LIST | 4 legends sons looking to follow in their famous fathers’ footsteps in 2021
Rugby NewsTuesday, 06 October 2020 at 09:59
All over the world, there are millions of young children who want to follow in their parents’ footsteps when they grow up, and it seems in rugby there is no difference.
Some players, such as Owen Farrell or Billy Vunipola, have done well to manage the pressure their family name brings.
But across the country, there is a new batch of players, fathered by some of rugby's greatest, who are trying to make their name in the sport while juggling the pressure of their father’s success.
While some are performing better than others, all still have a long way to go in their career.
Here are four exciting youngsters currently playing in Premiership, looking to follow in the footsteps of their fathers.
1. Louis Lynagh
- Age: 19
- 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.
2. Tom Hardwick
- Age: 21
- Club: Leicester Tigers
- Position: Fly-half/Centre
- Dad: Rob Hardwick (England)
His dad Rob was a combative prop with Coventry, who won an England cap against Italy at Twickenham in 1996 and went on to figure in 120 Premiership matches for London Irish.
Tom scored 11 points on his senior debut for the club in a narrow defeat for a young side at Bath in the Anglo-Welsh Cup during November 2017 and joined the England squad at the World Under-20s Championships in France the following summer, playing in every round including the Final.
He will be looking to push on for a more regular place in the Tigers squad next season .
3. James Dun
- Age: 21
- Club: Bristol Bears
- Position: Flanker
- Dad: Andy Dun (England)
Like father like son. James Dun has captaincy credentials just as his father Andy, a flanker, did. He led Wasps in 1984/85 and Bristol from 1988/90 as well as playing for England U19 and U23 before winning a full cap against Wales in 1984.
Dun made the step up from the Integrated Academy to the Bears first team squad on July 1st, 2020. The versatile forward impressed during a loan spell at GKIPA Championship side, Hartpury during the 2019/20 campaign. A lineout specialist, Dun will be looking to push for a first team place at Ashton Gate next season.
Bristol Bears player James Dun wins a line out during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Match between Sale Sharks and Bristol Bears on the third weekend of the Return to Rugby campaign as rugby continues after COVID 19 lockdown at AJ Bell Stadium on 29 Aug. Photo: Steve Bond/PPAUK/Gallagher
4. Oliver Sleightholme
- Age: 20
- Club: Northampton Saints
- Position: Winger
- Dad: Jon Sleightholme (England)
His dad Jon played 12 Tests for England at senior level, scoring four tries, and also had a spell with Northampton Saints, where Ollie is a member of the academy set-up.
The winger began his rugby career as a six-year-old at Northampton Old Scouts and quickly followed in his father’s footsteps – linking up with Saints for the first time when he was 13.
The winger made his first-team debut against Bristol Bears in the Premiership Rugby Cup before taking just 15 seconds to score his first Northampton try on his Premiership debut against Wasps, and finishing his debut season with seven tries in as many appearances for the Club. He will be looking to push on and become a regular next season.
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