"Six Nations-bound" - Brooke and Lomu’s sons confirm they will not play for All Blacks

Saturday, 24 June 2023 at 21:54

byRugby Rucker

Lucas Brooke, who can play across the back-row or at hooker, grew up in England so is fully qualified to wear the red rose.

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.

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#1. Lucas Brooke (England)

Age: 21
Club: Free agent
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.

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Zinzan said: "Lucas was born here in England and doesn’t know New Zealand at all.

"My grand-parents were English and my wife’s parents are English and a lot of people have asked me what would I do.

"This is home and if the kids get the opportunity to play for England that is their choice. It’s a big call but why would you stop your kid just because it’s England – it’s his call."

Brooke is currently on the lookout for a new club after being made suddenly unemployed by the collapse of London Irish.

Did you know? Zinzan and brother Robin Brooke played a record 39 tests together with the All Blacks giving the family a special place in New Zealand rugby folklore while Marty, their other sibling, played for Auckland and Southland.

#2. Louis Lynagh (England)

Age: 22
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.

Louis' younger brother Tom nevertheless is set to play for Australia and could be a bolder for Eddie Jones at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

#3. Manu Vunipola (England)

Age: 23
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: 24
Club: Benetton
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 a few years back.

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#5. Dhyreille Lomu

Age: 15
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.