Rugby runs in Charlie Bracken’s blood. The 20-year-old Saracens scrum-half is the son of former England star and 2003 Rugby World Cup winner Kyran Bracken, and he has already begun carving out his own path at both club and international level.
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From his earliest days playing at Barnet Rugby Club, Bracken displayed the composure and vision that have become hallmarks of his game.
Bracken joined the Saracens Academy at 14, steadily rising through the ranks, while balancing his studies at St. Albans School and later Loughborough University. Bracken made his senior debut in the Premiership Rugby Cup against Wasps in March 2022 and has since become a reliable presence in Saracens’ senior academy setup, occasionally featuring in first-team fixtures.
Known for his quick delivery, tactical nous, and game management, he has been earmarked as one of England’s most promising young scrum-halves. Internationally, Bracken has represented England at U18 and U20 level, featuring in both the Six Nations Under 20s Championship and the 2023 World Rugby U20 Championship, where he scored in a pool-stage draw against Australia.
His leadership, maturity, and rugby IQ were further rewarded in June 2025, when he was called up to a senior England training camp by Steve Borthwick, underlining the national selectors’ faith in his potential. Rugby talent clearly runs in the family: Charlie’s younger brother, Jack Bracken, is also making waves at Saracens as a versatile back capable of playing wing or full-back.
The siblings shared a special moment recently when they both started their first Premiership Rugby Cup match together against Leicester Tigers, a historic family milestone that highlighted the Bracken legacy at Saracens. With Jack’s speed and finishing ability complementing Charlie’s game management, the pair could form one of the most exciting young combinations in English rugby in the seasons ahead.
A natural competitor with the instincts of a seasoned playmaker, Charlie Bracken combines pedigree with modern dynamism. With Saracens keen to integrate him more consistently into their first team, the 20-year-old is poised for a breakout season in the Premiership, all while keeping one eye on England honours.
FOUR MORE UPCOMING ENGLAND YOUNGSTERS
Ben Redshaw (Gloucester Rugby)
Ben Redshaw is one of England’s most exciting young back-three talents, and at just 20-years-old, he has already amassed a wealth of experience across club and country. A product of Sedbergh School, Redshaw came through the Newcastle Falcons Academy, making his first-team debut in 2023 against Bedford Blues in the Premiership Rugby Cup.
Over the next two seasons, Redshaw featured 21 times for the Falcons, scoring four tries and earning the club’s Academy Player of the Year and Try of the Season awards for the 2023/24 season.
Internationally, Redshaw has been a consistent presence in England age-grade squads. The former Falcon represented the U18s through two Six Nations campaigns, captaining on multiple occasions, before making the step up to U19s and U20s. Redshaw was integral to England’s 2024 Six Nations Under-20s Championship triumph, scoring a try in the decisive final round win over France.
Later that year, Redshaw featured in the World Rugby U20 Championship in South Africa, scoring against Argentina in the pool stages before injury ruled him out of the final, which England went on to win. Ahead of the 2025/26 Premiership season, Redshaw made the move to Gloucester Rugby. Director of Rugby George Skivington described Redshaw as “one of the most highly rated young players in the country and widely regarded as a future first-team international.”
Redshaw is equally excited about the move down to the West Country: “The style of rugby that Gloucester are playing really suits my game, and I’m excited to be part of it. I think it’s the perfect environment for me to continue my development.”
With blistering pace, a keen eye for the try line, and an England U20 World Championship medal in his cabinet, Redshaw is a name that Prem Rugby fans will be hearing plenty of this season. At Gloucester, he has the platform to become a regular fixture in the top flight and a future contender for the senior England squad.
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