Off-pitch lives and loves of England's Red Roses after Rugby World Cup defeat
Rugby NewsSaturday, 12 November 2022 at 09:42
England's Red Roses have captured the hearts of the nation after reaching the Rugby World Cup final in New Zealand.
Their winning streak came to an end in the most important game of all as the Black Ferns won the World Cup for a sixth time on a historic night for women's rugby at Eden Park.
In what has to be one of the most dramatic World Cup finals of all time, the Red Roses went down to 14 players when Lydia Thompson was shown a red card in the 18th minute and led for most of the game.
England had lost four previous finals to New Zealand and their hearts were broken once again as Ayesha Leti-I'iga's try regained a three-point lead for the hosts with nine minutes remaining.
We take a look at the loved ones who will help the players to recover following the cruel defeat.
#1. Sarah Hunter's boyfriend Nathan Smith
She has more than 120 caps for England and played in the victorious World Cup squad in 2014.
She is currently captaining England women in New Zealand. Hunter lives with her boyfriend, Nathan Smith, near Loughborough He is a coach at Doncaster Knights rugby club.
#2. Jess Breach's boyfriend Archie White
Her partner is Archie White, who plays flanker for the Harlequins men’s side.
#3. Holly Aitchison and Hannah Botterman
The Saracens and England teammates are currently dating.
The pair first met at Hartpury College in 2015 but split after a year as Holly struggled to come to terms with her sexuality.
They have now revealed how they were brought back together by 'fate' when they were both signed to the Saracens and Simon Middleton's Red Roses squad.
#4. Ellie Kildunne's boyfriend Cameron
Kildunne regularly posts on social media with her long-time partner Cameron.
#5. Marlie Packer's partner Natasha
Away from the pitch, the England back-row is happily settled with her partner Natasha, who gave birth to their son Oliver in 2020.
#6. Abbie Ward's husband Dave Ward
She married former Harlequins hooker Dave Ward in August 2020 and he is now her coach at Bristol Bears. The pair admit to having practised lineout throwing at home together.
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