To the people he credits for his blossoming rugby career, Scott Sio has a little surprise: return flights to Paris and a Sio family reunion.

One of the rising stars of the Australian game, Sio is at the core of an Australian pack trying to regenerate under the watchful eye of head coach Michael Cheika and scrum guru Mario Ledesma.

But they aren’t the beneficiaries of Sio’s generosity this time – that honour goes to father David and mother Tina, who celebrated their 26th wedding anniversary in September.

Because while the credit for Sio’s rugby genetics and powerful physique often fall at the feet of the well-credentialed David – a 1991 World Cup legend in the family homeland of Samoa – the young loosehead prop is clear in the influence that both parents have played in his development.

“Our parents always want the best for us, and they’re willing to do what they can and sacrifice for you to achieve that,” Sio said on Monday.

“I’m very thankful for that (and) where I am today – I owe a lot to them.

“I’ll continue to praise them for however long I play professionally and continue to don the Wallaby jersey.”

So to celebrate them, Sio wants to surprise his parents with flights to Paris to watch the Wallabies take on France on November 19 at Stade de France.

Brother Patrick Sio plays for Stade Francais in Paris, meaning a Sio family reunion is on the cards with a handful of cousins also hoping to catch some of the Wallabies’ Spring Tour action.

“My frequent flyer points are going to take a big hit,” the rising star laughed.

“But that’s fine – family is a big part of my life and I’ll do anything for them.

“It would be a great surprise and a big lift for myself if that does happen.

“I’m sure I’ll get a message from them during the week.”

The Sio name will forever be tied to the famed Samoan team of 1991 who shocked the world by reaching the quarter-finals following a group-stage win over Wales.

It ensured young Scott, who always had ambitions to play professional rugby union, would forever have expectations placed on him.

“Our parents were very good at reminding us that it was always going to take hard work and perseverance,” he explained.

“You can have all the talent in the world and the pedigree behind you, but it wouldn’t matter unless you were willing to work hard for it.

“With my father’s name being so big in Samoa, I guess the expectation was for us to kick on and to make it. But it’s all words at the end of the day.”