“Dad was the best” – Jonah Lomu’s son declared for Six Nations team

Born on French soil, he’s already perfectly placed to wear the blue jersey with zero eligibility hurdles.

Nicknamed “Frenchie” during his school days in New Zealand, Dhyreille drew attention at youth tournaments with his impressive early performances that hinted at real potential.

Jonah’s time in France came towards the end of his glittering career, which also included a spell at Cardiff Blues. Tragically, the global rugby superstar passed away in 2015.

Lomu finished with 63 caps and 37 tries for New Zealand – and is still widely regarded as the game’s first global megastar.

But while Jonah lit up the rugby field, his teenage sons Brayley and Dhyreille are carving their own path – with a tennis ball, not a rugby one.

Their dream of becoming professional athletes led to a switch four years ago from traditional schooling to Te Kura, New Zealand’s correspondence school, so they could maximise their training time.

“Professional sport is hard, but playing tennis is our life. I love all kinds of exercise, and doing online school means we can fit in a lot more training,” says Dhyreille, who strongly resembles his famous dad.

Could tennis become the new family legacy?

Underwood, a legendary figure in English rugby, dominated the sport with his blistering speed and remarkable try-scoring ability. As a winger for the English national team throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Underwood's exploits on the field became the stuff of legend. His impressive career includes multiple Rugby World Cup appearances and a reputation as one of England's most prolific try scorers, cementing his status as an icon of the game.

McGeechan wrote: "Maybe not quite as clever as some of the others but a lethal finisher who was exceptionally quick and very, very strong."

Williams, a diminutive yet dynamic force in rugby, captivated fans worldwide with his exceptional skill and agility on the field. As one of Wales' most beloved players, Williams' career saw him redefine the role of the winger, weaving through defenses with unmatched flair and speed. With a plethora of accolades, including a Rugby World Cup appearance and numerous Six Nations triumphs, he remains a symbol of Welsh rugby excellence and a testament to the power of perseverance and talent.

McGeechan wrote: "Defied convention because he was so small, but he was powerful and sharp. Wales have not been the same attacking force since he finished. He could raise their game on his own."

Former Welsh rugby union player Ieuan Evans is renowned for his electrifying pace and try-scoring prowess. A stalwart of the Welsh national team during the late 1980s and 1990s, Evans' skillful play earned him numerous accolades, including captaincy of Wales. With a career spanning over a decade, he remains one of Wales' most celebrated rugby icons, embodying precision, agility, and leadership on the field.

McGeechan wrote: "Always one of my favourites because of my experiences with him as a British and Irish Lion. Like all the Welsh wingers, he had such a good sidestep but could combine acceleration with that. He was a superb finisher, especially in tight situations."

A World Cup winner in 2007, he chalked up records quicker than he sprints past opponents, scoring ten tries in his first ten Tests and 15 in his first 20.

McGeechan wrote: "Equal record-holder with Lomu on number of RWC tries. Very powerful and if you get him to within 5m of the line, he probably scores more tries than anyone else."

Kirwan, a towering figure in rugby history, made an indelible mark with his remarkable speed, power, and grace on the field. Hailing from New Zealand, Kirwan's illustrious career spanned over a decade, during which he dazzled fans with his exceptional try-scoring ability and unparalleled skill as a winger. A key member of the famed All Blacks squad, Kirwan's legacy extends beyond his playing days, with successful coaching stints further solidifying his status as a true icon of the sport.

McGeechan wrote: "Made such an impression at the first Rugby World Cup in 1987. He was one of the first big wingers but he could also score tries from 60m out. He maybe did not have a great sidestep but his running angles were superb."

Playing as a wing or fullback, the 2003 World Cup-winner won 51 rugby union international caps for England and is the first black man to captain the England team. Throughout his career Robinson was noted for his speed and acceleration, side-step and ability to beat defenders.

McGeechan wrote: "He made such an impact on the game when moving from rugby league. He had dazzling feet that meant he so often beat the first defender and, like most top wingers, you could play off him as well as him being such a devastating finisher."

Wilson, a multifaceted talent hailing from New Zealand, transcended boundaries with his mastery of both rugby union and cricket. As a dynamic winger for the All Blacks, Wilson's electrifying pace and instinctive playmaking earned him widespread acclaim. Beyond rugby, his prowess on the cricket pitch showcased his versatility as a sportsman. With a career marked by numerous accolades, including Rugby World Cup triumphs and cricketing milestones, Wilson remains a revered figure in the annals of sports history.

McGeechan wrote: "Just a brilliant rugby player with vision and skill. I really enjoyed watching him. He played international cricket too and it backs up my belief that so many of the best players play different sports."

Davies, a Welsh rugby legend of the highest order, epitomized grace and skill on the field. Renowned for his breathtaking speed and elusive running, Davies left an indelible mark on the game during the 1960s and 1970s. As a key member of the Welsh national team and the British and Irish Lions, his exploits in both domestic and international rugby solidified his status as one of the sport's true luminaries, celebrated for his artistry and sportsmanship.

McGeechan wrote: "He was so skilful, and could play centre as well, and had a wonderful sidestep. You knew that if you provided him with some space he would beat not just one defender, but two or three."

Campese, also known as Campo, is a former Australian rugby union player (1982-1996), who was capped by the Wallabies 101 times, and played 85 Tests at wing and 16 at fullback. He was famous for his "goose-step" — a hitch-kick motion which left opponents stumbling to try to tackle him

McGeechan wrote: He was another game-changer: different but clever. He won games for Australia on his own and often gave his country a confidence about their rugby that they did not always have before."

The New Zealander remains the joint all-time top try scorer at the Rugby World Cup along with Bryan Habana, crossing the whitewash on 15 different occasions across the 1995 and 1999 tournaments. The easiest selection in any greatest ever XV and an easy selection as number one on a list of the best rugby wingers.

McGeechan wrote: "He simply changed the game and drew non-rugby people to watch the sport. He arrived at a time when professionalism was imminent and his impact, both on the field and off it as a rugby superstar, is still felt now."