England’s 2003 Rugby Heroes Face Divorce and Tough Times

However, the years following this triumph have presented significant personal challenges for several squad members, particularly in their personal lives.

Renowned for his try-scoring prowess, Ben Cohen's post-rugby life has been tumultuous. After retiring in 2011, Cohen's personal life became tabloid fodder when he left his wife, Abby, in 2013 for his   has faced a series of adversities since hanging up his boots. Forced to retire in 2010 due to neck injuries, Vickery subsequently experienced divorce and bankruptcy.

Strictly Come Dancing partner, Kristina Rihanoff.

The couple welcomed a daughter in 2016. However, after 12 years together, Cohen and Rihanoff announced their separation, citing financial difficulties as a contributing factor. [Source]

The former scrum-half and A Question of Sport team captain faced his own marital challenges. In 2020, Dawson announced his divorce from his wife of 11 years, Carolin, with whom he shares two sons. The couple emphasized their commitment to co-parenting despite the end of their marriage. [Source]

England rugby legend Lawrence Dallaglio has begun divorce proceedings from his wife Alice after nearly 20 years of marriage, according to reports.

The former England captain, 52, attended Central Family Court in Holborn, London, to negotiate terms with his wife, also 52, a former model. The couple, who had been together for decades, are now working through the legal aspects of their separation.

Dallaglio, known for his leadership and influence on the pitch, has largely kept his personal life private, but this development marks a significant chapter in his post-rugby years.

The prop known as the Raging Bull

He has also been diagnosed with probable chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a condition linked to repeated head injuries. In response to these challenges, Vickery found solace in bodybuilding, which provided a new sense of purpose and discipline. [Source]

The hero of the 2003 final, Wilkinson's personal life has seen its share of ups and downs. He was previously in a relationship with Sky Sports presenter Di Stewart.

The couple eventually parted ways, and Wilkinson later married Shelley Jenkins in 2013. He has been open about his struggles with anxiety both during and after his rugby career.

The electrifying winger, who scored England's sole try in the 2003 final, has also navigated complex personal waters. Robinson divorced his first wife, Amanda, with whom he has six children. In June 2017, he married Sian Griffin, and the couple has a son together. [Source]

The 2003 legends have decided to use their profile to give back, forming a charitable entity, named Champions 2003, designed to assist athletes in their transition out of sport. With their support, they aim to provide a safety net for those who struggle with the shift from professional sports.

As part of their charitable efforts, the 2003 squad has launched a series of products to raise funds for their mission. One of the standout offerings is The Golden Drop, a special beer brewed by Powder Monkey.

But that’s not all—fans can also get their hands on a limited-edition commemorative shirt and bobble hat, both featuring embedded NFC chips in the badges.

Katie and Jamie George have been a power couple for years. The Saracens hooker wed Katie in 2020 after six years of dating, with teammate Elliot Daly standing as best man. Their love story is a strong one, showing a deep bond and unwavering support for each other.

The towering Maro Itoje recently put a ring on it! The 30-year-old popped the question on a holiday to Nigeria, and his now-fiancée, Mimi Fall, said yes.

Known for being private, Maro shared the news with fans through Mimi's Instagram, where England teammate Marcus Smith was quick to congratulate the happy couple.

Mimi is not only a model but also an artist, and she and Maro first met while modelling together.

Henry Slade and his wife, Megan, tied the knot in 2022, and they share two beautiful children.

Megan runs a children’s fashion line, Olive & Bud, known for high-quality basics with soft, earthy color palettes, co-founded with another new mum.

This Devon-based brand is gaining popularity, and Megan is as hands-on in her business as she is with her family.

England fly-half George Ford is riding high in life, not only on the field but also at home, with his wife Atdhetare and their new baby.

Atdhetare has an inspiring journey, arriving in the UK as a child refugee from Kosovo. Driven by passion, she opened her own Italian restaurant, Sorella, in Saddleworth in 2020, bringing her love for food to life after overcoming a challenging past.

Her resilience is a source of strength for George.

The Harlequins fly-half Marcus Smith has been dating model and singer Beth Dolling since 2019, and the pair regularly give fans a glimpse into their romance on social media.

Beth, who’s worked with M MODELS MANAGEMENT and appeared in campaigns for PrettyLittleThing, has over 35,000 followers on Instagram.

She’s also an aspiring singer, sharing clips of her vocals on a separate Instagram account, described simply as "Just some girl that likes to sing."