They’ve gone from teenage sweethearts to one of England rugby’s power couples.
Andy Farrell will be without 16 players from his initial 38-man squad as the British & Irish Lions assemble in Portugal this week to begin preparations for their summer campaign.
The Lions head coach has been forced into changes, bringing in experienced England hooker Jamie George as cover for Ireland pair Dan Sheehan and Ronan Kelleher, who are both tied up with Leinster’s United Rugby Championship final against the Bulls in Dublin next Saturday.
Farrell was fully aware when naming his squad that a large chunk would be unavailable for the Portugal camp and the June 20 warm-up match against Argentina at the Aviva Stadium, with both the Gallagher Premiership and URC finals scheduled for this weekend.
Meanwhile, the Top 14 final in France isn't scheduled until June 28.
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Leinster dominate squad despite URC final
Leinster lead the way, contributing a whopping 12 players to the Lions squad – although none of them will feature in Portugal due to the URC decider. Also missing will be Scotland’s Finn Russell and England’s Will Stuart, both in action for Bath, along with Leicester Tigers’ Ollie Chessum.
The Top 14’s only impact on the squad sees Scotland full-back Blair Kinghorn unavailable due to his involvement with Toulouse – a particularly tough blow with Hugo Keenan also ruled out.
No place for Dewi Lake as George gets the nod
The call-up of Jamie George comes at the expense of Wales hooker Dewi Lake, who had long been tipped to make the tour. It’s a significant snub, with Farrell instead opting for the tried and tested Saracens man.
Second-row options are also depleted, with Chessum, Joe McCarthy, and James Ryan all out of action due to club commitments. It leaves the Lions light in key positions just as preparations ramp up.
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The England players WAGs cheering on British & Irish Lions this summer
As the British & Irish Lions gear up for an action-packed summer tour, all eyes won’t just be on the pitch — the stands will be just as captivating.
The England players’ WAGs (wives and girlfriends) are preparing to show their unwavering support, bringing glamour, style, and plenty of team spirit along for the ride.
From sun-soaked selfies to heartfelt moments of encouragement, expect these supportive partners to be a vibrant presence throughout the Lions' campaign.
Here's a closer look at the women who’ll be roaring loudest from the sidelines this summer.
Beth Dolling – Singer, Model, and Marcus’s No.1 Fan (Marcus Smith)
Fly-half Marcus Smith is dating Beth Dolling, a 25-year-old singer and model who’s worked with major brands like PrettyLittleThing and built up a sizeable social following.
She’s often snapped in glammed-up couples’ pics with Marcus, and one heartfelt post said it all:
“No matter what, watching you do what you love doing makes me so proud.”
They’ve been Instagram official since June 2021, and with Beth’s fashion flair, expect some serious style moments down under.
Mimi Fall – The new Mrs Itoje (Maro Itoje)
The Lions captain has officially hung up his bachelor boots after tying the knot with long-time partner Mimi Fall – just weeks before the tour kicks off.
The towering second-row proposed during a sun-soaked getaway to Nigeria and Ghana in August 2024, popping the question at a dreamy waterside resort in Ada, just outside Accra. “It was a beautiful resort,” Maro told the Daily Mail. “I popped the question there.” Job done.
Mimi confirmed the engagement with a sparkling Instagram reveal, flashing the rock and writing: "Mrs I to be." Cue the collective swoon.
Fast forward to May 25, and the couple sealed the deal with a stylish ceremony in London’s swanky Mayfair. The snaps say it all – pure class, serious suits, and big smiles all round.
Sharing the news online, Maro wrote:
"Scripture says it is not good for man to be alone… I am no longer alone. I HAVE A WIFE. To God be the Glory!!!!"
"Scripture says it is not good for man to be alone… I am no longer alone. I HAVE A WIFE. To God be the Glory!!!!"
Ashleigh Inwood – Five Years Strong with Freeman (Tommy Freeman)
Northampton flier Tommy Freeman has been dating Ashleigh Inwood for over five years. They now share a home near Northampton and a future that looks just as promising as Tommy’s England career.
Freeman recently posted a loved-up tribute: “Five years. Forever grateful for your support.”
But don’t worry — there’s still room in his heart for Fin Smith. Tommy joked to MailOnline: “Our girlfriends aren’t happy because they think we like each other more than them!”
But don’t worry — there’s still room in his heart for Fin Smith. Tommy joked to MailOnline: “Our girlfriends aren’t happy because they think we like each other more than them!”
Nancy Neath – Design Star with an Eye for Decor (Will Stuart)
Prop Will Stuart’s girlfriend Nancy Neath is a creative talent in her own right, running a successful table and floral design business that’s got serious aesthetic game.
The couple moved in together in 2023, though not without hiccups. Will revealed: “My girlfriend chose a new mattress — it’s too soft. I’ve ended up on the floor a few times tucked in a duvet.” Rugby tackles are rough, but love is tougher.
Gracie Hand - The long-term couple (Fin Smith)
Student Gracie tends to keep her private life low-key, but Fin posts adorable selfies of them together, sharing glimpses of their relationship with his followers.
Michelle Daly – From School Romance to Family Life (Elliot Daly)
Elliot Daly married longtime love Michelle in 2021 after years together and one perfectly timed proposal. The pair have now welcomed a daughter, Orla, born in July 2024.
Elliot summed it up sweetly on their anniversary: “One month ago today, I got to marry my soulmate. 10 years of knowing each other, 4 years engaged, and now finally married. My Wife.”
