Tyler Offiah (born 29 June 2006) is an English rugby union player who plays for Bath Rugby. He is the son of Martin Offiah.
| Date of birth | 29 June 2006 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Height | 1.91 m (6 ft 3 in) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| School | Wellington College, Berkshire | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Notable relative(s) | Martin Offiah (father) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rugby union career | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Early life
editOffiah joined Ealing Trailfinders aged five years-old and attended St Benedict's School, Ealing. He was part of the London Irish academy and became part of the London and South Central academy, funded by the Rugby Football Union. He completed his A-Levels at Wellington College, Berkshire, received an offer from the University of Bath to study Politics and International Relations. A multi-sport athlete, he also played American Football for London Blitz as a wide receiver and rugby league for Richmond Warriors. He has also worked as a model for the Sandra Reynolds Model Agency in London.[1][2]
Career
editHe trained with rugby league side Wigan Warriors without signing a professional contract.[3] He signed a professional contract with Bath Rugby ahead of the 2024/25 season.[4] Reportedly, Offiah also had offers from Wigan Warriors, Gloucester Rugby, Sale Sharks and Leicester Tigers.[5] Upon his signing, Bath head of rugby Johann van Graan said "What impresses me about Tyler is his speed, spatial awareness, finishing ability and a natural understanding of playing the game".[6]
International career
editHe made his England U18 debut in April 2024 at the U18 Six Nations Rugby Festival in Italy.[7] He was called-up to train with England U20 in September 2024.[8]
Style of play
editAt 6ft 3" he is taller than his father, although also plays on the wing.[9] He has been described as having "exceptional speed, strength, and scoring prowess.”[10] England U18 head coach Jonathan Pendlebury compared him to his father speaking to RugbyPass saying "They [both] like scoring tries…he [Tyler] likes playing rugby with a smile on his face."[11]
Personal life
editThe son of former cross-code rugby international Martin Offiah and his wife Virginia, he has stated that he is a fan of Brisbane Broncos.[12] He took part in Judo, athletics and basketball as a youngster. His younger brother Phoenix is in the Brentford F.C. development system.[13] His cousin Odeluga Offiah is a professional footballer.[14] He has Nigerian heritage through his paternal grandparents, his grandfather George was working as a magistrate in Lagos at the time of his death.[15]
References
edit- ^ Heppenstall, Ross (9 April 2024). "Martin Offiah's son to sign for Bath after turning down Sale, Leicester, Gloucester and Wigan". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 24 April 2024.
- ^ Coles, Ben (29 March 2024). "Martin Offiah's to start for England U18 on the wing". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 24 April 2024.
- ^ Mitchell, Ollie (10 April 2024). "Martin Offiah's son snubs Wigan Warriors to sign three-year deal elsewhere". seriousaboutrl.com. Retrieved 24 April 2024.
- ^ Evely, John (23 April 2024). "Bath Rugby announce superstar academy intake: England captain, Bath U18s league-winning skipper, schoolboy champ". Somersetlive. Retrieved 24 April 2024.
- ^ "Martin Offiah's son rejects rugby league club to sign with rugby union powerhouse". Ruck. 10 April 2024. Retrieved 24 April 2024.
- ^ "Bath sign Martin Offiah's son Tyler on senior academy contract". The Independent. 23 April 2024. Retrieved 24 April 2024.
- ^ McAllister, Josh (23 April 2024). "Martin Offiah's son signs first contract with Premiership Rugby side". Wigan Today. Retrieved 24 April 2024.
- ^ Heppenstal, Ross (30 September 2024). "Tyler Offiah could be thrown in at deep end with Bath as he sets 'very ambitious' Premiership and England record goals". Planet Rugby. Retrieved 1 October 2024.
- ^ James, Dylan (29 March 2024). "Son of rugby legend to face Wales in upcoming fixture". Walesonline. Retrieved 24 April 2024.
- ^ "Bath confirm the signing of Martin 'Charriots' Offiah's son with immediate effect". Ruck. 23 April 2024. Retrieved 24 April 2024.
- ^ Raisey, Josh (23 April 2024). "Bath sign 5 to academy including son of Martin Offiah and U18 captain". Rugby Pass. Retrieved 24 April 2024.
- ^ Walker, Callum (10 April 2024). "Martin Offiah's son, Tyler Offiah, snubs Super League side to join rugby union club". totalrl. Retrieved 24 April 2024.
- ^ Spink, Alex (11 April 2024). "Rugby league legend Martin Offiah savours 'emotional moment' as Premiership-bound son Tyler pulls on England jersey". Planet Rugby. Retrieved 24 April 2024.
- ^ "Martin Offiah's nephew makes Premier League debut – and he's as quick as you'd expect". Ruck. 24 May 2023. Retrieved 24 April 2024.
- ^ "Rugby star's father shot dead". BBC News. 2 March 1999. Retrieved 24 April 2024.