Clare Balding's 6ft 9in nephew called up by England for Six Nations

Monday, 12 January 2026 at 18:52

byRugby Rucker

Toby Wilson (Sale Sharks, Macclesfield RUFC, uncapped) Sam Winters (Bath Rugby, Henley Hawks, uncapped) Victor Worsnip (Bristol Bears, Bank of England RFC, uncapped)

Gloucester’s academy has continued to produce top-level talent, with towering lock Jonno Balding called-up to England’s U20 Six Nations squad.

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The 18-year-old second row, who has been a key figure for Gloucester throughout the season, has been one of the brightest young forwards in English rugby.

Standing at 6ft 9in, Balding impressed consistently in the academy and age-grade teams, showcasing the physicality and rugby intelligence that have now earned him international recognition.

Who is Jonno Balding?

Age: 18
Height: 6ft 9in (206cm)
Position: Lock
School: Radley College, Oxfordshire
England honours: U18 caps; U20 Six Nations squad call-up
Family ties: Nephew of broadcaster Clare Balding; son of racehorse trainer Andrew Balding; grandson of former Bath forward Ian Balding

The inside line

Breakout 2025–26 season: Balding has been a mainstay for Gloucester’s academy this season, dominating line-outs and adding a physical edge to the pack. His performances have marked him as one of the country’s most promising teenage locks.

International progression: Following a strong U18 campaign, Balding’s continued development this season has earned him a place in England’s U20 Six Nations squad — a significant step on the pathway to senior honours.

Rugby pedigree: Athleticism runs in the family. Grandfather Ian Balding made 92 appearances for Bath before moving into racehorse training for the late Queen Elizabeth II and the Queen Mother, while Jonno’s aunt Clare Balding is a household name in sports broadcasting.

ENGLAND U20 MEN’S TRAINING SQUAD

Forwards
Aiden Ainsworth-Cave (Northampton Saints, Bedford Junior Blues, 9 caps)
Olly Allport (Gloucester Rugby, Stow-on-the-Wold RFC, uncapped)
Jonno Balding (Gloucester Rugby, Overton RFC, uncapped)
George Bolam (Newcastle Red Bulls, Horden & Peterlee and Durham City RFC, uncapped)
Jerold Gorleku (Harlequins, Twickenham RFC, uncapped)
George Marsh (Leicester Tigers, Holt RFC, uncapped)
Freddie Ogden-Metherell (Gloucester Rugby, Lydney RFC, uncapped)
Oliver Scola (Northampton Saints, Old Northamptonians RFC, 9 caps)
Oliver Spencer (Sale Sharks, Harrogate RUFC, uncapped)
Jimmy Staples (Harlequins, Worthing Rugby Club, uncapped)
Ollie Streeter (Harlequins, Haywards Heath RFC, 2 caps)
Ethan Surrey (Bristol Bears, Barkers Butts RFC, uncapped)
Sonny Tonga’uiha (Northampton Saints, Old Northamptonians RFC, uncapped)
Connor Treacey (Bath Rugby, New Milton Rugby Club, 7 caps)
Tate Williams (Harlequins, East Grinstead RFC, uncapped)
Harry Wright (Gloucester Rugby, Alcester, uncapped)

Backs
Ollie Batson (Exeter Chiefs, Exmouth RFC, uncapped)
Finlay Cunnison (Harlequins, Chobham RFC, uncapped)
Luke Davidson (Saracens, Michaelhouse, uncapped)
Kesena Izu (Leicester Tigers, Wymondham RFC, uncapped)
Finn Keylock (Saracens, Marlow RUFC, uncapped)
Will Knight (Gloucester Rugby, Longlevens RFC, 4 caps)
James Linegar (Bath Rugby, Chippenham RFC, uncapped)
Henry Lumley (Northampton Saints, Bury St. Edmunds, uncapped)
George Newman (Exeter Chiefs, Truro RFC, uncapped)
Tyler Offiah (Bath Rugby, Ealing Trailfinders, 3 caps)
James Pater (Northampton Saints, Shelford RFC, uncapped)
Asa Stewart-Harris (Saracens, Old Albanians, uncapped)
Jonny Weimann (Northampton Saints, Royston Rugby Club, 6 caps)