Pau and Pepe are not brothers in arms just because they play hockey for the same team, Spain, but also because they are actually brothers.

Pau and Pepe, the Cunill brothers, is not the only sibling pair who are playing in the ongoing hockey World Cup. There’s Gareth and Rhodri Furlong in the Wales team and the Grambusch brothers — Mats and Tom — in the Germany side.

“To have someone from your family playing alongside you during such a big tournament like the World Cup is a big support emotionally and otherwise. You can rely on him for anything, for moral support or boosting confidence,” Pau said.

The 23-year-old Pau is one-and-half years older than Pepe and they have been inseparable since their childhood.

They also play together for the same club in Spain — Atletic Terrassa. One of their cousins, Gerard Clapes, is also in the Spanish team for the ongoing World Cup here.

“Both my father and mother played hockey. Our grandfather also played hockey. Ours is a hockey family. Our parents are very proud of the two of us,” Pau said, with 21-year-old Pepe nodding with a smile.

Pau and Pepe have been playing together for Spain since January last year and were a part of the team that played Pro League matches against India at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar in February and October-November.

Written with inputs from PTI