As the Rugby World Cup 2025 unfolds in England, it is not only the skill and determination of players on display but also the powerful stories of family heritage woven into the sport. From parents and siblings to aunts and uncles, rugby’s family legacies are thriving, shaping the journeys of some of the world’s finest athletes.
For England prop Hannah Botterman, rugby truly runs in the bloodline. Her aunt lifted the World Cup in the 1990s, her uncle represented Saracens, and both her parents played at club level. Even her mother, once part of the England Academy, passed down her passion for the sport, ensuring Botterman grew up with rugby stitched into her DNA. Her debut for England was not just a personal triumph but also a celebration for the entire family, echoing the pride of generations.
This theme of legacy is widespread. New Zealand winger Portia Woodman-Wickliffe is part of a remarkable dynasty: her father and uncle wore the famous All Blacks jersey, while her aunt represented New Zealand in international netball. Her path to rugby began through netball, but her leap into sevens and eventual Olympic and World Cup glory cemented her as one of the greatest ever to grace the game.
In Australia, the Amosa family made headlines when Katalina Amosa joined her brother Brandon Paenga-Amosa as a Wallaroos international, adding to a proud sibling tradition. Similarly, Adiana Talakai, another Wallaroo, shares bloodlines with the renowned Vunipola brothers, a reminder of rugby’s cross-continental family bonds.
Closer to home, England back-row Maddie Feaunati continues her family’s sporting narrative as the daughter of Samoa legend Zak Feaunati, who also portrayed Jonah Lomu in the film Invictus. Across the UK, sibling combinations add even more depth to the story: Wales boasts the Pyrs and Metcalfe sisters, while Scotland is represented by Rhea and Ellian Clarke.
These family ties extend globally. From France’s rising prop Makarita Baleinadogo, daughter of a former Fiji international, to Wales powerhouse Sisilia Tuipulotu, whose relatives span Tonga, Bath Rugby, and Wales’s men’s team, rugby at England 2025 is a testament to heritage, sacrifice, and shared passion.
Rugby’s family fortunes demonstrate that the sport is far more than matches and medals. It is a legacy, passed down through generations, binding families together and inspiring the next wave of players to step onto the world stage.
