THE KIWI/ITALIAN JOB
The children of former All Black Sir John Kirwan have definitely taken a few steps in his sporting direction as well as his other passion — Italy. Daughter Francesca has worked with her father celebrating and importing Italian wine for their company Jk.14 Wines.
This year she has shown her sporting prowess by winning the New Zealand Beach Volleyball Championships — her third victory in five years.
Younger brother Luca was a member of the New Zealand Coxed Four that finished fourth at the world U23 rowing championships in 2020.
Sir John and his Italian wife Fiorella spent their early family life in Treviso, Italy, so it is no wonder the flavours of the country run deep in the family. Luca, Francesca and her fiance — also named Luca — watch football at 3am on Mondays to watch the third sibling Niko play for AC Reggiana in Italy.