#3. Zoe Aldcroft’s fiancé Luke Stratford
Aldcroft, who earned the title of player of the year in 2021, is joyfully committed to her longtime partner, Luke Stratford. Their engagement took place on December 29 of the preceding year, with their relationship tracing back to January 2018, as documented on Zoe’s Instagram.
Luke shares Zoe’s passion for rugby, having dedicated at least five years to playing at Hartpury College in Gloucester. Zoe, aged 25, frequently supports him during his matches. Alongside his playing pursuits, Luke coaches the Hartpury 2nds in the university league and holds a full-time position at a school. During his leisure time, he extends his coaching expertise to the local team, Longlevens RFC.
Both Zoe and Luke embrace an active lifestyle, often spotted rowing and hiking together. When not engaged in outdoor adventures, they enjoy attending family gatherings and friends’ weddings.
#4. 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 line-out throwing at home together.
Abbie gave birth to her first child Hallie in July but made her comeback as Bristol welcomed Sale Sharks to Ashton Gate, back in November.
The 30-year-old even got on the score sheet, pouncing on a loose ball in the 14th minute to put the hosts 19-0 ahead.
Dave insisted there was “no pressure” on Abbie and described her as “incredible” in the build-up to her first appearance in a year.
“Well, I obviously sleep next to Hallie, I know there are dads out there that do that all the time. Hallie’s great because she sleeps 10 to 6. At the moment she’s amazing,” Dave told TNT Sports
“If it wasn’t my wife I probably wouldn’t make a big deal of it but Abbie’s been incredible, I get to see it first-hand. There’s no pressure on her, just go out and play and enjoy it.
“She hasn’t played rugby for a year. We’ve watched a lot of rugby in that year so now just go and play.”