Meet the woman behind England captain George Ford – from child refugee to restaurant boss

Saturday, 05 July 2025 at 16:42

byRugby Rucker

George Ford will wear the captain’s armband as England take on Argentina tonight — and supporting him from the stands is his wife, Atdhetare Hoxha, whose life story is as inspiring as any on the pitch.

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From war-torn Kosovo to the UK

Atdhetare was just four years old when she and her family fled Kosovo during the 1999 war, after their home was bombed. They arrived in Oldham with nothing — and without speaking a word of English.

“I came here as a refugee aged four during the Kosovan War,” Atdhetare has said. “We had a great life back home. We had family businesses but they were taken away from us in a heartbeat.”

Her father began working as a kitchen porter, slowly learning English and rebuilding the family’s life through sheer grit.

“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.”

Restaurateur roots

Although she started out in hairdressing, Atdhetare soon discovered her real passion: food.

In 2020, she launched

Sorella, an Italian restaurant in Saddleworth — and it’s now part of a four-restaurant family business run across Greater Manchester.

Married life with George Ford

While it’s not publicly known how they met, Atdhetare and George married on 15 August 2022 and welcomed their daughter, Alarnia, on 23 March 2024.

Speaking to The Times, Ford praised his wife’s tireless work ethic:

“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.

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

Fatherhood has clearly had a big impact on the England fly-half:

“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.”

From child refugee to business owner, Atdhetare Hoxha’s journey is a powerful reminder of resilience — and tonight, she’ll be in the stands cheering on the England skipper she now calls her husband.

British & Irish Lions WAGs Flock to Australia as Tour Kicks Off

So, who are the women standing proudly behind the Lions as they chase glory in Australia this summer? Let’s take a closer look at the WAGs backing Britain and Ireland’s finest.

ENGLAND

Meet Chloe Rose – the woman behind the England hooker (Luke Cowan-Dickie)

Hailing from Cornwall, Chloe is the long-time partner of Luke Cowan-Dickie and a regular face in the stands, proudly backing her man through thick and thin. But lately, she’s been making waves of her own.

Chloe has kicked off a serious fitness journey – and the results speak for themselves. Her latest transformation has fans double-taking. Check out her progress on Instagram here.

The couple’s biggest team effort? Their son, Arlo – born during the 2020 Six Nations after Chloe announced her pregnancy just ahead of the 2019 World Cup. Luke shared the news with fans at the time:

“So this is my little man, Arlo Cowan-Dickie, and he is already my [world]. Thanks for the kind messages – him and mum are doing great.”

From pitchside snaps to heartwarming family moments, Chloe and Luke aren’t shy about giving followers a peek behind the scenes. And fans can’t get enough.

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!!!!"

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!”

Meg - Keeps herself out of the spotlight (Ellis Genge)

Fellow England vice-captain Ellis Genge is in a relationship with his partner Meg. The blonde beauty often stays out of the spotlight, so not much is known about her, however, the pair share two sons, who Ellis absolutely dotes on.

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.”
They’ve gone from teenage sweethearts to one of England rugby’s power couples.

SCOTLAND:

Nika van der Merwe – Married to the Big Man (Duhan van der Merwe)

Nika and powerhouse wing Duhan van der Merwe tied the knot in sunny South Africa back in January 2023. She turned heads in a chic fitted gown with a thigh-high split, topped off with a glam studded cape — a wedding as bold as Duhan’s sidestep.

Emma Canning – Heptathlete and Super Mum (Finn Russell)

It hasn’t all been smooth sailing for Emma and magician-in-boots Finn Russell, but the pair are back stronger than ever and now proud parents to two daughters: Charlie and Skye.

Emma knows the pressure of elite sport first-hand — she’s a heptathlete, battling across seven gruelling events. Now she balances it all with family life and Finn’s erratic brilliance.

Meet Charissa Schoeman – the woman behind the Scotland prop (Pierre Schoeman)

Behind Pierre Schoeman’s rise on the pitch is the unwavering strength of the woman who’s been beside him every step of the way – his wife, Charissa.

“She’s put just as much into this as I have,” Pierre says. “We took this leap together. Like two Vikings, we left South Africa, burned the ships, and made Edinburgh our home. It was all or nothing.”

While Pierre’s name may mean “rock” in French, he’s quick to clarify who the true anchor is in their family. “Charissa is the real rock. She’s the strength behind it all. Me playing for the Lions wasn’t just my dream – it was ours.”

Annabel Jones – Puppy Love and Ibiza Vibes (Huw Jones)

Huw Jones and Annabel said "I do" in Ibiza back in July 2022 after meeting in Glasgow. Huw’s not afraid to show his romantic side, often calling Annabel his “everything.”

When an injury sidelined him during the 2019 Six Nations, she bought him a fluffy Maltese poodle named Louis — his furry lockdown lifesaver.

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Dina Celina – Nutrition Queen and Future Mrs Kinghorn (Blair Kinghorn)

Blair Kinghorn popped the question to nutritionist Dina during a dreamy weekend at Gleneagles in 2023 — wedding bells will ring this August after the tour wraps.

