As someone else said in a different context, he’s not merely a chip off the old block, but the old block itself.
Iwan Stephens is carving out a name and reputation in his own right in English rugby.
But he continues to provide those of a certain age with compelling reminders of his dad, the former Wales fly-half Colin Stephens, who sparkled at club level for Llanelli, most notably when delivering a man-of-the-match performance in the famous win over then world champions Australia 30 years ago this autumn.
Iwan is only 20 but he has electric pace over 30 metres and a step that can open defences. Then there’s the running style — head slightly back, chest slightly puffed out, legs pumping like pistons.
He also has a penchant for the unexpected.
Playing at full-back for Newcastle Falcons in a friendly against Leicester Tigers on Friday evening, he scored a try after some good work by former Ospreys fly-half Josh Thomas, but it was the touchdown assist for his mate Adam Radwan that was most memorable.
Collecting the ball some 70 metres out, Stephens first sidestepped off his right foot to leave one would-be tackler wondering what had just happened; then he slalomed left to beat another defender before handing off a third and motoring upfield.
A fourth opponent confronted him, only for the youngster who had previously been with Leeds Rhinos rugby league club to draw his man and send out a perfectly timed pass for Radwan to cross in the corner.
The score was special by any standard.
One social media user said of its creator: "He's class. Wish he'd stayed in RL."
Unfortunately for the Wales union team, Stephens junior seems set on a course that could eventually see him play for England, with the Leeds-born player having already pulled on the white jersey at U20 level.
His father won four caps for Wales, all in 1992. You can read more about him here. They revered Colin down in Llanelli as he came through after Jonathan Davies had gone to rugby league.
But by the age of 25 Colin had left Welsh rugby as well, with a broken ankle coinciding with an offer from Leeds to take up a role as a development officer and player. Stephens accepted, and is still living in Yorkshire, working as director of rugby for Leeds Beckett University.
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