A new generation of the famed Balding sporting dynasty is set to make his mark on the international stage. Jonno Balding, the 19-year-old nephew of broadcasting icon Clare Balding, has earned a call-up to the England Under-20 squad for the upcoming Six Nations championship.
A Towering Talent from a Sporting Dynasty
The Gloucester lock, who stands at an imposing 6 feet 9 inches tall, has been recognised for his impressive performances within the club's academy system. His selection highlights him as one of English rugby's most promising young forwards. Jonno, who celebrated his birthday on December 29, is one of five Gloucester youngsters named in the squad, joining clubmates Olly Allport, Freddie Ogden-Metherell, Will Knight, and Harry Wright.
His call-up continues a rich family legacy in sport that spans broadcasting, rugby, and horse racing. Not only is he related to Clare Balding, the BBC face of major events like the Olympics and Wimbledon, but he is also the grandson of the late Ian Balding. The former Bath Rugby player, who made 92 appearances for the club, later became a renowned racehorse trainer for the late Queen Elizabeth II and the Queen Mother. Ian Balding passed away on January 2, at the age of 87.
Following in Grandfather's Footsteps
In an interview with Gloucester Rugby two years ago, Jonno revealed it was his grandfather who first inspired his rugby journey. "I started when I was four or five at Overton Rugby Club which is near to where I live," he said. "My grandfather was quite a good player, he played for Bath, and it was him that got me interested in the sport. It was his footsteps I wanted to follow in."
He also credited his family's competitive spirit as a driving force. "We come from a very competitive family, whatever sport it is, even board games get competitive. So, it is exactly where I got it from and what encouraged me to take up competitive sport."
The Balding family's sporting prowess extends even further. Jonno's father, Andrew Balding, is a successful horse trainer with major wins across the globe. His great-grandfather, Gerald Balding, was a British champion polo player, and his great-great-grandfather, Aubrey Hastings, trained four Grand National winners.
England U20s Set for Six Nations Campaign
The England U20s will begin their Six Nations quest against Wales U20s on Friday, February 6. They will then face the youth teams of Scotland, Ireland, Italy, and France in succession. The squad has gathered for a training camp in Portugal to prepare.
Head coach Andy Titterrell outlined the team's ambitions: "Our objectives this season are to embrace the mindset of getting better, supporting each other in a high-performance environment and earning the right to achieve top honours." He added, "Building towards the Six Nations campaign is an exciting prospect for all involved. Recent years have seen some of the best attended England U20 fixtures in over a decade and we aim to grow the rose with strong performances and player development."
For Jonno Balding, the tournament represents a chance to honour his family's legacy while forging his own path as a rising star of English rugby.
