George Ford found love again after shock split from fiancee
Rugby NewsSaturday, 15 November 2025 at 09:27
in 2023, he said:“She does a bit of everything. She is the manager but if there is a problem, or a chef is ill, she will go in there and get her chef's gear on.“She is so hard-working. The only good thing me and [my brother] Joe can do is make coffees or load the dishwasher.”
George Ford’s world looked very different just a few years ago. The England fly-half endured a surprise split from long-term partner Jess Portman, drawing a line under a relationship many assumed would last.
Jess, 24, even flew to Japan to support Ford during England’s World Cup campaign last November, watching on as they fell short in the final. But according to
The Daily Mail, she moved out of their Leicester home in February 2020, taking their beloved dog Bailee with her and returning to Bath to live with her parents.
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A source told the paper: “It’s very regrettable because they made a fantastic couple.
“Both are very private individuals and are focusing on coming to terms with what has happened. It’s very sad.”
“Both are very private individuals and are focusing on coming to terms with what has happened. It’s very sad.”
The pair had only become engaged in June 2019 — a mere three months before the World Cup. The reason behind the split remains unknown.
FAMILY FIRST
Ford has since rebuilt his life away from the spotlight and now has unwavering support from the sidelines in the form of his wife, Atdhetare Hoxha — a successful restaurateur with an extraordinary backstory.
Born in Kosovo, Atdhetare and her family were forced to flee when their home was bombed during the Kosovo War. Arriving in Oldham with nothing and unable to speak English, they rebuilt their lives from scratch, driven by her father’s relentless work ethic.
“I came here as a refugee aged four during the Kosovan War. We had a great life back home. We had family businesses but they were taken away from us in a heartbeat,” she recalled. “My dad started as a kitchen porter to improve his English. He always worked in restaurants, that's where the passion comes from. When we came here, we had nothing.”
BUILDING A CAREER
Though she initially trained as a hairdresser, Atdhetare soon realised her future lay in hospitality. In 2020, she opened her first restaurant — Sorella, an Italian eatery in Saddleworth — which has since grown into a group of four family-run venues across Greater Manchester.
LOVE AND FAMILY
While the beginnings of their romance remain private, George and Atdhetare married on 15 August 2022, later welcoming their daughter, Alarnia, on 23 March 2024.
Fatherhood has been a powerful shift for Ford:
“I always thought playing for England was the biggest thing in my life, but I know different now. There’s nothing like being present at the birth of your first-born, and I really do mean nothing.”
“I always thought playing for England was the biggest thing in my life, but I know different now. There’s nothing like being present at the birth of your first-born, and I really do mean nothing.”
He has also spoken proudly about his wife’s relentless work ethic. Speaking to The Times
ROOTED IN THE NORTH WEST
With his family thriving in the region, Ford has now doubled down on life in the North West. The fly-half recently signed a new contract with Sale Sharks, further cementing his long-term commitment to both the club and the community he now calls home.
For Ford, it feels like more than a rugby decision — it’s a declaration of where his future belongs, both on and off the field.
Wealthiest Rugby Couples in 2025 (Ranked 10-1)
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.
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- Jordie Barrett over Damian de Allende is far from being correct. The hype around Dupont is also overreaching, he's probably 4th in the world and has been since the 2023 WC. He also avoids certain matchups which is strange. The rest of the list is pretty good apart from minor subjective biases.JasonMarlow16-09-2026
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