Former All Black Carlos Spencer’s son Peyton has decided to follow in his famous fathers’ footsteps after signing a professional contract in New Zealand.
The 18-year-old fullback had been tipped to follow in his father’s footsteps after making serious waves in schoolboy rugby.
Having lived in England between 2005 and 2010 when his did was playing for Northampton and Gloucester, it's also believed the talented speedster would eligible for England.
“This year he’s been contacted by a few unions… he made the decision rugby is his future and where he wants to be," revealed Carlos Spencer.
“He’s just signed a contract with New Zealand Sevens, Auckland and Auckland Blues. We’re very proud of him. He’s got a great opportunity now the door is open but the hard work starts and the rest is up to him now,”
Payton Spencer compilation:
One fan wrote: "Unselfish, good on his feet, strong in the tackle, postional play perfect, safe hands under the high ball, feeding his wing with ease. This boy has a future, and I would not be at all surprised to see him progressing up through the triers."
"Not on his dads level yet but I hope he is like his dad. His dad was hella fun to watch, didn't care what other people thought about him and how he played, refused to be put in the mould." added a second.
A third wrote: "Very different in the styles of playing compared to his dad. He's quite direct in terms of his playing. Has a heap of pace. And takes the line on strong. But his field awareness is just as good as his dad. Solid at the back and has a mean boot on him. Reminds me of a young David havili."
"I bumped into Carlos Spencer years ago in Johannesburg when he was playing for the Lions at the time, his calves were massive and he's a strong guy. I'm sure his son will be as big as his dad," said a fourth.
Carlos Spencer facts:
- On 3 December 2011, Spencer stepped into the boxing ring against Rugby league's Awen Guttenbeil in Fight for Life 2011
- In 2006, Spencer was named in the Guinness Premiership Awards Dream Team while playing for Northampton
- Spencer was valued for his imaginative kicking and passing game, and his ability to unlock defences
- He played in four matches for Bob Dwyer's World XV team in 2006
Here's a list of rugby legends sons who are set to play for other countries, including the son of All Black legend Jonah Lomu.
#1. Lucas Brooke (England)
- Age: 20
- Club: London Irish
- Position: back-row
- Dad: Zinzan Brooke (New Zealand)
Brooke, who can play across the back-row or at hooker, grew up in England so is fully qualified to wear the red rose. The powerhouse has represented Berkshire at county level and regularly played for his school, Wellington College. He's since become a regular for England U20.
#2. Louis Lynagh (England)
- Age: 21
- Club: Harlequins
- Position: Fullback
- Dad: Michael Lynagh (Australia)
The son of Wallabies legend Michael Lynagh, the fullback made his Premiership debut during the final round of the 2019/20 Gallagher season against Leicester Tigers. He is yet to declare his allegiance, but has represented England at age-grade, captaining England U16. and playing for the U18’s.
He is also eligible for Italy/
#3. Manu Vunipola (England)
- Age: 21
- Club: Saracens
- Position: Fly-half
- Dad: Elisi Vunipola (Tonga)
Vunipola comes from vintage rugby stock and is already well on his way to following in the footsteps of cousins Billy and Mako as part of the England U20s set-up. His dad, Elisi Vunipola, played in Super Rugby for the Brumbies, as well as appearing 41 times for Tonga – including at the 1995 and 1999 Rugby World Cups – and was his country’s most-capped player upon retirement in 2005.
#4. Jacob Umaga (England)
- Age: 21
- Club: Wasps
- Position: Fly-half
- Dad: Mike Umaga (Samoa)
The surname Umaga carries a lot of weight in rugby. Mike Umaga won 13 caps for Samoa, while Tana is one of the All Blacks’ most respected captains. And it appears the name could live on with Jacob, son of Mike and nephew of Tana, who is seen as one for the future for England after being called up for the Autumn Nations Cup.
#5. Dhyreille Lomu
- Age: 14
- Position: Wing
- Dad: Jonah Lomu
Lomu, who currently plays on the wing, was born in France during his Dad’s brief stint playing for Marseille, hence any eligibility discussions wouldn’t be an issue. Known as Frenchie at school in New Zealand, the aspiring youngster has already began to impress at a number of age-grade tournaments in New Zealand.
