Some families seem to have rugby in their blood, effortlessly producing top-level players.
Renowned rugby dynasties like the Vunipolas (Billy and Mako), the Underwoods (Rory & Tony), the Hastings (Gavin and Scott), the Umagas (Mike & Tana), and the Grays (Jonny & Richie) have left an enduring legacy in the world of rugby.
But the world of rugby is replete with lesser-known connections among players, spanning from brothers and cousins to fathers and more distant relationships.
Here are some surprising rugby connections you might not have expected:
- Ben & Tom Curry and John & Sam Olver
The Curry twins, known for their incredible skills on the pitch, are the nephews of the former England hooker, John Olver. In addition, they share a cousinly bond with Sam Olver, who previously played for Northampton Saints and now finds himself at Ealing Trailfinders.
- Nigel Owens & Ioan Nicholas
Ioan Nicholas, a rising star in Scarlets and the Wales U20 team, has a unique family connection in rugby. He is the cousin of the esteemed referee Nigel Owens, known for his sharp officiating skills on the field.
- Quade Cooper & Sean Maitland
Quade Cooper and Sean Maitland, both hailing from the northern regions of New Zealand, share a fascinating family tie. Despite pursuing different rugby paths, Cooper becoming a Wallabies star and Maitland playing for the Canterbury Crusaders before venturing to Scotland, they are actually cousins, with strong family roots in New Zealand.
- Doug Howlett & Nili Latu
This rugby connection spans the Pacific Ocean as former All Black Doug Howlett and Tonga legend Nili Latu are cousins. Their shared heritage ties them to the beautiful game, each making their own indelible mark in the rugby world.
- Owen and Liam Farrell
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.
6. Maro Itoje & Ollie Thorley
Maro Itoje, the formidable Saracens lock, and Ollie Thorley, the lightning-fast Gloucester winger, share an interesting family link. Their connection is rooted in the remarriage of Thorley's grandfather to a Nigerian woman, who is also Maro Itoje's aunt, making them cousins and uniting them in their rugby journeys.
