Clare Balding’s giant 6ft 9in nephew Jonno Balding could potentially represent Wales – but the Gloucester prospect has already made his England ambitions very clear.
The towering teenager is regarded as one of the more intriguing young forwards coming through the English pathway and has already represented England at age-grade level.
And his development has taken another step forward, with Gloucester confirming Balding as part of their academy squad for the 2026/27 season.
The Cherry and Whites included the giant second-row when announcing their 2026/27 playing squad, keeping him firmly in their plans as he pushes towards a senior breakthrough.
Balding was called into England’s U20 set-up earlier this year after previously representing his country at U18 level.
However, there is another international option available to him.
Wales option
The Gloucester youngster qualifies to play for Wales through his grandmother, something his famous aunt has previously discussed publicly.
Speaking on the Stick to Rugby podcast, Clare Balding revealed the late Wales international and commentator Eddie Butler had even joked about convincing her nephew to represent the country.
“His grandmother is Welsh,” she explained.
“When [Jonno] was younger, Eddie always used to say to me: ‘God, if he’s going to be any good, could he come and play for Wales?’”
Despite that eligibility, there currently appears to be little prospect of Balding walking away from the England pathway.
Asked by the Daily Mail if winning the Rugby World Cup was his ultimate ambition, Balding replied: “That’s the dream, isn’t it?”
Taking his time
Balding is aware there is still a considerable distance between age-grade rugby and achieving that ambition.
“For people in my position, it’s a game of developing,” he said.
“I’m definitely not the finished article but I’d like to see a bit of improvement week on week, year on year.”
Rather than rushing towards senior rugby, the youngster believes patience will be important.
“If I’m pushed before I’m physically ready that can lead to injuries, poor form, stuff like that. It’s better just to get it right and make it a slower process.”
RUCK recently reported that Balding had moved another step closer to senior recognition after being selected for Gloucester Lions at Kingsholm.
His inclusion in Gloucester's latest academy group is another sign that his development remains firmly on track.
Famous sporting family
Balding also comes from remarkable sporting stock.
His father Andrew Balding is a leading racehorse trainer, while his grandfather Ian Balding played rugby for Bath before becoming a hugely successful trainer himself.
Clare has also helped her nephew deal with the off-field side of professional sport.
“Clare’s been a great support,” Jonno said.
“If I ever have any questions, she’s a good person to talk to, whether it’s contracts or things like that.
“She’s good for reading through them because she’s done a fair share of that!”
Wales therefore have a genuine qualification route to the giant Gloucester forward should his international plans ever change.
For now, though, Balding is progressing through the England pathway, remains part of Gloucester’s plans for 2026/27 and has made it clear where his ultimate ambition lies – winning a Rugby World Cup in a white shirt.
