LIST: 5 rugby youngsters looking to follow in their famous fathers’ footsteps

Some players, such as Owen Farrell or Billy Vunipola, have done well to manage the pressure their family name brings.

But across the country, there is a new batch of players, fathered by some of rugby’s greatest, who are trying to make their name in the sport while juggling the pressure of their father’s success.

While some are performing better than others, all still have a long way to go in their career.

Here are five exciting youngsters currently looking to follow in the footsteps of their fathers.

Townsend’s son Christian is on the road to following the same career path as his famous rugby father after being named in the Scotland under-20 training squad in late 2020. Like his father, teenager Christian is a stand-off.

During the 2019-20 season the youngster impressed with his game management as he helped Stewart’s Melville College win the Scottish Schools Cup final at under-18 level, played for Melrose’s senior first XV and trained with the Scotland under-18s.

Linked with a transfer from rugby league to rugby union, Wigan Warriors academy star Joseph Robinson is making waves in the other code. The speedster, who at one point was dating Stranger Things star Millie Bobby Brown, has already expressed his desire to represent England in the future.

DID YOU KNOW? His half brother on his father's side, Lewis Tierney, represented Scotland

Like father like son. James Dun has captaincy credentials just as his father Andy did. The back-rower led Wasps in 1984/85 and Bristol from 1988/90 as well as playing for England U19 and U23 before winning a full cap against Wales in 1984.  James is currently pushing for a spot in the Bristol team.

Brooke, who can play across the back-row or at hooker, grew up in England so is fully qualified to wear the red rose. The powerhouse has represented Berkshire at county level and regularly played for his school, Wellington College. Zinzan Brooke has lived in England since ending his incredible All Blacks career in 1997 and his six children have been raised there.

His dad Jon played 12 Tests for England at senior level, scoring four tries, and also had a spell with Northampton Saints, where Ollie was a member of the academy set-up before graduating to the first team. Only injuries have stood in his way since the start of 2020.