Daniel Brennan, 16-year-old son of legendary rugby player Trevor Brennan, is set to earn his first cap for France at under-17 level after being named in a 25-man squad.

The prop has been named in the development squad to face England, Italy and America next month in Paris and looks set to follow in his father's international footsteps. Brennan senior earned just 13 caps - all earned under Warren Gatland - and there were many shrewd observers who felt the former Barnhall man was hard-done by and paid a dear price for leaving these shores in the early days of the professional era.

While he is not strictly involved with the French club any longer, Trevor maintains strong ties with Toulouse, especially with Daniel making tremendous strides as a prop at Stade Toulousain.

The former Ireland lock still trains at the club and helps out regularly with Toulouse's underage teams. Already the focus of attention among the French media, his 6ft 2ins, 121kg teenage son has always said he would consider playing for France if the occasion arose and now opportunity knocks.

And there was no disguising Trevor's pride on hearing the news:

"I'm delighted," he said. "He deserves this call-up, especially after missing out last year when he was picked to play for France but had to withdraw because of injury. It's a great honour for Daniel and the family. France and the people of Toulouse have been so good to us."

Daniel, who went through a gruelling process in Paris over a three-week period before a group of the country's top 50 teenage rugby players was whittled down to a squad of 25, had thoughts closer to Ireland when he learned of his selection. "My granny Iris bought me a charm when I was 13 and I had it on during the trials. I call it my lucky charm so I was confident I would be picked," said Daniel, who will be 17 in September.

Grandmother Iris lives in Glendale, Leixlip and you would be hard-pressed to meet a prouder woman. Talking today in a busy Brennan household, she said: "The whole family are thrilled for Daniel. He's worked so hard for this. He's up at 6am before school every morning as well as training three nights a week with Toulouse."

Expand Close Ireland's Trevor Brennan celebrates with a fan after Ireland's 20-14 victory over England. Ireland v England, Six Nations Championship, Lansdowne Road, Dublin. Picture credit: Matt Browne / SPORTSFILE SPORTSFILE / Facebook

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Whatsapp Ireland's Trevor Brennan celebrates with a fan after Ireland's 20-14 victory over England. Ireland v England, Six Nations Championship, Lansdowne Road, Dublin. Picture credit: Matt Browne / SPORTSFILE

"His grandad Rory and uncles Earl and Ronnie are so excited and are planning to travel to Paris to see him play. Trevor's other two sons, Josh (13) and Bobby (8), also play for Toulouse. Josh, who is 6ft 3ins, is the image of his dad in the way he plays. He was recently picked to play for Pyrenees, which would be the equivalent of playing for Leinster here. Daniel, on the other hand, is more placid."

Rory was at pains point out that Trevor had no input into Daniel's selection.

"Trevor had no involvement in the process; Daniel did it all off his own bat," he confirmed. "There were three Toulouse players picked and one of the selectors was telling Trevor that Daniel played very well and made a big impression. It's a fantastic achievement and honour for Daniel, Toulouse Rugby Club and his college, which is 30 miles outside the city."

Two-time Heineken Cup winner Trevor decided to try his luck in France and made the decision to up sticks in 2002 and join Toulouse. Although his international career suffered hugely after leaving Leinster for Stade Toulousain, he subsequently went on to play in three consecutive European Cup finals, with two wins (against Perpingnan 2003 and Stade Francais 2005) and one defeat (against Wasps 2004) in the prestigious competition which is now run as the European Rugby champions Cup.

The move to France was life-changing both on and off the field and one he has never regretted. He instantly became a huge hit with the home crowd and he quickly became a vital cog in Guy Noves' world-class side, who went on to dominate European rugby with some high-class players.

Trevor runs a successful bar in Toulouse (De Danu), which is a must-visit on any rugby trip of la ville rose, and also owns his own rugby tour company, Trevor Brennan Rugby Tours.

A man of many parts, the native of Glendale in Leixlip has also become involved in the media and his book, Heart and Soul, co-written with Irish Times journalist Gerry Thornley, won the William Hill Sports Book of the Year in 2007.

Now another chapter is about to be written in the extraordinary story of the Brennan family as Trevor and his wife Paula and sons look forward to a trip to Paris to watch Daniel perform.

Online Editors