England Rugby World Cup winner's son chooses France for tennis career

Summarised from 2 outlets · 3 reports · Updated 22 Oct, 17:44 · Archive

Felix Balshaw, son of England's 2003 Rugby World Cup winner Iain Balshaw, is representing France as he rises through tennis rankings.

Felix Balshaw, aged 20, was born in Leeds while his father Iain played for Premiership club Leeds Tykes. His father earned 35 caps for England and played in the 2003 Rugby World Cup final victory against Australia. The family moved to Biarritz in 2009 when Iain joined the French Top 14, and have remained in the Basque coastal city ever since.

Felix is establishing himself as a promising tennis talent, recently breaking into the world's top 200 for the first time and celebrating his first ATP Tour victory this week. He has climbed more than 500 places in the ATP rankings since the start of 2026.

Balshaw represents France internationally in tennis, a choice rooted in his upbringing. He said: 'I grew up in France and, as each day went by, I felt more and more French. Since I've been little, from when I started playing in Tennis Europe juniors, I have always had the French flag by my name.' He added that his father has been important to him, describing him as his idol and someone who has always been supportive. Though Felix maintains links to England through visits to his maternal grandmother in Bath and his paternal grandmother in Blackburn, these trips have been 'very rare'.

How it is being reported

• The rising French star whose dad won Rugby World Cup with EnglandFelix Balshaw is the son of an English Rugby World Cup winner - but is representing France as he climbs the world tennis rankings.BBC News · 22 Oct, 17:21
• England Rugby World Cup winner's son explains why he has chosen to represent France in tennisIain Balshaw won the Rugby World Cup and now his son has emerged as a top tennis talentIndependent Sport · 22 Oct, 14:53
• Felix Balshaw: England Rugby World Cup winner’s son who chose France and tennisThe son of former England star Iain Balshaw is making waves on the ATP Tour.Independent Sport · 22 Oct, 14:00

In this story: Felix Balshaw · Iain Balshaw · England · France · Biarritz · Australia

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