Rugby Union is a family sport but every so often our game is connected to other sports via family. Here are five great examples.
1. Stuart Hogg - George Best
Family Portrait (left to right): Carol Best - Lisa Hogg; Julie Best (Twin) - Catherine Quinn; Ann Best - Michelle Fairley; George Best - Tom Payne; Dickie Best - Lorcan Cranitch; Grace Best (Twin) - Amy Quinn; Barbara Best - Laura Donnelly[/caption]
In 2012, following his Scotland debut, he discovered he was a distant relative of football legend George Best. A close relative of Best recognised the link after seeing Hogg play on television.
Born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, in 1946, Best began his club career with Manchester United in 1963. He led United to two First Division titles and a European Cup triumph, earning European Footballer of the Year honours in 1968.
A hard-partying lifestyle led to a quick decline, and after leaving United in 1974, Best played out his career with various clubs in England and the U.S. He died of causes related to alcoholism in 2005.
2. JJ Williams - Rhys Williams
Williams is a former Welsh rugby union player who gained thirty caps for Wales as a winger. His son Rhys was the Welsh track record holder in the 400 metres hurdles (49.09) in 2005.
3. Ben Cohen - George Cohen
England's Rugby World Cup-winner Ben Cohen's Uncle, George, was the right-back for the England side that won the 1966 World Cup. Cohen spent his entire playing career at Fulham where he proved his worth as a committed and strong full back, especially adept at supporting wingers with overlapping runs.
4. Liam Botham - Ian Botham
Botham initially followed in his father's footsteps, playing county cricket for Hampshire. He took the wicket of former England captain Mike Gatting on his County Championship début. However, he left the sport in 1997 after just one season to play rugby union for West Hartlepool. He made his début for the England under-21 team the same year, before successive moves to Cardiff, and Newcastle Falcons.
