LIST | 5 Lions you didn't know are related to other international rugby stars

Successful rugby brothers such as the Vunipola’s (Billy and Mako), the Underwood’s (Rory & Tony), the Hasting’s (Gavin and Scott), the Umaga’s (Mike & Tana) and the Gray’s (Jonny & Richie) amongst others have all left their indelible mark on the beautiful game.

However, there are loads of other relations playing the game at an elite level, ranging from brothers to cousins to fathers to the slightly more tenuous link.

Here are some players who you may be surprised are related (even if just a little bit).

The Curry twins are the nephew of former England hooker John Olver and cousins of former Northampton Saints fly-half Sam Olver, who is now at Doncaster Knights.

The England second-row is the nephew of former Rugby League international Paul Loughlin.

While fly-half Owen captains the England rugby union team, his cousin Liam has starred as a second-row for England and Wigan in rugby league.

Quinnell went down in history as one of the greats, not only of Welsh rugby, but the world game. His father Derek was a star forward for Wales and the Lions, his uncle was a certain Barry John and his godfather was No 8 great Mervyn Davies. Despite retiring aged 27, John would be regarded as one of the finest Wales and lions fly-halves of all-time.

Gloucester speedster Thorley is Itoje’s cousin, after his grandfather re-married a Nigerian woman who is the Saracens lock’s aunt.

DID YOU KNOW? Thorley is a member of a Take That tribute band