What’s next for Brad Fittler’s son after lighting up world champs

Carrying a famous surname can be a lonely burden for some.

Zach Fittler prefers to focus on the positives that come with being the ‘son of’ - and for once, he had plenty of welcome company in the Junior Wallabies.

Fittler, the son of league legend Brad, had a strong World Rugby Junior World Championship for Australia this month, scoring three tries and providing a robust midfield presence throughout.

The team’s leading try-scorer, Tom Farr-Jones, is the nephew of Nick, who led the Wallabies to their historic 1991 Rugby World Cup triumph.

The Chris Whitaker-coached side was captained by Tom Robinson, the son of Wallabies flanker turned World Rugby chairman Brett.

Edward Baxter is the son of former Wallabies prop Al while Toby Brial’s old man is ex-Test firebrand Michael.

“I feel like we all have a good understanding of each other and what it feels like to be in that spotlight with those types of surnames coming up,” Fittler told nine.com.au.

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“It is an unspoken bond, but it was there. I think we all just admire how far the lads have come with those surnames and how they’ve just pushed through it with their own abilities. We all kind of understood and tried to put the best foot forward for the team and for our country.”

Fittler starred in Australia’s final match against Argentina with a game-high five tackle busts and 88 post-contact metres - while flashing his old man’s famous left-foot sidestep.

The Junior Wallabies finished seventh at the tournament despite scoring more points than any other nation.

Australia beat Spain, Fiji and Argentina but lost to France and Wales.

Fittler’s mother, Marie, made the trip to Georgia to cheer on while dad was up watching Stan Sport and getting on the phone in the small hours.

“Dad stayed up and gave me good positive feedback. Don’t lose my own game was the main one. Sometimes I get in my own head and try to do too much,” Fittler said.

“That’s not good for the team. He helps me keep a cool head and focus on what I do best. My ball running is the strongest part of my game so he was big on focusing on that, and how you can help the team without putting too much pressure on myself.

“It was a huge step-up, a great experience being able to play against such powerful countries. I was pretty happy with my performance, but I know I’ve got a lot more to give.

“It was hot, and we had a lot of things go against us, injuries and cards. But we gave it a good crack. The main thing I’ll take away is just staying in the fight and staying disciplined throughout the whole game to really stick with these other countries.

“Because these countries do not know how to back down, and they will not stop fighting the whole time.”

Fittler and several teammates were enjoying some rest and relaxation on a post-tournament holiday in the Greek Islands before returning to Australia.

Fittler, 20, is off contract with the NSW Waratahs at the end of the season.

He is yet to make his Super Rugby debut and Angus Crichton and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii appear likely to be the starting centres next year.

“I’m not completely sure what it looks like for me after this year,” Fittler said.

“But I’d love to stay with the Waratahs and keep doing the best I can with them.”

The Waratahs remain on the hunt for a coach after parting ways with Dan McKellar in June.

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