A player who could be one of Wales’ superstars at the next World Cup. That is how Sam Warburton views Christ Tshiunza.
The young giant has been making multiple people sit up and take notice with his performances for Exeter Chiefs in the Gallagher Premiership, especially with his two-try display against Harlequins in September.
One of those scores saw Tshiunza leave three men on the ground as he rampaged through the defence out wide with pace and power. You can read more about that score here.
Chiefs have been using him with a 7 on his back, but he can also play lock and No. 6 and is a player Warburton has high hopes for.
“There’s one man I really think could be an X-factor player for Wales, moving forward, and that’s Christ Tshiunza,” said Warburton on the i website, as part of Amazon Prime Video’s panel of experts who were asked to name rising stars to look out for ahead of the autumn Tests.
“He’s been wearing the number seven for Exeter but they traditionally play two flankers and so he’s not playing that openside role, and for Wales he is that perfect six/second row hybrid.
“We’re looking for guys to fill the enormous void that Alun Wyn Jones will leave. I think he could be a player who could wear that Welsh shirt for the next decade. He’s 6ft 6ins, he’s from the Congo originally, he’s gifted from a physical perspective.
“A great rugby player as well, a really intelligent rugby player and he’s really grounded, willing to work hard and he’s got man of the match a few times already in the Premiership this year. I’m just hoping that Wales do give them that chance, whether it’s the five or the six shirt. Twelve months is a long time in international rugby and I think from now to next year, he could be one of Wales’ superstars at the World Cup if given the chance.”
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Tshiunza attended the same school, Whitchurch High, as Warburton, and was one of Wales’ standout players at the U20 Summer Series in June and July, impressing with his tackling, carrying and his lineout work, while he also likes to compete over the ball.
It was put to former national captain Warburton that Tshiunza had also qualified for England before he committed to Wales. “Yes, he must have not heard about the £25,000 a match for England! He’s very loyal to Wales. I’m not being biased but he was also in my school – obviously not while I was there. So I saw him from a young age, and I’ve got to know him and he’s just a lovely guy. So it sounds like I’m looking after an old school buddy; it’s not – I genuinely think that his ceiling is enormous.”
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