Ruddock's sons Kieron and Reece played for Ireland in Japan

Worcester Warriors director of rugby Mike Ruddock says he has seen very talented youngsters in the IRB Junior World Championship.

Ruddock is in Japan to watch his sons play for Ireland, and also on a scouting mission for the club.

The former Wales boss told BBC Hereford and Worcester: "I'll be keeping an eye on [several of] them in the future.

"There are plenty of good players out there, and I will try to follow a couple through."

He added: "There were some very good New Zealanders, some good English lads and some useful Irish boys.

"There was the odd Uruguayan and Argentine prop who stood out as well."

Ruddock also got to see one of his players in action for England. "I managed to see Graham Kitchener playing and he looked good over there. The team looked very strong," he said.

"It's a fantastic tournament for them to be part of all - all the best players from all the countries in the world, and a chance to measure themselves against their peers."

Lock Kitchener starts for England Under-20s against South Africa in Tokyo on Wednesday.

Kitchener represented England at Under-16, 18 and 20 level

England head coach Mark Mapletoft admitted he had some tough calls to make after his team's 52-7 win over Samoa.

"Everybody's had an opportunity to play and we feel that this side is the strongest one we can put out for this game," he said.

"South Africa will pose us a massive physical challenge and their game is very strong at the moment if you look at the World Cup, the Sevens and Super 14.

"They've been very successful in age group world cups in the time I've been involved.

"They've got good half-backs, they're big and strong in the front row, lots of quality and good players."

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