Simon Easterby is one of the most respected coaches in world rugby, but away from the training ground the Ireland assistant coach shares his life with one of the sport’s most recognisable TV faces.
The former Ireland flanker has been married to Welsh presenter Sarra Elgan since 2005, with the couple celebrating more than two decades together.
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Easterby has become a key figure in Ireland's coaching set-up and has twice stepped into the head coach role when Andy Farrell has been away on British & Irish Lions duty, underlining the trust placed in him by the IRFU.
Elgan is one of rugby's best-known broadcasters, having worked across TNT Sports, Sky Sports, ESPN, BBC and Welsh-language channel S4C. She is also rugby royalty by birth as the daughter of former Wales and British & Irish Lions winger Elgan Rees.
Their wedding in 2005 was packed with rugby stars, with former Wales international Matt Cardey serving as Easterby's best man. Since then, the pair have become one of rugby's most recognisable couples, regularly appearing at major international tournaments while balancing their demanding careers.
Despite their professional commitments often putting them on opposite sides of fierce Six Nations rivalries, the couple have successfully kept rugby at the heart of their family life.
Easterby enjoyed a distinguished playing career with Ireland and the British & Irish Lions before moving into coaching with the Scarlets and later Ireland. He has played a significant role in Ireland's recent success and remains one of the most highly regarded coaches in the international game.
With Easterby helping to shape Ireland's fortunes on the pitch and Elgan bringing the action to millions of viewers, they remain one of rugby union's true power couples.
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Wealthiest Rugby Couples:
Here’s our ranking of the top 10 richest rugby couples in 2026 — counting up from the most modest fortunes to the biggest bank balances.
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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