The feel-good factor engendered by Wales' grand slam this month was much in evidence last week. The Ospreys, including the bulk of the national team, eased into the EDF Energy Cup final at the expense of Saracens and, the evening before, Llanelli Scarlets and Cardiff Blues laid on a peach of a Magners League encounter.

When the good times come, it is important to take advantage and if England's seniors fell short in the RBS Six Nations Championship, the juniors did not. They will go into the IRB's under-20 tournament, the Junior World Championship, in Wales in June as the northern hemisphere's best hope of beating New Zealand and South Africa, but, more to the point, the structure has to be there to build on the enthusiasm that has carried them to a junior grand slam.

In short, they have to play rugby, consistently and to a decent standard. Players such as Noah Cato, Alex Goode and Hugo Ellis offer an exciting prospect. This weekend, Cato, the Saracens wing, will enjoy his first taste of international sevens with England in Hong Kong, alongside four other members of the under-20 squad. He will do so after signing a two-year extension to his club contract. Goode, the midfield player, has agreed a similar deal and Andy Saull, the back-row forward, a three-year contract.

“My expectation of Goode and Cato would be that they play between 15 and 20 [first-team] games next season,” Eddie Jones, who takes over from Alan Gaffney as the Saracens director of rugby at the end of this season, said. “They have to earn their stripes, but they both have ability and the harder they work now, the more chance they have [of succeeding].

“It's harder for forwards, but Saull could play ten games next season. The good thing about the Premiership is that it's such a strong competition.”

Jones would like to see an under-23 competition run in tandem with the Guinness Premiership, but climatic conditions make that problematical and several Premiership clubs share facilities with football clubs.

Conor O'Shea, the RFU's national academy director, believes that dual registration has been the key for young players. Joe Simpson, the London Wasps scrum half, has benefited from turning out for Blackheath and Seb Stegmann, the Harlequins wing, has played with Esher.

“Several have played with their Premiership sides,” O'Shea said. “But they have to be patient. Players want to be there tomorrow. I tell them to arrive as the finished product because they will be judged immediately.”

Graham Kitchener, the Worcester Warriors lock, will not be among those at the World Championship in June because his A levels take precedence. “There's no rush,” O'Shea said. “You want them conditioned properly and playing in competitions of value.

“But sometimes we don't appreciate what we have on our own doorstep. Clubs go for short-term solutions. Someone like Goode might not be an Andy Farrell or a Brent Russell [Saracens' two international backs], but he should be the next in line.

“These guys have been told they have the opportunity to make a statement. They went to France and won in front of 20,000 in a hostile environment and people realised that was impressive. They backed that up against Scotland, playing the second half with 14 men and scoring three tries.”

The under-20s scored 21 tries in their five matches. “When we play our high-tempo game, it's exhausting, but the players enjoy the process that has taken place,” Nigel Redman, their coach, said. “They have come up with a game that challenges themselves as much as the opposition.”

Five prospects

Miles Benjamin

Withdrawn from under-20 Six Nations for club duty but available in June with the benefit of regular appearances, and tries, on Worcester Warriors wing.

Noah Cato

Capable of playing anywhere in the back three and has appeared for Saracens first team. His grandfather, Glen Wilson, played for Brighton & Hove Albion.

Nathan Catt

Bath prop has worked his way through England’s age-grade teams and is an outstanding prospect.

Hugo Ellis

Another off the London Wasps back-row production line. Leadership qualities shine through, has played for London Welsh and began representative career with Wales Under-16.

Alex Goode

All-round sportsman (football, tennis and athletics) who has benefited from playing full back and centre, as well as fly half. Brings great structure to game and Saracens will mould him carefully.