Jonno Balding, the 19-year-old nephew of broadcaster Clare Balding, has been named in England's Under-20s training squad for the Six Nations. The 6ft 9.5in teenager is currently on the books at Gloucester Rugby and has been playing for Bristol University.
Jonno, whose father Andrew is Clare's brother, once famously asked Queen Elizabeth II 'Where's your crown?' during a royal visit to the family stables when he was four years old. The Queen later asked him if a headscarf was 'any better' when they met again two days later.
The Balding family has a long history in horse racing, training horses for the late Queen and the Queen Mother. Jonno's grandfather Ian was a legendary trainer and also played 92 times for Bath Rugby.
Jonno has yet to make a senior appearance for Gloucester but has sought career advice from his aunt Clare, a former amateur flat rider turned leading sports presenter. He remains eligible to represent Wales at senior level in the future.
