"Kicked me in the head" - Red Roses star played AGAINST wife in 2026 Six Nations opener

Red Roses winger Claudia MacDonald found herself lining up against her wife, Ireland hooker Cliodhna Moloney-MacDonald, in front of a record-breaking crowd of 77,120.

The couple, who married in 2025 and previously played together for Exeter Chiefs, experienced the rare occasion of competing on opposite sides of the international stage.

England, playing their first match since being crowned world champions at the same venue, quickly asserted their dominance. Amy Cokayne crossed for the opening try, while Sarah Bern powered over twice in the first half to put the hosts firmly in control.

Although Ellie Kildunne missed a chance to add another score after losing control of the ball while grounding it, the Red Roses maintained their momentum.

Jess Breach secured the crucial bonus-point try early in the second half, expertly chasing down a kick to seal a comfortable win and underline England’s title credentials.

Despite the emphatic result, MacDonald later joked about the unusual experience of facing her spouse, revealing that Moloney-MacDonald had even “kicked me in the head” during the match. The fixture will be remembered not only for England’s dominance but also for this unique and heartwarming rugby rivalry.

From rugby romances and Olympic love stories to growing families and cross-border relationships, here’s a look at the glamorous partners cheering on England during the 2026 Six Nations.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.