The rising French star whose dad won Rugby World Cup with England

Felix Balshaw is the son of an English Rugby World Cup winner – but is representing France as he climbs the world tennis rankings. Felix Balshaw has climbed more than 500 places in the ATP rankings since the start of 2026 So speaking to Leeds-born Felix Balshaw – the 20-year-old son of England Rugby World Cup winner Iain – it quickly becomes clear why he is representing France on his climb up the professional tennis ladder. There is no mistaking a strong Gallic twang as Balshaw, who celebrated the first ATP Tour victory of his career this week, discusses his journey. Balshaw was born in West Yorkshire while his father played for Premiership club Leeds Tykes, before the family moved to Biarritz when Iain – an electrifying full-back/wing who scored three tries in England's iconic 2003 campaign – joined the cross-channel exodus to the French Top 14.

The Balshaws have remained in the luxurious Basque coastal city, known for its Belle Epoque architecture, Atlantic seafront casinos and world-class surfing. "We came down in Biarritz in 2009 and we just loved the place," said Felix, who broke into the world's top 200 last month for the first time. "I grew up in France and, as each day went by, I felt more and more French. "Since I've been little, from when