Son of England hero ditches dad’s nation to play for Six Nations rivals

The 20-year-old fullback—son of England and Newcastle Falcons great Jamie Noon—is rising through the ranks at Brive CA’s academy, turning heads in French rugby with every step.

And while his surname carries English pedigree, Lewis has his eyes on a different shade of blue. His ambition isn’t to follow his father into an England jersey, but to earn the tricolour and represent France on the international stage.

While Jamie Noon earned 38 caps for England and built a formidable reputation as a hard-hitting centre, Lewis’s ambitions lie across the Channel. He could one day share the field with Posolo Tuilagi, nephew of England’s own Manu Tuilagi, adding another chapter to rugby’s unique cross-national storylines.

Jamie Noon retired from professional rugby in 2013 after a successful 13-year run with Newcastle Falcons and a final stint at Brive. Reflecting on his career, Jamie tweeted: "After 15 years of top flight rugby I'm retiring at the end of the season. So if anyone wants to give me a job please get in touch." It was a fitting sign-off from a player known for his humour and humility on and off the field.

Lewis’s rugby journey began in the French town of Malemort, where the local rugby field was conveniently close to home. He later joined Brive at the U14 level, steadily developing his own style of play. Unlike his father’s physical approach, Lewis’s game has a lighter touch.

“Lewis has a game based on avoidance. He reads spaces on the field really well and uses that to his advantage,” Jamie explained. "He still has some physical progress to make, but we’re working on it,” he added with a laugh, joking that a classic French diet of foie gras and duck legs might be the solution.

While their styles may differ, father and son share a passion for defense. Lewis prides himself on his tackling and ability to track opponents. “I like tackling hard and marking my opponents. I don’t mind defending at all,” he said, reflecting his father’s commitment to the defensive side of the game.

Although he was born in England, Lewis’s heart belongs to the country he now calls home. "When I was younger, I wanted to play for England because of my father. Now, I want to play for France. I have English blood but a French heart," he said. His dream to represent France is about more than just a jersey; it’s a connection to where he’s grown up and the culture he’s embraced.

Thursday 5th February 2026
?? France v Ireland
? Venue TBC
? Kick-off: 8:10pm

Saturday 7th February 2026
?? Italy v Scotland
? Stadio Olimpico, Rome
? Kick-off: 2:10pm

?️ England v Wales
? Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
? Kick-off: 4:40pm

Saturday 14th February 2026
☘️ Ireland v Italy
? Aviva Stadium, Dublin
? Kick-off: 2:10pm

? Scotland v England
? Murrayfield, Edinburgh
? Kick-off: 4:40pm

Sunday 15th February 2026
? Wales v France
? Principality Stadium, Cardiff
? Kick-off: 3:10pm

Saturday 21st February 2026
?️ England v Ireland
? Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
? Kick-off: 2:10pm

? Wales v Scotland
? Principality Stadium, Cardiff
? Kick-off: 4:40pm

Sunday 22nd February 2026
?? France v Italy
? Decathlon Arena, Lille
? Kick-off: 3:10pm

Friday 6th March 2026
☘️ Ireland v Wales
? Aviva Stadium, Dublin
? Kick-off: 8:10pm

Saturday 7th March 2026
? Scotland v France
? Murrayfield, Edinburgh
? Kick-off: 2:10pm

?? Italy v England
? Stadio Olimpico, Rome
? Kick-off: 4:40pm

Saturday 14th March 2026
☘️ Ireland v Scotland
? Aviva Stadium, Dublin
? Kick-off: 2:10pm

? Wales v Italy
? Principality Stadium, Cardiff
? Kick-off: 4:40pm

?? France v England
? Venue TBC
? Kick-off: 8:10pm

With home fixtures against Wales and Ireland, and a final showdown away in France, England’s route through the 2026 Six Nations Championship is as challenging as it is exciting. Every round offers massive implications for the title race — and fans won’t want to miss a second of the action.