TWO young brothers from Thornbury are on the road to following in the footsteps of their father and playing rugby at the top level.

Makovina, 18, and 16-year-old Viliami Vunipola - or Mako and Billy as they are more commonly known - have played together for England under-18s this year and are both ambitious of emulating dad Fe’ao, who played in three World Cups for Tonga.

Since Fe’ao joined Welsh club Pontypridd in 1999, his family have settled in Thornbury.

Both his sons are currently making great strides in the game with Castle School pupil and back row Billy exceeding expectations as the youngest member of the England under-18s squad and prop Mako hoping to make his first team debut at Bristol in the near future.

Billy said: “Our dad is the one that pushes us the most to get out and train so he’s the biggest help.”

Neither can recall much of their father’s career, but Mako remembers watching him in the 1999 World Cup and one game sticks in the memory.

He said: “I remember one game we went to watch against England, and Tonga got smashed.

Mako added of his father: “I look at him and will try to surpass him.”

“One day, I’ll hopefully play for England - that is the main goal.”

Former Castle School pupil Mako, who is currently studying his A-Levels at Millfield School, was named in the Bristol 2009/10 squad as part of the Academy this week and will be on a part-time contract with the Championship club while studying at Bristol University.

And having spoken with first-team coach Paul Hull, he is confident he can break into the senior set-up next season.

“I’ve talked to the coach who has given me a chance,” said Mako.

“He said I’ve got a good chance of breaking in so hopefully by mid-season I will get on the bench.”

Billy is currently taking his GCSEs at Castle School and is in the Bristol youth academy.

He shares similar ambitions to his brother but admits he was surprised by his England call at such a young age and described his first try against Scotland as ‘emotional’.

“I was planning for next year so to get in this year was quite surprising but I was also very happy,” said Billy.

“It has been good to learn off my brother and those older than me.

I’ve been knocked around a few times but I find the pace of the game hardest so I need to work on my fitness to keep up with the boys.

“I would like to reach England seniors but it depends on how hard I work.

“I hope to make it in the under-18s next year and then take it from there.”

Mako has enjoyed being a role model for Billy in the England setup and added: “I hadn’t played with him for ages but it has been great for our family to have us both playing for England.

“Overall it has been quite enjoyable. Hopefully we can carry on and reach new heights.”

The pair are hoping to travel with the England development squad to South Africa later this summer.

l Former Ridings School pupil David Attwood has left Bristol Rugby Club.

The lock from Winterbourne was not named in the 2009/10 squad for the side who have just been relegated from the Guinness Premiership, and it is understood he has agreed terms at another club.

A Bristol Rugby Club official said: “It is now the role of the club he is signing for to make the announcement.”