First gay England star now lives a very different life after getting married

Tuesday, 14 October 2025 at 07:13

byRugby Rucker

Former England Sevens and Saracens back Sam Stanley says marrying long-term partner Laurence Hicks surrounded by loved ones made for an “incredibly emotional” day.

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The couple tied the knot in St Albans last December, joined by Stanley’s father, brothers, nieces and nephews.

Stanley and Hicks have been together since 2010. Five years later, at just 23, Stanley came out publicly as gay – first on Instagram, then in a newspaper interview – becoming the first openly gay professional rugby union player in England.

Injuries ended his top-level career early, and he was working as a personal trainer when they announced their engagement in 2017. He later returned to play for his boyhood club Thurrock in the lower leagues.

Hicks, a successful travel industry businessman, previously co-owned a guesthouse in Sicily with Stanley. The pair are now renovating a new home on the Italian island.

Born in Essex to an English mother and Samoan father, Stanley admits a Sicilian wedding might have been sunnier, but the family reunion in England meant everything.

“My brother from New Zealand is over, so that really added to how emotional the day was, not just for Laurence and I, but for them also,” Stanley says.
“My family were together for the first time in six years… Laurence and I are now in our 15th year together — we’ve been through a hell of a lot! In my mind, getting married really just cements the strength of our relationship, which is already so strong.”

Hicks added his thanks to guests for “the love and affection” they showed: “Everybody was so supportive.”

Now focused on completing their new property, “Borgo della Pineta,” the couple plan to open it as an Airbnb in 2026.

“We’re going to save our honeymoon because we’d much rather spend what’s necessary for our home in Sicily and then we can relax,” says Stanley.

From breaking barriers in rugby to building a new life in Italy, Stanley’s journey has come full circle. As he wrote on Instagram:

“I’m a lucky man. I’m also now a married man. Grateful.”

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Wealthiest Rugby Couples in 2025 (Ranked 10-1)

Rugby’s richest couples aren’t just celebrated for their on-field talent—they’ve built impressive empires off the pitch as well.

From business ventures and endorsements to philanthropy and royal connections, these power couples exemplify success in every arena.

Here’s a look at the top 10 wealthiest rugby couples in 2025, ranked from the humblest fortunes to the largest bank accounts.

Wealthiest Rugby Couples:

10. David Pocock & Emma Palandri – £1.5 million

Former Australian rugby star David Pocock and his wife, Emma Palandri, have diversified their wealth through post-rugby careers. Pocock is now an Australian senator, while Palandri co-founded social enterprise projects focusing on sustainable development.

9. Nigel Owens & Barrie Jones-Davies – £2 million

Nigel Owens, Welsh former rugby referee, is a motivational speaker, commentator, and farmer. Together with his partner, Barrie Jones-Davies, they’ve cultivated a modest fortune built on Owens’ post-rugby ventures.

8. Owen Farrell & Georgie Farrell – £3 million

England captain Owen Farrell and his wife, Georgie Farrell, an events manager, have accumulated a solid fortune through rugby salaries and personal business ventures.

7. Bryan Habana & Janine Viljoen – £8 million

South African rugby legend Bryan Habana and entrepreneur Janine Viljoen have grown their wealth through sports, media appearances, and business initiatives.

From business ventures and endorsements to philanthropy and royal connections, these power couples exemplify success in every arena.

6. Siya & Rachel Kolisi – £10 million

World Cup-winning captain Siya Kolisi and Rachel Kolisi, co-founder of the Kolisi Foundation, are currently navigating a divorce. Their combined wealth stems from rugby, endorsements, and philanthropic ventures that uplift underprivileged communities.

5. Dan & Honor Carter – £12 million

All Blacks fly-half Dan Carter, three-time World Rugby Player of the Year, and his wife, Honor Carter, former Black Ferns hockey player, have built a fortune through rugby and business ventures.

4. Richie & Gemma McCaw – £15 million

Two-time Rugby World Cup champion Richie McCaw and his wife Gemma McCaw, former Black Sticks hockey player, have amassed wealth through sports, endorsements, and philanthropic work.

3. Jonny Wilkinson & Shelley Jenkins – £20 million

England hero Jonny Wilkinson and his wife Shelley Jenkins have grown their fortune post-retirement through media appearances, business ventures, and strategic endorsements.

2. Sonny Bill & Alana Williams – £22 million

Versatile athlete Sonny Bill Williams and Alana Williams, former model and businesswoman, have diversified wealth from rugby, rugby league, boxing, and endorsements.

1. Mike & Zara Tindall – £25 million

Mike Tindall, former England captain, and Zara Tindall, Olympic equestrian and granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II, top the list. Mike enjoys a successful media career, while Zara remains active in equestrian sports and business, making them rugby’s wealthiest power couple.