Planet Rugby’s seven players to watch in 2023 with the World Cup looming

The Rugby World Cup is in less than nine months away. Seven players to watch out for in 2023 are picked by the Rugby Writers' Association.

Lukhanyo Am is set for a big 2023 after getting back to full fitness. He will play for Sharks and South Africa. Lukhanya and Damian de Allende form a perfect midfield combination. They are good without the ball and a threat with it. If South African are to defend their World Cup title, Lukhaan Am's form will be crucial.

Charles Ollivon will captain France at the 2023 World Cup. He was captain during the Grand Slam triumph and the Autumn Nations Series. Antoine Dupont is the other key player for Les Bleus. Ollyllvon is a Toulon player and he will be captain in 20th century. He helped France to victories over Australia and South Africa.

Rodrigo Fernandez is a playmaker who impressed during Chile's victories over USA. He has not signed for a European club yet. Planet Rugby's seven players to watch in 2023 are: Rodrigo Fernandez, Selknam, Juan Manuel Vatanka, Willi Vitezana, Pablo Mavundi, Sergio Paulista, Diego Siqueira, and Juan Pablo Varela.

Planet Rugby's seven players to watch in 2023. Sam Cane is a flanker who has been injured a lot recently. Dalton Papali’i is the favourite to be the next New Zealand captain. He is also a player in decline at the moment. He will almost certainly be in the wider squad. If he is not, there will be uproar from the supporters.

Quade Cooper is injured and will be out for a significant portion of 2023. Australia's World Cup hopes rest on his availability. Dave Rennie is under pressure after a poor 2022. Noah Lolesio and Bernard Foley didn't perform well in Cooper's absence. The 34-year-old can't control the game in the way Cooper can.

Alun Wyn Jones is a Welsh legend and a key player for Wales. He started his first game in the Autumn Nations Series against Australia. Warren Gatland will have to juggle his schedule to keep him fit and in good condition for the World Cup in France in 2023.  Planet Rugby's seven players to watch in rugby's showpiece tournament are:

George Ford was a key part of Leicester Tigers' Premiership winning run. Steve Borthwick was confirmed as England's head coach. Ford is a better fit for the game plan than Marcus Smith. He should be available for Sale Sharks two or three weeks before the start of the Six Nations. He is also one of Planet Rugby’s seven players to watch in 2023.