Fresh from winning the 2026 Women’s Six Nations Grand Slam with the England women's national rugby union team, Holly Aitchison is enjoying one of the most remarkable periods of her career.
The England playmaker recently stepped into the global fashion spotlight after appearing in a campaign for
Victoria’s Secret, proving that elite athletes can dominate far beyond the rugby pitch.
Sporting excellence runs through the Aitchison family. Her younger brother, Thomas Aitchison, is a professional cricketer, while her father, Ian Aitchison, is a former England Saxons player and respected rugby coach.
Here are 10 facts about one of the most talented and inspiring figures in women’s sport.
Join the RUCK’s WhatsApp community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages. 1. She Is a Grand Slam Winner with England
Holly Aitchison helped the England women's national rugby union team complete the 2026 Women’s Six Nations Grand Slam, adding another major honour to her already impressive résumé.
England’s clean sweep further cemented Holly’s status as one of the most influential backs in world rugby.
2. She Plays for Sale Sharks Women
At club level, Holly represents Sale Sharks Women in Premiership Women’s Rugby.
Her creativity, tactical kicking and versatility have made her one of the standout playmakers in the competition.
3. She Modeled for Victoria’s Secret
In 2025, Holly appeared in a swimwear campaign for
Victoria’s Secret.
The campaign celebrated athletic body types and highlighted her growing influence beyond rugby.
4. Her Brother Is Professional Cricketer Thomas Aitchison
Sporting talent clearly runs in the family. Holly’s younger brother, Thomas Aitchison, is building a promising career in county cricket.
5. Her Father Is Former England Saxons Player and Coach Ian Aitchison
Holly’s father, Ian Aitchison, enjoyed a distinguished rugby career and later moved into coaching.
His experience and guidance played a key role in Holly’s development as an elite athlete.
6. She Previously Dated Hannah Botterman
Holly was previously in a relationship with fellow England international Hannah Botterman.
The pair were among the most well-known couples in women’s rugby.
7. She Has Played in New Zealand
Earlier in her career, Holly spent time in New Zealand, where she gained valuable experience in one of rugby’s most competitive environments.
8. She Has Spoken Openly About Body Confidence
Holly has candidly discussed her struggles with acne and self-confidence, using her platform to encourage others to embrace their appearance and feel comfortable in their own skin.
9. She Partnered with Clinique
Holly worked with
Clinique on its #GameFace campaign, promoting confidence and supporting girls’ rugby programmes across the UK.
10. She Is an Adidas Athlete
Alongside her achievements in rugby and modeling, Holly Aitchison is sponsored by
adidas.
As an official adidas athlete, she joins a global roster of elite sports stars representing one of the world’s biggest sportswear brands, further highlighting her growing profile both on and off the field.
England’s Red Roses Partners:
Zoe Aldcroft & Luke Stratford
World Cup-winning captain Zoe Aldcroft shares a heartwarming rugby romance with her husband, Luke Stratford. The pair first met outside a nightclub in Gloucester, but their relationship truly blossomed when Luke cleverly booked physio sessions at the same time as Zoe before they officially got together.
The couple tied the knot in June 2024 at Hackness Grange in Scarborough. Zoe shared snaps of their special day on Instagram, captioning the post: “The best day of my life with the absolute love of my life.”
Their bond is strengthened by a shared love of rugby. Luke currently serves as the Women’s Scrum Coach at Sale Sharks, having previously coached Leicester Tigers Women.
Although Aldcroft was named England captain earlier in the year, she will miss the 2026 Six Nations as the couple prepare to welcome their first child. Speaking on the England Rugby Podcast: O2 Inside Line, she revealed that Luke was one of the first people she called after learning of her captaincy.
Hannah Botterman & Georgia Evans
Loosehead prop Hannah Botterman has found love across the Severn Bridge with Wales international Georgia Evans. Following her reported split from fellow Red Roses star Holly Aitchison, fans began speculating about the relationship after Evans was spotted supporting England during the recent tournament—most notably wearing a Red Roses shirt during the final.
The rumours have since been confirmed, with the cross-border couple now officially an item, proving that rugby rivalries stop at the touchline.
Ellie Kildunne
England’s electric full-back Ellie Kildunne is currently embracing the single life after confirming her split from long-term partner Cameron Sommerville-Bailey just before the Six Nations.
The pair had been together for around five years, and Kildunne described the separation as amicable, explaining that she “still loves him to pieces,” even joking that cleaning her boots was “his love language.”
When asked whether there was someone new in her life, Kildunne was quick to shut down speculation, replying: “No, there is not.” For now, the Red Roses star is focusing fully on her flourishing rugby career as she heads into another Six Nations campaign.
Celia Quansah & Meg Jones
Few love stories in rugby are as inspiring as that of Celia Quansah and Meg Jones. The pair met at Loughborough University, where Quansah transitioned from athletics to rugby, and their friendship soon blossomed into romance.
Jones admitted in an interview with Team GB that it wasn’t exactly love at first sight: “I actually didn’t really fancy Celia. As I got to know her, she was so kind, empathetic and compassionate… The more we spoke, the more I started to fancy her and love her more. We realised we are soulmates.”
Together, they have enjoyed glittering careers in rugby sevens, representing Great Britain at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and playing club rugby for Wasps, making them one of the sport’s true power couples.
Jess Breach & Archie White
Saracens winger Jess Breach has been in a long-term relationship with Harlequins forward Archie White for more than five years.
The rugby duo have supported each other through the highs and lows of elite sport, including navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Speaking to Talking Rugby Union, Breach explained: “We isolated together when bubbles were introduced last year, but it made us stronger and I think the dedication we have in rugby as players can reflect a lot of other things such as a relationship.”
The pair are frequently seen cheering each other on from the sidelines, embodying the true spirit of rugby partnership.
Marlie Packer & Rosie Galligan
England stars Marlie Packer and Rosie Galligan are not only teammates but also partners in life.
The couple recently got engaged during a romantic lakeside picnic, with Galligan sharing the moment on Instagram and captioning it: “The easiest yes in the world. Forever and always.”
Packer is already a proud mother to her son, Oliver, from a previous relationship, and Galligan has embraced family life seamlessly.
Adding to the excitement, the couple are now expecting their first child together, marking a joyful new chapter for the Red Roses pair.