Son of England legend ditches dad's nation to play for France ahead of Six Nations showdown
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cLewis Noon, son of former England and Newcastle Falcons legend Jamie Noon, is making a name for himself in French rugby.
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The 19-year-old fullback, currently part of Brive CA's academy, has his sights set on a future in international rugby—but he's aiming to wear a different jersey than his father did. Instead of representing England, Lewis is determined to don the blue of France.
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An English Legacy with a French Twist
While Jamie Noon earned 38 caps for England and built a formidable reputation as a hard-hitting centre, Lewis's ambitions lie across the Channel. He could one day share the field with Posolo Tuilagi, nephew of England's own Manu Tuilagi, adding another chapter to rugby's unique cross-national storylines.
A Falcon Soars in Brive
Jamie Noon retired from professional rugby in 2013 after a successful 13-year run with Newcastle Falcons and a final stint at Brive. Reflecting on his career, Jamie tweeted: “After 15 years of top flight rugby I’m retiring at the end of the season. So if anyone wants to give me a job please get in touch.” It was a fitting sign-off from a player known for his humour and humility on and off the field.
Starting Young in Malemort
Lewis's rugby journey began in the French town of Malemort, where the local rugby field was conveniently close to home. He later joined Brive at the U14 level, steadily developing his own style of play. Unlike his father's physical approach, Lewis's game has a lighter touch.
"Lewis has a game based on avoidance. He reads spaces on the field really well and uses that to his advantage," Jamie explained. “He still has some physical progress to make, but we're working on it," he added with a laugh, joking that a classic French diet of foie gras and duck legs might be the solution.
A Passion for Defence
While their styles may differ, father and son share a passion for defense. Lewis prides himself on his tackling and ability to track opponents. "I like tackling hard and marking my opponents. I don't mind defending at all," he said, reflecting his father's commitment to the defensive side of the game.
English Blood, French Heart
Although he was born in England, Lewis's heart belongs to the country he now calls home. “When I was younger, I wanted to play for England because of my father. Now, I want to play for France. I have English blood but a French heart,” he said. His dream to represent France is about more than just a jersey; it's a connection to where he's grown up and the culture he's embraced.
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