Meet George Ford's wife who fled war-torn country as child refugee now runs FOUR restaurants

Wednesday, 15 October 2025 at 11:27

byRugby Rucker

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.

England fly-half George Ford has committed his future to Sale Sharks by signing a new contract — and revealed that family life in the North West played a major role in his decision.

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The 32-year-old joined the Sharks from Leicester Tigers in 2022 and has since become one of the club’s most influential figures, racking up 44 appearances and 341 points in two seasons.

With 102 England caps to his name and having co-captained the 2024 summer tour to Argentina and the USA, Ford’s on-field pedigree speaks for itself. But this latest decision, he says, was about much more than rugby.

“You don’t make a decision like this just on rugby, there’s loads more to consider,” Ford said. “My wife is running four restaurants as well as being a full-time mum and to be around to help and support her in any way I can is so important to me. That’s played a big part in us being so settled and happy here.”

FAMILY FIRST

Ford continues to be supported from the sidelines by his wife, Atdhetare Hoxha, a successful restaurateur with an inspiring backstory.

Born in Kosovo, Atdhetare was forced to flee her homeland as a child when her family’s home was bombed during the Kosovo War. They arrived in Oldham with nothing and unable to speak English — but her father’s perseverance helped shape the family’s future.

“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

Although she first trained as a hairdresser, Atdhetare soon realised her heart belonged in hospitality. In 2020, she opened her first restaurant,

Sorella, an Italian eatery in Saddleworth — the first of four family-run venues across Greater Manchester.

LOVE AND FAMILY

While it’s not known exactly how the couple met, George and Atdhetare tied the knot on 15 August 2022, later welcoming their daughter, Alarnia, on 23 March 2024.

Fatherhood has given Ford a fresh perspective on life: “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.”

The proud husband has also spoken glowingly about Atdhetare’s tireless work ethic. Speaking to The Times

“She is so hard-working. The only good thing me and [my brother] Joe can do is make coffees or load the dishwasher.”

With his family settled and thriving in the North West, Ford’s decision to stay with Sale feels like more than just a career move — it’s a statement of home, roots, and what truly matters 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.