From team-mates to soulmates: Red Roses star reveals what it's like
Rugby NewsSaturday, 20 September 2025 at 15:21
They grew from teammates into soulmates, from the bright lights of Tokyo 2020 to the global stage again in 2025.
Olympians together, rugby trailblazers, and now—Meg Jones is back in the red rose shirt for the 2025 Rugby World Cup in England.
Thirty minutes on Zoom doesn’t scratch the surface of their journey, but it’s long enough to see why, in their own words,
“it just works.”
Meg Jones: From Cardiff Kid to World Cup Centre
Born in Cardiff in 1996, Meg first picked up a rugby ball aged six—because her brother played. Love at first sight.
By 20, she was already England’s starting outside centre in the 2017 World Cup final. Eight years on, she’s back on the biggest stage, this time with all the experience and resilience of a career that’s spanned sevens, XVs, and the Olympic Games.
“Rugby was always my escape. Growing up in Ely, it gave me somewhere to belong. I lived and breathed it—and still do. That’s never changed.”
Celia Quansah: From Track Star to Rugby Voice
Celia’s journey was different. Born in Twickenham in 1995, she chased Olympic dreams on the track as a long jumper and sprinter, training alongside Britain’s best.
When injuries closed that door, she found rugby at Loughborough University—and within six months was fast-tracked into the England Sevens setup.
She’s since become more than a player, serving on the Rugby Players Association’s Diversity & Inclusion Board, pushing for change in the sport she fell in love with.
Soulmates On and Off the Pitch
Meg and Celia met at Loughborough and, in their words, everything “just clicked.”
“At first, I didn’t fancy her,” Meg laughs. “But the more I got to know her—her kindness, her empathy—it was everything I lacked. We realised we were soulmates. Not many people can say that.”
Celia admits she was wary of the risks of dating a teammate but says it quickly became clear it was right:
“In rugby, you spend every day together. If it didn’t work, it would’ve been tough. But it just felt natural. Easy.”
Together, they’ve navigated the challenges of elite sport, public scrutiny, and injuries. Meg came out as a teenager; Celia later, after a long-term relationship with a boyfriend. Both speak openly now about their journeys with pride and honesty.
The Tokyo Games and Beyond
The pair became Olympians in 2021 when Team GB Women’s Sevens defied the odds to finish fourth in Tokyo, despite only having a five-month programme.
“We didn’t even see each other much in the Village—it was strictly business. But just having her there made it easier,” Meg recalls.
Since then, they’ve built a life together off the pitch too—buying a house, sharing family milestones, and planning their future.
Setbacks and Comebacks
Celia’s career has been hit hard by injury—back-to-back ACL tears and a serious knee dislocation. But her resilience shines through, and Meg has been right by her side.
“She literally pushed my knee down during rehab so I’d do it properly,” Celia laughs. “I could do it without her—but I wouldn’t want to.”
Meg knows the grind of recovery too, having had her own ACL injury earlier in her career. That bond has made them stronger.
Eyes on the World Cup
Now, in 2025, the next chapter is here. Meg Jones has been named in England’s Rugby World Cup squad on home soil.
For the girl from Ely who once begged her dad to let her play five games a week, it’s another dream realised.
For the couple who’ve grown through sport together, it’s proof that—whatever comes next—this partnership is built to last.
“Effortless. Seamless. That’s what we always say,” Meg smiles.
“It just works,” Celia adds.
Red Roses pride: Nine World Cup stars who are out and proud
England’s Red Roses aren’t just rugby powerhouses — they’re also trailblazers for LGBTQ+ represenation in sport.
As they charge into this year’s Rugby World Cup on home turf, nine stars are proudly out and representing both their country and community.
Here’s the incredible lineup flying the flag for Pride while chasing World Cup glory:
Marlie “Captain Fantastic” Packer — England
Captain. Flanker. Champion. And a Red Rose through and through. Marlie Packer heads into her third World Cup with England, fresh off a one-match ban that had fans worried she might miss out. No chance. A 2014 World Cup winner already, she’s determined to lead the Roses to another title — and she’ll be doing it alongside her fiancée, teammate Rosie Galligan.
Rosie “Resilient Rose” Galligan — England
Rosie Galligan’s journey is pure resilience. From making her professional debut with Saracens in 2016 to lifting back-to-back WXV 1 titles, Galligan is no stranger to success. This is her second World Cup, but there’s an extra twist this time: she’s engaged to teammate Marlie Packer. Power couple energy incoming.
Mackenzie “Maple Leaf Turned Rose” Carson — England
Born in Canada. Built for rugby. And now a Red Rose. Mackenzie Carson has already played three World Cups for Canada — but in 2025, she’s switched allegiances to England. Better still, she’ll be suiting up alongside her partner Sarah Bern, making them one of rugby’s fiercest power duos.
Sarah “Scrum Queen” Bern — England
England powerhouse Sarah Bern is used to breaking through defences — now she’s breaking barriers too.
With Carson, her partner both on and off the field, Bern is set for another World Cup campaign. Expect big hits, big carries, and big love stories in red and white.
Megan “Sevens Speedster” Jones — England
England’s youngest-ever sevens debutant at just 17, Megan Jones has built a career on speed, skill, and fearless play. After recovering from injury in 2024, she’s back and ready for the World Cup stage. Off the pitch, she’s happily with Great Britain teammate Celia Quansah — another rugby star in her own right.
Holly “Golden Boot” Aitchison — England
A natural playmaker with a golden boot, Holly Aitchison has done it all: Six Nations, World Cup, the Tokyo Olympics. Now she’s back in Red Roses colours for the 2025 World Cup, and she’ll be lining up with her partner — and fellow England star — Hannah Botterman.
Hannah “Front-Row Force” Botterman — England
The front-row force who eats scrums for breakfast. Hannah Botterman already has Grand Slam medals and World Cup experience to her name, but this year brings an extra special twist: she’s heading into the tournament alongside her partner, teammate Holly Aitchison. Roses united, on and off the pitch.
Amy “Cross-Continental” Cokayne — England
From New Zealand to England and back again — Amy Cokayne’s rugby story spans continents. After stints with Harlequins, Leicester Tigers, and now Sale Sharks, she’s earned her spot in another World Cup campaign. With experience at both the 2017 and delayed 2021 editions, Cokayne is set to be a vital presence for England in 2025.
Claudia “Chief in Command” Moloney-MacDonald — England
Dynamic, versatile, unstoppable. Claudia Moloney-MacDonald can shine at scrum-half or wing, and she’s been doing just that for Exeter Chiefs Women. A Six Nations Grand Slam winner in 2019 and a World Cup veteran from 2021, she’s back again to bring pace and passion to the Roses.
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