Of all the things that can happen on a rugby pitch, many players dream of the day they get to share it with their children. This season, Jon Horsfall has had the privilege of doing just that, as his sons Ethan and Oscar make their mark in their breakout season with the Petersfield RFC senior squad. We caught up with the ‘Horsfall Trio’ this week to discuss their experience of playing together on the pitch.

For Jon, the opportunity to share the pitch with his sons is the realisation of a dream he’s held for years. “It’s brilliant,” he says, his pride evident in every word. “I’ve wanted to get to this point for many years. Their first senior year in rugby, and to be at the club we all know and love is a real privilege.”

The dynamics on the field are unique, to say the least. Jon, a seasoned utility forward, lines up alongside Ethan and Oscar, two of the club’s most promising young backs. Despite the noticeable difference in their positions, the family is united in their love for the game. “Just being on the same field and part of the same game is something special,” Jon says. “I honestly can’t think of a negative worth mentioning.” Yet, when pressed, he can’t help but share a bit of his confusion: “What’s with them both being backs?” he laughs. “Maybe one day one of them will see the light and come to the forward side!”

Though Jon’s been on the pitch for years, Ethan and Oscar’s rapid ascent through the senior ranks has been something to behold. Ethan, the faster of the two, is leading the try-scoring charts for the family, having crossed the line a remarkable eight times so far this season for both the 1st and 2nd XVs. Scrum half Oscar, not far behind with three tries, admits with a grin, “Three tries this season – probably a record number for me. I’ll never catch Ethan, unfortunately.” Jon, however, is the first to brush off the idea that try-scoring defines a player. “Not all heroes score tries,” he says with a wink. “But seriously, it’s great to see them both scoring in different ways. They’re both playing excellent rugby.”

Off the pitch, the competitive edge never quite fades, but it’s all in good humour. Ask Jon about the sibling rivalry, and he’s quick to point out the lighter side of things. “There was an occasion early in the season when I was feeling a little overprotective after an opposition player pushed Ethan on the floor,” he recalls. “The boys both ganged up on me and told me I’d overreacted. But other than that, it’s just the usual bullying of forwards by backs!”

Oscar, with his cheeky sense of humour, enjoys playing alongside his dad and brother, but he admits, “Sometimes I look back and just see him panting – really brings a tear to my eye.” But all teasing aside, it’s clear that the bond between father and sons is what makes the experience so special. “One of my favourite things about playing with each other is just how much of a laugh we have,” Oscar explains. “And one of the things I dislike is the fact that Ethan’s got some legs on him. It makes him hard to catch!”

For Ethan, playing with his dad and brother has brought the family closer together. “It’s great playing alongside Dad – until he starts to moan, of course,” he jokes. “But it’s nice because it gives me a reason to shout at him and sometimes tell him what to do!” His real pride, though, comes from seeing his family continue to thrive together. “Rugby has definitely bonded us over the years,” he says. “But this year, more than ever, it’s brought us all closer. We’re all playing together, and that’s something really special.”

When asked about who’s most likely to buy the post-match pints, both twins immediately point to Jon. “We all know the answer to that one,” Jon says, while Ethan quickly nods in agreement. “Definitely Dad!” The family bond certainly extends beyond just the game itself, sharing both the highs of a good match and the ritual of a post-match pint.

While Jon might not be the top scorer in the family this season, his pride in his sons is palpable. “There are moments I’ve been on the pitch, looked around, and just seen them both giving everything for the team,” he says. “It could be a big hit from Oscar at scrum-half or a catch and run from Ethan at full-back. Watching them integrate so well with the senior squad has been one of the highlights of this season for me.”

Despite all the jokes and playful digs, it’s clear that for the Horsfall family, rugby is more than just a sport – it’s woven into the fabric of their lives. And while the boys are on the pitch every Saturday, their brilliant mother, Claire, is behind the bar in the clubhouse, keeping the matchday atmosphere lively. This connection to the club has been built over years of shared experiences, from the boys first stepping onto the pitch at the age of six to now playing senior rugby alongside their dad. “We’ve been together at the club since they were six,” Jon reflects. “I can’t imagine it being any other way. Long may it continue in some form or another.”

For Ethan and Oscar, rugby has done more than just bring them closer to their dad – it’s brought them closer to each other. “Rugby has definitely bonded us as a family, but even more so this year,” Ethan says. “We’re all playing together now, and it’s something really special.”

As a special 2024 comes to an end for the Horsfall family, there is undoubtedly an excitement in the air for the new year as both competitive senior sides continue to grow into their respective leagues. But for them, it’s not just about the game on the field. It’s about the moments they share, the memories they create, and the unique bond that rugby has helped strengthen.
“Whether it’s a try, a tackle, or just sharing a laugh after a hard-fought match, this family is living proof that rugby truly is a game for all,” says Jon. “And long may it continue.”