By David Parsons
The back garden of the Emanuel household used to resemble “a war zone” when their sons Ioan and Steff were growing up.
Straight and hard running was always the requirement when the two boys, who are only 18 months apart in age, played “one-on-one” rugby matches.
It has stood them both in good stead and this weekend they will play together in the U20 Six Nations opener against the French in Vannes on Saturday night.
Loose-head prop Ioan warmed-up for his Championship debut by scoring four tries in the pre-tournament games against the Regional Academies XV, while the 18-year-old Steff has already made his Cardiff debut in the EPCR Challenge Cup at centre.
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Here is your Wales U20s 2️⃣3️⃣ for our @SixNationsU20 opener @FranceRugby on Saturday night at the Stade de la Rabine, 20:10 KO! #U20SixNations | #FRAvWAL
— Welsh Rugby Union (@WelshRugbyUnion) January 30, 2025
That came against the Top 14 side Lyon at Groupama Stadium when he lined-up inside the evergreen Samoan legend Rey Lee-Lo, and gave him a taste of what to expect when he takes on the French at a sold out Stade de la Rabine in Vannes.
“It was an unbelievable experience playing in Lyon. The French fans are bonkers and it was the biggest crowd I’ve ever played in front of,” said Steff.
“It will be a compact ground in Vannes and we’re told it’s sold out. It will be a notch up again and we can’t wait.
“We both played against France at the Junior World Championships in South Africa last summer and it has been really exciting and nice to have my older brother in the side with me.
“He has worked really hard and is on fire at the moment. His four tries have come from a combined distance of around two metres!”
Sibling rivalry has certainly spurred on young and old in the Emanuel household and Steff has been proud to follow in the footsteps of his elder brother at Pontypridd Schools, Millfield and Wales U18 before the two have been able to join forces at U20 level.
Captaining Millfield in the 2023-24 season was a huge honour for Steff.
U20s head coach Richard Whiffin reflects on his selection ahead of the @SixNationsU20 opener this Saturday night in France! #U20SixNations | #FRAvWAL pic.twitter.com/ckVsfs03xv
— Welsh Rugby Union (@WelshRugbyUnion) January 30, 2025
Having led out his school side at the Sir Gareth Edwards Arena in the famous multi-coloured school jersey, his goal is to match the achievements of other famous alumni such as JPR Williams, Pat Daniels and Callum Sheedy, by breaking into the senior Wales side.
If one or both are able to make the next step then they will have the other to thank for making the grade.
“The back garden was like a war zone with a lot of fighting. It was always run straight in one-on-one rugby,” explained Steff.
“Ioan is a year-and-a-half older than me and has a massive head, so he usually won.” Football was also a big part of the family growing up.
“We are quite similar, and quite competitive, so there were a few fights and disagreements growing up – just like everyone I guess.
“It has been a nice part of our development that as we were growing up Ioan was always in a team ahead of me. I wanted to be in that team next and that competitiveness has driven us on.
“Sometimes the rivalry was unhealthy and sometimes it was healthy, but that’s part of it and has heavily influenced our development.
“I didn’t look back when I left home at 16 and followed Ioan to Millfield. After a couple of years away I felt it was time to come back and I’ve loved every moment since.
“I’m really grateful for the opportunities that Cardiff have given me. The SRC has been a brilliant format for the young players and there are a few of us from the Cardiff team that are linking up in the U20 side.”
