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Lions coach and TV presenter's son named in Welsh team's squad for new season
Lions coach and TV presenter's son named in Welsh team's squad for new season
Ffredi Easterby has enjoyed much success in rugby as a teenager.
The Easterby family.
(Image: Sarra Elgan on Instagram)
Sarra Elgan' son has been named in Cardiff Rugby's under-18s squad for the upcoming 2025/2026 season. Ffredi, son of TV presenter Elgan and Lions coach Simon Easterby, has been playing for Cowbridge RFC.
16-year-old Ffredi has been picked alongside Cowbridge teammate Harry Hamlett in the collective for the WRU Academy Championship. He's also a student at Ysgol Bro Morgannwg in Barry, and now has his chance to make an impression in a professional set-up. This isn't the first time Ffredi has made the news, either, having successful outings at the Principality Stadium in cup competitions.
In March 2024, Bro Morgannwg won the Year 10 Cup after beating Haverfordwest High 20-18 at the home of Welsh rugby.
Ffredi put in an important display, bagging a try in the second half and leading by example as captain of the team. Dad Simon was on water duty for the team, much different to his role as defence coach of Ireland.
The family live in the Vale of Glamorgan and Simon had been linked with the vacant Wales head coach role following Warren Gatland's departure earlier this year.
Of course, former Scotland defence coach Steve Tandy has now been appointed as Wales boss.
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Last year wasn't Ffredi's first success at the Principality, though.
Three years ago, as a year eight student at Bro Morgannwg, Ffredi captained his side to a 31-19 victory over Penweddig in the final.
Dad Simon lended a hand on the coaching side of things on the day, and spoke after the game.
"It's brilliant and the boys have been fantastic. I've only jumped in at the last minute off the back of the Six Nations," he said.
"They have been brilliantly coached and they are a great bunch of boys who work really hard for each other. It is a challenge coaching your own son and I was more nervous today than on most international days.
"It was a great occasion and the WRU put on a really good show. It is something the boys will remember for a long time.
"They played some tough games to get here and the team they were up against a very good side in Penweddig. I'm sure we will see a few of them in the future running out here again in a red jersey."
Ffredi's grandfather, Elgan Rees, played for Neath, Wales and the Lions, while his older sister Soffia is also a successful sportsperson and plays hockey for Wales.
As a player, Simon notched up over 150 games for Scarlets and went down as a fan favourite in west Wales. This was when he met Welsh TV presenter and wife Elgan, with the couple tying the knot 20 years ago.
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Despite being born in England, he chose to represent Ireland - the country of his mother.