The couple made an appearance in Six Nations: Full Contact on Netflix, with viewers spotting Blair stepping in at fly-half when Finn Russell was sidelined. Dina’s backstage support? Rock solid.

IRELAND

Patti Gibson-Park – Family First, Irish Roots, and Jamison’s Biggest Support (Jamison Gibson-Park)

Becoming an Irish citizen was an easy call for Jamison Gibson-Park — thanks to the strong family life he and wife Patti have built here.

Together they’re raising three kids — Jai, Isabella, and Iris — and Jamison says settling in Ireland has made all the difference. “My family is unbelievably well settled, which makes my job easier. I can just focus on doing my thing,” he told EVOKE.

Grateful for their new home, Jamison was more than happy to make Ireland official.

Ellen Ringrose – The Childhood Sweetheart (Garry Ringrose)

Garry Ringrose and Ellen Beirne tied the knot in June 2023 at the dreamy Virginia Park Lodge in Cavan.

Speaking to EVOKE, the Irish centre couldn’t stop gushing: “Ellen is the best... she’s a huge support, especially in the not-so-good times.” Childhood sweethearts to power couple status achieved.

Sarah Bealham – Marbella “I Do’s”, Motherhood, and Bealham’s Biggest Win (Finlay Bealham)

2024 was a year to remember for Finlay and Sarah Bealham, as they welcomed their first child — a baby boy named Joaquin — right in the middle of Ireland’s Six Nations camp.

The loved-up pair said "I do" back in August 2022 at the stunning Finca la Concepcion in Marbella, a year on from Finlay’s romantic proposal in Puerto Banús.

Katherine Egan – Medicine, Hockey, and Sheehan’s No.1 (Dan Sheehan)

Dan Sheehan’s long-term girlfriend Katherine Egan is as accomplished as they come. A hockey player for UCD and a Medicine student — she’s got brains, brawn, and ambition to spare.
She’s even studied in the U.S., proving she’s just as at home overseas as Dan might be on tour.

Sophie de Patoul – Castle Wedding Royalty (Josh van der Flier)

Josh van der Flier married his Belgian/Irish partner Sophie in a fairytale 2022 wedding at Luttrellstown Castle.

The flanker popped the question in July 2021, and Sophie’s been in the crowd (and the camera shots) at many big Ireland games ever since.

Harriet Beirne – Welsh Beauty with an Irish Base (Tadhg Beirne)

Tadhg met Harriet on a night out in Cardiff back in 2018, and after a bit of long distance, the couple settled down in Ireland.

They tied the knot at Kilkea Castle in 2022, and just bought a new home together, with Harriet teasing “exciting and most likely stressful times ahead” in 2025. Big year incoming!

Kayla Aki – Mum of Four and Bundee’s Rock (Bundee Aki)

Bundee Aki and wife Kayla have one of the most established relationships in the Ireland camp. Married in 2018, the couple share four children: daughters Armani-Jade, Adrianna, and Ailbhe (born at home in 2022), and son Andronikas.

Emma Hempenstall – Private Life, Pitchside Views, and Keenan’s Long-Term Love (Hugo Keenan)

Emma Hempenstall has been by Hugo Keenan’s side for over three years, so she’s well used to life on the rugby sidelines.

The couple keep things pretty private online, but they’ve been snapped at a few weddings and turning up together to support from the stands.

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Arni Lowe – From NZ to Dublin, Vegas Vows, and Ringrose’s Co-Pilot in Life (James Lowe)

Arni and James Lowe made the big move from New Zealand to Ireland back in 2017 when James signed with Leinster — and they’ve been building a beautiful life together ever since.

In true low-key style, the long-time couple surprised everyone by eloping to Las Vegas in 2022. Just a year later, they hit another major milestone with the arrival of their son, Nico.

James has often praised Arni as his “co-pilot” on the parenting journey, especially as their little man celebrated his first birthday in April.

Elaine Porter – New Mum, Quiet Strength, and Porter’s Biggest Win Yet (Andrew Porter)

It’s double celebrations in the Porter household — not only has Andrew Porter been named in the 2025 British & Irish Lions squad, but he’s also just become a dad for the first time.

The 28-year-old and his wife Elaine shared the joyful news on Instagram, posting a beautiful black-and-white snap of their newborn son’s tiny hands cradled by his proud parents. The caption said it all: “Our perfect baby boy.”

Laura Sexton – From Tennis Courts to Touchlines, Family First, and Sexton’s Rock (Johnny Sexton)

Johnny Sexton is back in the Lions camp this summer — but off the pitch, it’s been all about family with Laura, his teenage sweetheart turned wife since 2013.

Their love story kicked off at Rathgar Tennis Club and has blossomed alongside Johnny’s legendary rugby career. With three kids cheering him on from the sidelines, the Sextons are as iconic off the field as Johnny is when he’s lining up a crucial kick.

From Saint Mary’s College to University College Dublin, their journey is a true testament to love, loyalty, and lasting partnership.

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