The son of an England Rugby World Cup winner is now representing France, although he's chosen a very different sport to his famous dad.

Felix Balshaw, 20, is the son of former England star Iain Balshaw, who helped Sir Clive Woodward's side lift the Webb Ellis Cup in 2003.

Rather than follow his dad into rugby, Felix has taken up tennis. And he's pretty good at it.

He has climbed more than 500 places in the ATP rankings this year, breaking into the world's top 200 last month.

This week, he claimed his first ATP Tour victory.

There's just one twist. Despite being born in Yorkshire, Felix represents France.

Why Balshaw's son plays for France

Felix was born in Leeds while his dad played for Leeds Tykes.

The family moved to Biarritz in 2009 and liked it so much they stayed.

Felix grew up in France, went to school there and has always played tennis under the French flag.

Speaking to BBC Sport, he explained: "We came down in Biarritz in 2009 and we just loved the place."

He added: "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."

His dad, of course, enjoyed quite a career of his own.

Balshaw won 35 England caps and scored three tries during the 2003 World Cup.

The former Bath and Gloucester back later ended his career in France.

Now his son is hoping to make his own mark on sport.

Four more sons of England's 2003 World Cup winners

Balshaw isn't the only member of that famous squad whose children are making headlines.

A few have followed their dads into rugby. Others have gone nowhere near it.

1. Dylan Moody – Lewis Moody's son

Lewis Moody was never one to shy away from a tackle. His son Dylan prefers saving shots.

The young goalkeeper signed a professional contract with Southampton in 2025 and has also played for England at youth level.

Quite a change from watching his dad throw himself around a rugby pitch.

Moody senior has had his share of problems since retiring, with his financial troubles making headlines.

2. Noah Robinson – Jason Robinson's son

You might expect Jason Robinson's son to have a bit of pace.

Noah has gone down the football route, joining Manchester City's academy.

RUCK previously covered his move to the Premier League giants, with his dad proudly sharing the news in 2023.

Jason, of course, scored England's only try in the 2003 World Cup final.

Noah has played rugby too, but football looks to be his chosen path.

3. Sami Dawson – Matt Dawson's son

Another footballer.

Matt Dawson's son Sami has signed with Brentford, rather than follow his dad into rugby.

The former England scrum-half was one of the key men in that 2003 World Cup win.

Away from sport, Dawson has spoken about his son's battle with bacterial meningitis when he was a toddler.

The former Northampton star has also seen plenty of change in his personal life, finding love again after his divorce.

4. Henry Johnson – Martin Johnson's son

Finally, someone who actually wants to play rugby.

Martin Johnson's son Henry is coming through the ranks at Leicester Tigers.

The young forward has represented England at U18 level and earned a place in the U20 Elite Player Squad for 2026/27.

He can play lock or in the back row, and has named Pieter-Steph du Toit as one of his rugby heroes.

As RUCK reported earlier this month, Henry is moving closer to a senior Leicester debut.

Following Martin Johnson into rugby is one thing.

Doing it at Leicester, in the same position as your World Cup-winning dad, brings a whole different level of expectation.