Wairarapa rugby fans could be in for a treat either this season or in the approaching World Cup with a dream clash of two of the district's stars, at international level.
All things being equal it looks likely All Black sensation Zac Guildford will get the chance to square off against his cousin Riki Flutey who this week was recalled to the England squad for the upcoming Six Nations.
The two, who are not only relatives but also close friends, have long looked forward to on-field rivalry but were denied it by the narrowest of margins last season when Flutey suffered a shoulder injury.
If that had not been the case it seems certain the two cousins would have played against each other on the last Grand Slam tour, as Guildford was selected to start in his second test in the black jersey.
Hearing the news Flutey was back for England Guildford responded " that's cool."
"I was very disappointed not to have him in the English team last time as I was really looking forward to playing against him but his shoulder injury meant he was out for at least a month then and having rehab."
Guildford said he couldn't be presumptuous and assume he would be picked for any All Black game but would love to square-off against England - and Flutey- either on a Grand Slam tour at the end of this season, or a few months later in the World Cup.
They wouldn't be exact opposites, as Guildford is a specialist winger and Flutey, after being a utility back in earlier times, has settled into what the British refer to as inside centre, known in New Zealand rugby circles as second five eighth.
Flutey was originally from the lower valley and as a young player was regularly seen practicing goal kicking at his family's Lake Ferry home whereas Guildford could be seen in similar circumstances at his family home in East Street, Greytown.
Although neither of the two now live in Wairarapa, both consider themselves to be son's of this district and return as often as they can to socialize and visit relatives.
Former Hurricane Flutey plays his club rugby in France for CA Brive and Guildford plays for Hawke's Bay and is soon to start the Super 14 season for the Crusaders.
Guildford said although the two had not had the chance to play against each other during the last Grand Slam, Flutey had come along to the All Blacks-England clash, and the two had gone out to dinner.
He said whereas it would feel a " bit weird" looking across the field at his cousin at kick-off in a test both would be pretty excited about it and each would have a wry smile on their face.
Flutey is highly regarded in England being described this week by manager and former captain Martin Johnson as " one of our outstanding players and characters."
Famous rugby sons and cousins may meet
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