talented young players, and this season is no exception. With 16 teams across five countries and two hemispheres, the competition has provided a platform for some of the brightest and best rising stars to showcase their skills. According to a report by Bulls Rugby, a number of young players have caught the eye with their impressive performances, and we take a closer look at some of the fastest rising young stars in the championship.
One such player is Cameron Hanekom, the 22-year-old number eight for the Vodacom Bulls. Hanekom has been likened to legendary Springbok Pierre Spies, and it’s easy to see why. A powerful ball carrier with an eye for the try-line, Hanekom also boasts blistering pace and is almost unstoppable when he gets going. As Bulls Rugby reports, Hanekom announced himself to the world with a stunning Player of the Match performance in last year’s URC semi-final and has picked up right where he left off this season. He made his Springboks debut against Wales last year and looks set to be the next big superstar number eight for the reigning world champions.
Another young player who has been making waves is Sam Prendergast, the 22-year-old fly-half for Leinster. Prendergast was catapulted straight into Ireland’s starting line-up for this year’s Six Nations after impressing in the Autumn, and he did not disappoint. As Bulls Rugby notes, Prendergast was named Player of the Match in his Six Nations debut against Wales and went on to start four of Ireland’s five games. He has cemented his place this season as Leinster’s number one fly-half and looks set to play a key role for the business end of the season.
Lorenzo Pani, the 22-year-old versatile backline player for Zebre Parma, is another rising star in the URC. According to Bulls Rugby, Pani has shown promise with his evasive running and strong defensive skills, and his stunning finish against Wales in the 2024 Six Nations was voted Try of the Championship. Although he unfortunately missed out on 2025 through injury, there’s no doubt he’ll pick straight up where he left off when he returns.
Cam Winnett, the 22-year-old fullback for Cardiff Rugby, has also been a revelation this season. As Bulls Rugby reports, Winnett has led the way for try-assists in the championship with 10 and is second for metres made this season with 632. He has played a key role in Cardiff’s excellent run of form, with the Welsh side currently 6th in the table and on course for a Play-Off spot.
Finally, Jamie Dobie, the 23-year-old scrumhalf for Glasgow Warriors, has been a key player for reigning URC champions Glasgow Warriors over the last couple of seasons. According to Bulls Rugby, Dobie’s versatility is a huge asset for both club and country, as he can also slot onto the wing. He has his eyes on a starting place with Scotland, and if he continues his form, he won’t have to wait long.
The URC has a long history of producing talented young players, and this season is no exception. As Bulls Rugby notes, these young players are the future of rugby, and it will be exciting to see how they develop in the coming years. With their impressive performances, it’s clear that they are ones to watch in the world of rugby.
