"Mum + Dad are getting married" - Finn Russell finally gets engaged to long-term partner
Rugby NewsThursday, 28 August 2025 at 09:58
Scotland playmaker Finn Russell is officially off the market after finally proposing to his long-term partner, Emma Canning.
The couple, who have been together since 2017, have had their ups and downs – including a brief split in 2021 – but are now stronger than ever, sharing two daughters, Charlie (3) and Skye (1).
Join the RUCK’s WhatsApp community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.
Emma, 28, isn’t just known as Russell’s other half. A talented heptathlete in her own right, she represented Scotland on the track before injury setbacks changed her path. At just 19, she suffered a brutal shin fracture that needed surgery and a metal plate, forcing her to put her career on hold.
She battled through years of pain, even undergoing another operation in 2018 to remove the plate, but admitted the recovery took a huge toll on her “mentally, emotionally and physically.”
Now based in Bath with Russell, Emma has made a return to competitive athletics this year – and even fired back at a troll who suggested her only “talent” was being with the Scotland star.
“Actually – there’s room for two Scottish athletes in our relationship. Lol,” she clapped back, sharing a video of her in long jump action.
Announcing the big news on Instagram, Emma posted:
“mum + dad are getting married!!!”
“mum + dad are getting married!!!”
EDITORS PICKS:
Red Roses pride: Nine World Cup stars who are out and proud
England’s Red Roses aren’t just rugby powerhouses — they’re also trailblazers for LGBTQ+ represenation in sport.
As they charge into this year’s Rugby World Cup on home turf, nine stars are proudly out and representing both their country and community.
Here’s the incredible lineup flying the flag for Pride while chasing World Cup glory:
Marlie “Captain Fantastic” Packer — England
Captain. Flanker. Champion. And a Red Rose through and through. Marlie Packer heads into her third World Cup with England, fresh off a one-match ban that had fans worried she might miss out. No chance. A 2014 World Cup winner already, she’s determined to lead the Roses to another title — and she’ll be doing it alongside her fiancée, teammate Rosie Galligan.
Rosie “Resilient Rose” Galligan — England
Rosie Galligan’s journey is pure resilience. From making her professional debut with Saracens in 2016 to lifting back-to-back WXV 1 titles, Galligan is no stranger to success. This is her second World Cup, but there’s an extra twist this time: she’s engaged to teammate Marlie Packer. Power couple energy incoming.
Mackenzie “Maple Leaf Turned Rose” Carson — England
Born in Canada. Built for rugby. And now a Red Rose. Mackenzie Carson has already played three World Cups for Canada — but in 2025, she’s switched allegiances to England. Better still, she’ll be suiting up alongside her partner Sarah Bern, making them one of rugby’s fiercest power duos.
Sarah “Scrum Queen” Bern — England
England powerhouse Sarah Bern is used to breaking through defences — now she’s breaking barriers too.
With Carson, her partner both on and off the field, Bern is set for another World Cup campaign. Expect big hits, big carries, and big love stories in red and white.
Megan “Sevens Speedster” Jones — England
England’s youngest-ever sevens debutant at just 17, Megan Jones has built a career on speed, skill, and fearless play. After recovering from injury in 2024, she’s back and ready for the World Cup stage. Off the pitch, she’s happily with Great Britain teammate Celia Quansah — another rugby star in her own right.
Holly “Golden Boot” Aitchison — England
A natural playmaker with a golden boot, Holly Aitchison has done it all: Six Nations, World Cup, the Tokyo Olympics. Now she’s back in Red Roses colours for the 2025 World Cup, and she’ll be lining up with her partner — and fellow England star — Hannah Botterman.
Hannah “Front-Row Force” Botterman — England
The front-row force who eats scrums for breakfast. Hannah Botterman already has Grand Slam medals and World Cup experience to her name, but this year brings an extra special twist: she’s heading into the tournament alongside her partner, teammate Holly Aitchison. Roses united, on and off the pitch.
Amy “Cross-Continental” Cokayne — England
From New Zealand to England and back again — Amy Cokayne’s rugby story spans continents. After stints with Harlequins, Leicester Tigers, and now Sale Sharks, she’s earned her spot in another World Cup campaign. With experience at both the 2017 and delayed 2021 editions, Cokayne is set to be a vital presence for England in 2025.
Claudia “Chief in Command” Moloney-MacDonald — England
Dynamic, versatile, unstoppable. Claudia Moloney-MacDonald can shine at scrum-half or wing, and she’s been doing just that for Exeter Chiefs Women. A Six Nations Grand Slam winner in 2019 and a World Cup veteran from 2021, she’s back again to bring pace and passion to the Roses.
TRENDING
LATEST NEWS
LATEST COMMENTS
- 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
Loading