The father-son dynasties powering England’s future

Under-20s Six Nations: Ireland v England

Venue: Virgin Media Park, Cork Date: Thursday 30 January Kick-off: 19: 45 GMT

Inspiration for Lucas Friday and Jack Bracken can only be found in the distance.

In July, they lined up to play France in the under-20 World Cup final in Cape Town.

Alongside them then, singing the anthem, were England team-mates Asher Opoku-Fordjour, Henry Pollock and Afolabi Fasogbon.

After a little over six months, Opoku-Fordjour has already won his first senior cap, Pollock has been called up for the Six Nations, and Fasogbon has undoubtedly been, due to an untimely injury.

According to Friday, “They have done incredibly really, adapting to the Premiership and showing themselves on big stages.”

“It is testament to the team and to age-group rugby in England right now”, adds Bracken.

As they pursue the same pathway, Friday and Bracken can also look back for guidance.

Elite rugby is in their family trees, just a generation behind.

Friday’s father Mike played for Wasps and Harlequins and captained England’s Sevens team.

Not just Lucas and Jack’s sons entering a family business, either.

All of the Premiership clubs are represented by Ollie Sleightholme (son of former England wing Jon), Greg Fisilau (son of Tonga international Kenni), Josh Beaumont (son of former England captain Bill), Sonny Tonga’uiha (son of former Tonga prop Soane), and Tyler Offiah (son of league legend Martin).

In addition to the Bath backline, Tom de Glanville, Tom de Glanville, and Bryan Redpath, the son of former Scotland scrum-half Bryan, Max Ojomoh, the son of former England flanker, are competing for spots.

Overseas, Damian Penaud (the son of the former France fly-half Alain) and Max Jorgensen (the son of ex-Wallaby Peter) have followed their fathers into Test rugby.

“It is definitely a massive advantage”, says 19-year-old Bracken.

However, his father’s most valuable inheritance isn’t genetics or tactics, in his opinion.

Instead, it’s the closeness to someone who can offer support and has also gone through the emotional roller coasters and knocks that come with being a promising sporting prospect.

“More than anything it has been the off-pitch stuff that has been really beneficial, just developing as a person, as well as a rugby player, and dealing with setbacks”, he adds.

The transition from amateur rugby to professional rugby is much easier because of a parent who is knowledgeable about all those ins and outs.

However, having a well-known family name can present challenges. These young men carry others’ expectations and preconceptions.

” I always get called Mike Friday’s son, every time, “says 18-year-old Friday with a smile.

“I also want to be known.” My father has done everything, and he was fantastic, but I want to try to push myself even further.

“It is not about escaping his shadow. I simply want to be seen as my own, not just a son.

It’s about being more than just a brother, Bracken believes. Charlie, two years older, is also on Saracens ‘ books and has represented England under-20s in the past.

Bracken claims that comparisons are constrained because he prefers to be a wing to a scrum-half like Charlie and Kyran, even though he believes he could stand up to his father’s style in the face of competition.

I’ve been shown a few highlight reels, and I’m not sure if that’s still true. My dad used to be quicker than I am now. he says.

“I also watched a few England games during the World Cup in 2003.” With the speed and structure in place now, it’s funny how the game has changed so much.

” I wonder how good he would be today. I’m sure he would do alright. “

Many England fans are more concerned about how talented this generation’s young people can be after winning the World Cup and the Six Nations in 2024.

Bracken, who is a student at Loughborough University, made his Saracens debut earlier this year in the Premiership Cup, and Friday made his debut in December by coming off the bench in a victory over Newcastle.

Among the under 20s preparing for their Six Nations opener against Ireland on Thursday, they are now the wise, old heads.

“I’m really enjoying the vibe and brotherhood we have going,” Bracken says. “There are different faces from last time.

It almost lasted the entire previous season before expanding this year.