England under-20 Six Nations: Father-son dynasties powering the future

Lucas Friday and Jack Bracken only need to glance sideways to find role models to inspire them. In July, they represented England against France in the final of the Under-20 World Championship in Cape Town. Back then, their teammates standing shoulder to shoulder with them singing the national anthem included Asher Opoku-Fordjour, Henry Pollock, and Afolabi Fasogbon.

Just six months later, Opoku-Fordjour has already won his first senior cap, Pollock has been called into the Six Nations squad, and Fasogbon would surely have been selected if not for an untimely injury. “They’ve done really well – the way they’ve adapted to the Premiership, and how they’ve shown up on the big stage,” Friday told BBC Sport. “It’s testament to the squad and the strength of England’s age-grade rugby at the moment,” added Bracken.

While pursuing the same path, Friday and Bracken can also look back for guidance. Their families both have elite rugby pedigree, just one generation ahead of them. Friday’s father, Mike, played for Wasps and Harlequins and captained the England Sevens team. Bracken’s father, Kyran, a scrum-half, made his 51st and final appearance for England in the 2003 World Cup semi-final victory over France.

Lucas and Jack are far from the only sons following in their family’s footsteps. Olly Slaythom (son of former England winger Jon), Greg Fisilau (son of Tonga international Kenny), Josh Beaumont (son of former England captain Bill), Ruben Logan (son of Scotland winger Kenny), Sonny Tanga’uiha (son of Tongan prop Sione), and Tyler Offiah (son of league legend Martin) all play for Premiership clubs. In Bath’s backline alone, Cameron Redpath (son of former Scotland scrum-half Bryan), Max Ojomoh (son of former England flanker Steve) and Tom de Glanville (son of former England captain Phil) are all competing for places. Overseas, Damian Penaud (son of former France fly-half Alain) and Max Jorgensen (son of former Australia Kangaroo Peter) have also followed their fathers into the national team.

“It’s definitely a massive advantage,” said Bracken, 19. For him, the most valuable legacy from his father is not genetic or tactical, but the closeness of having someone who has also experienced the emotional ups and downs and frustrations of being a promising young sports star, and can offer support. “More importantly, the stuff off the field has been really beneficial, not just to my development as a rugby player, but also as a person and learning to deal with setbacks,” he added. “Having a parent who understands all those processes makes the transition from amateur to professional rugby a lot easier. Having my dad there to guide me has been really reassuring.”

However, being a scion of a famous name also brings challenges. These young men carry other people’s preconceptions and expectations. “I always get called Mike Friday’s son, every time,” laughs Friday, 18. “I want to make a name for myself as well. My dad has done everything – he’s been really great – but I obviously want to strive for myself as well. “It’s not about stepping out of his shadow. I just want people to see me for who I am, not just as a son.”

For Bracken, it’s not just about being a brother. His older sibling Charlie, two years his senior, also plays for Saracens and has represented England at Under-20 level. Bracken says that being a winger rather than a scrum-half like Charlie and Kyran limits comparisons, although even with those, he is confident of holding his own against his father in his prime. “I’ve been shown some highlights and told my dad was faster than me back in the day – I’m not sure if that still applies!” he said. “I’ve also watched some of England’s games during the 2003 World Cup. It’s been interesting to see how much the game has changed in a short space of time, the speed and the structure now. “I wonder how he’d do today. I’m sure he’d do well.”

For many England fans, the more pressing question is how good this generation can become after winning the junior versions of the Six Nations and the World Cup in 2024. Bracken, who is studying at Loughborough University, made his senior debut for Saracens earlier this season in the Premiership Cup, while Friday made his Premiership debut in December, coming off the bench in a win against Newcastle. They are now the experienced ‘old heads’ among the Under-20s preparing for their Six Nations opener against Ireland on Thursday. “There are different faces compared to last time, but I’m really enjoying the environment and the brotherhood we’re building,” said Bracken. “It’s almost a continuation from last season and building it again this season.”

From being babies in arms to brothers in arms, they won’t be the last to follow in their parents’ footsteps to the top.