Eugene Mark Gillespie (centre) made his debut for the Luxembourg national rugby team aged 50. He will now play in the same Rugby Club Luxemburg side as his eldest son. Serge Feltes

Eugene Mark Gillespie (centre) made his debut for the Luxembourg national rugby team aged 50. He will now play in the same Rugby Club Luxemburg side as his eldest son.  Serge Feltes

Eugene Mark and Eugene Louis Gillespie will become the first ever father and son duo to appear in the same Bundesliga match together on Saturday when they play for Rugby Club Luxembourg against Frankfurt 1880.

The climax of what Rugby Club Luxembourg is hyping as a Super Rugby Saturday in Cessange, the 2nd Bundesliga West match between Rugby Club Luxembourg and Frankfurt 1880 will see father and son Eugene Mark and Eugene Louis Gillespie take to the field for the home team.

Eugene Louis has been playing rugby with RCL since the age of six, together with his younger brother, Josh, who is a Senior U18 this season and will join his older brother and father from next year.  

Eugene Gillespie plays front row and can be a tighthead or loosehead or even cover the hooker position. Eugene Louis will provide cover in the back line and wing forward positions. 

Familiar veteran

Eugene Mark  Gillespie is a well-known face in the Luxembourg rugby community. He has been coaching the juniors, including both sons, all through the Juniors and Colts where he jointly coaches the U18’s this season as well. In 2019, at the age of 50 he set another record when he was selected for the national Luxembourg team that beat Sweden.

 “I really enjoy growing our game of rugby here in Luxembourg and at RCL,” said Gillespie senior. “It has been a massive part of my life, and of course, not only playing alongside with Eugene Louis (and later Josh in 2023) but also the other upcoming former Juniors and Colts whom I have had the privilege of coaching over the years, who now fill the ranks and senior squad of RCL.”

A fan of the game since he started playing at a boarding school in the UK aged six, Gillespie says that rugby can teaches life skills, resilience and discipline, as well as providing lifelong friendships. “Most importantly in this day and age [it can teach] a positive mental mindset to help us cope and navigate our way through this ever-changing world we live in. The fitness and endorphins are a big plus, too!”

Super Saturday

The match is scheduled for a 3pm kick off on Saturday 24 September at the Boy Konen stadium in Cessange. It is preceded an under 14s match in which RCL boys take on ASUB Waterloo and then and under 16s fixture between RCL and Royal Kituro--both in the Belgian leagues.

Spectators are welcome and food and drink will be available at the Buvette.