From a warzone in the back garden to playing together for Wales, the Emanuel brothers have already come a long way.
Prop Ioan and centre Steff are just 18 months apart and have been driving each other on to hit new heights.
They have shared in victories over Italy and Ireland for Wales U20s in the Six Nations, while they are making good progress at their respective clubs, Bath and Cardiff.
Steff – the younger of the siblings – explains what it was like when they were growing up together in Llantwit Fardre.
“It was a warzone! There was a lot of fighting and stuff going on, especially in the garden where it was running straight and one-on-one rugby,” says the 18-year-old.
“He was always bigger than me! We are quite similar, we are quite competitive in what we do. There were some fights and disagreements growing up, but that happens with everyone really, doesn’t it?
“He’s always been in the team above and I have wanted to be there and it has driven us on. That’s heavily influenced where we are today. It’s a nice part of our development. We both push each other.”
Competitiveness
Loosehead Ioan, who turned 20 in January, said: “There’s always been that competitive edge with us. I wasn’t able to catch him very often! He managed to get away every now and then.
“We do clash heads at times because we are both quite strong characters, but we only want the best for each other. That will keep driving us on and pushing us further.
“I am pleased for him with how well he is doing and how he has shot onto the scene. He is pretty down to earth to be fair.
“We are both really grateful for the opportunities we have had.”
As for playing together for Wales, Ioan comments: “It’s quite a tough thing to get right, I’d say. I used to get quite emotional about it, but that can have a negative effect because, at the end of the day, we have both got our own games to worry about.
“Family are all really proud. It’s a brilliant honour and something I can say I have done.”
Playing Together
Both brothers attended Millfield School in Somerset and then joined Bath, with Ioan remaining at the west country club while Steff returned to Cardiff last summer.
They both started for Wales U20s in last weekend’s 20-12 victory over Ireland at Rodney Parade, with inside centre Steff scoring a long-range kick-chase try.
That followed on from Ioan having touched down four times in pre-tournament games against the Regional Academies XV.
“Four tries in two games is probably unheard of for a loosehead,” said Steff.
“I think the total yardage was about two, mind! But, fair play to him, he has worked really hard in training and he’s been on fire.”
Ioan responded: “I am not one who is going to run it in from the halfway line. You have got to know your limits! When I am half a yard from the try line, my eyes light up.”
Now the pair will turn their attention to Friday’s meeting with Scotland in Edinburgh as Wales U20s look to make it three wins on the trot.
READ MORE: U20s Six Nations – Ireland have the power but Wales take the glory in surprise triumph
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