5 pairs of rugby siblings who represent different nations

Friday, 14 May 2021 at 13:10

byRugby Rucker

Brothers Duhan and Akker van de Merwe could make history this summer if they go toe-to-toe during the 2021 British & Irish Lions tour.

#1. Duhan van de Merwe (Scotland) & Akker van der Merwe (South Africa)

Edinburgh and Scotland powerhouse Duhan is the younger brother of Akker, also a professional rugby union player who plays at hooker for Sale Sharks and South Africa.

The two could face off this summer when the British & Irish Lions face the Springboks, with their parents reportedly having a half and half jersey manufactured ahead of the test series.

DID YOU KNOW? According to Opta‘s statistics, O’Driscoll beat a record 30 defenders in a single Six Nations campaign in 2000, but Van der Merwe bested that tally in the recently concluded tournament when he beat 31 defenders in the five Tests they played.

#2. Charles Piutau (New Zealand) & Siale Piutau (Tonga)

Tonga international Siale is the elder brother of New Zealand international Charles Piutau. The pair currently play for Bristol Bears in the Gallagher Premiership.

DID YOU KNOW? Charles is the youngest of 10 children

#3. Manu Tuilagi (England) & All of his Brothers (Samoa)

England international Manu is the younger brother of Freddie, Henry, Alesana, Anitelea and Sanele Vavae Tuilagi, all of whom are Samoan internationals and also played for Leicester

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DID YOU KNOW? Manu was named Manusamoa, after the name of the Samoan national team, Manu Samoa, because his brother Freddie was selected for Samoa at the World Cup in 1991, the year Manu was born

#4. Bridget Millar-Mills (Scotland) & Harriet Millar-Mills (England)

They made history in 2013 as the first sisters to face each other in a rugby international. The two both grew up in Manchester, but Bridget chose to represent Scotland owing to their mother, who grew up in Hamilton.

DID YOU KNOW? Their brother Andrew Millar-Mills also plays for Wasps men's team

#5. Billy Burns (Ireland) & Freddie Burns (England)

Billy made his debut for Ireland as a replacement for Johnny Sexton against Wales during the Autumn Nations Cup in late 2020. Older brother Freddie, who rejoins Leicester Tigers this summer, won five caps for England between 2012 and 2014.