Joshua Brennan is poised to add an Irish dimension to the France versus England match. The game will take place in Paris on Super Saturday. Despite his Irish roots, Brennan will be lining up for Les Bleus.
First Irish-Born Player for France
Joshua Brennan has already made history as the first Irish-born player to play for France. He debuted during France’s summer tour to New Zealand last year. He started the second and third Tests, scoring a try in the first Test in Wellington, with a second try disallowed.
Brennan is now set to become the first Irish-born player to represent France in the Six Nations. This event is expected to resonate across Ireland, particularly in Leixlip and Barnhall, the hometown and club of his father, Trevor Brennan. Cheers for him are expected to be loud in Bective Rangers and St Mary’s, Trevor’s other two clubs.
Family’s Divided Loyalties
Trevor Brennan, having seen his second son pursue a rugby career through the Toulouse academy, once hoped Joshua would play for Ireland like him. However, the family moved to France in 2001 when Joshua was 10 months old. Joshua grew up in Toulouse, where his father played the last five seasons of his career, winning two Heineken Cups. Having come through the Toulouse academy, which he joined aged 12, Joshua always harboured a dream of playing for France.
Trevor Brennan has accepted his son’s choice. Trevor, his wife Paula, Joshua’s older brother Daniel, who is a prop with Toulon, and younger brother Bobby Valentine will be at the Stade de France on Saturday. They will be supporting France.
Their support for France against England will be total. However, if Ireland beats Scotland to win the Triple Crown and temporarily lead the championship, some may find themselves conflicted. In that case, an English win could make Ireland champions.
A Last-Minute Change of Plans
Trevor Brennan was in Paris last year when Joshua was the 24th man for France in their Six Nations game against Wales, and also for their trip to Twickenham. He was planning to attend the Ireland-Scotland game in Dublin when Joshua called him from the French base in Marcoussis on Thursday.
Joshua asked his father about his weekend plans. Trevor told him he was going to Dublin for the Ireland-Scotland game.
Trevor had to cancel his Dublin trip and arrange a couple of nights in Paris. “I doubt Michael O’Leary will give me my money back,” he said.
Paula said, “Who would have thought?” from their hotel in Paris.
Brennan Family Rugby Achievements
Dan has won Under-18 and Under-20 Six Nations, as well as an Under-20 World Cup, while Joshua has won three French Championships and two Champions Cups, starting in both semi-finals and finals.
Trevor played in two losing French finals, but thanks to Joshua’s exploits, the famed Bouclier de Brennus has been in their house and has decorated Brennan’s Bar in Castelginest. Joshua has long ha