Angus Blyth had a breakout season with the Queensland Reds and now he’s set to tick off another milestone this weekend -- playing alongside his younger brother Wilson for the first time.
The Blyth brothers are set to start for Bond University in a must-win clash against the ladder-leading University of Queensland.
“Playing with Wilson is something I’ve always wanted to do but up until now it hasn’t been possible because we are three years apart,” Angus said.
“I’ve always been in the upper grades and he’s been in his own age group.
“To play club rugby together would be an awesome experience.
“It was a little bit weird packing into a scrum with him at training. We’ve always watched each other’s games but training and playing together is really special.”
While Angus has progressed through the grades to be starting lock for the Reds, his younger brother has been following his every step.
The similarities are uncanny.
They both played for TSS, both received the prestigious John Eales Rugby Excellence Scholarship at Bond University, both study a Bachelor of Commerce and both play lock.
“It would mean a lot to play with Angus, I’ve never had the chance and I’m really excited, the whole family is really excited,” Wilson said.
“It’s a milestone to play together. I always tried to beat Angus in the backyard but I usually came off second best because he was always heavier.
“We were very close as kids, we always hung out and played and wrestled.
“It’s funny how it works out. He’s obviously someone I look up to, so that has played a part in my path, but I’m trying to forge my own path.
“It is definitely a confidence boost watching him transition from TSS to Bond University to the Reds.
“That’s why I stay on the same path as he has taken because you see the success he has is having and you want that for yourself.”
Angus has returned to Bond after scoring a try in the Super Rugby grand final and is relishing the responsibility of a leadership role, both for the team and his younger brother.
“I think Wilson, his personality has always been that he wanted to try to beat me at things and do better than me,” Angus said.
“It’s the classic younger brother -- they always want to outdo their older siblings.
“We get along really well and we’ve always been good mates.
“We both play the same position, both study same degree on the same scholarship. You’d almost think he was copying me wouldn’t you?”
Bond will clash with UQ on Saturday, OCT 10 for the Brailsford-Brown Varsity Cup at Bond University, with the Bull Sharks needing to win to secure a finals berth.
For more information on the OCT 10 game, please visit: https://rugby.bond.edu.au/about/season-draw