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Two stars of this Rugby World Cup are to be offered the chance to follow Aussie rugby league ace Jarryd Hayne into the NFL.

American football scouts have spent the last six weeks scouring the tournament and their verdict is that two players - one of them from the Home Nations - have what it takes to make it big Stateside.

Osi Umenyiora, the NFL’s London-born UK ambassador, won’t reveal the identity of the pair as they cannot be approached until after the tournament ends on Saturday.

But he revealed: “No doubt about it, the guys in question are genuine candidates. Their particular skill sets transfer over. We think they will be very good.”

(Image: Getty)

British trio Menelik Watson (Oakland), Jack Crawford (Dallas) and Jay Ajayi (Miami) already play in the NFL, which stages its third game in a month at Wembley on Sunday when Detroit take on Kansas.

Umenyiora, a two-time Superbowl winner, says footwork, angle of tackle and spacial awareness are key qualities and made special mention of All Blacks wing Julian Savea and England flyer Anthony Watson.

“It has been fascinating for me being here at the Rugby World Cup,” he said. “I have been watching closely for players who could potentially translate across as NFL players, and have definitely seen a few.

“Some of the skill sets are similar but what I really look at are: the way the players run, do they have a low centre of gravity? How do they tackle: do they get low and explode into it?

“Another key is how aware are they of the space around them on the field? Rugby is a game where everything is played in front of you whereas the NFL is a 360 degrees game so players need to have good sense of their surroundings and great vision.”

With growing support for a London-based team by 2022, the NFL are keen to start identifying ‘home’ talent now.

“The goal is to bring guys who can be superstar players,” Umenyiora added. “That’s what England needs. It’s not just finding guys who can go on special teams, we need to find extraordinary players.”

“There are other Jarryd Haynes out there,” he said, referring to the San Fransisco 49ers punt returner and running back. “Jarryd has done very well, but the players we are talking about are going to be better than him. No question about it.”

(Image: Getty)

The former New York Giants defensive end agreed to draw up a ‘fantasy’ team for Mirror Sport based on players appearing in this World Cup.

“I looked at players who I felt have the all-round ability and skills to make an impact, as well as the right physical attributes,” he said. “I like the look of Anthony Watson. He has great hands and a very good step as well as explosive pace.

“I was really impressed with Mike Brown’s aggression, his ability to anticipate the pass and make try-saving tackles. Owen Farrell never seems to miss a kick, and the kicker position is a very important one in the NFL.”

“Everyone in the NFL remembers Jonah Lomu and the way he changed rugby, and loads of people in the States noticed him. Obviously New Zealand’s Julian Savea is being dubbed the ‘new Jonah’, and he has been awesome this tournament.

“His hat-trick of tries (against France) blew me away. The guy ran over people for his second try and you definitely sit up and notice!’

OSI UMENYIORA’S RWC FANTASY TEAM

OFFENSE

Wide receiver: Mike Brown (Eng), Julian Savea (NZ)

Tight end: George North (Wal)

Centre: Dane Coles (NZ)

Guard: Ciaran Healy (Ire) Gethin Jenkins (Wal)

Offensive tackle: Sean O’Brien (Ire) Sam Warburton (Wal)

Quarterback: Dan Biggar (Wal)

Running back: Greg Laidlaw (Sco), Aaron Smith (NZ)

Kicker: Owen Farrell (Eng)

DEFENSE

Defensive end: Bismarck du Plessis (SA), Ross Ford (Sco)

Defensive tackle: Marcos Ayerza (Arg), Dan Cole (Eng)

Cornerback: Jonathan Joseph (Eng), Anthony Watson (Eng)

Outside linebacker: Dan Lydiate (Wal), James Haskell (Eng)

Middle linebacker: Jamie Heaslip (Ire)

Safety: Jerome Kaino (NZ), David Pocock (Aus)