She escaped war as a child. Today, George Ford’s wife runs four restaurants
Rugby NewsTuesday, 10 February 2026 at 19:24
hotel, supporting Kenningham as his rugby career continues to rise.
England fly-half George Ford has committed his future to the North West after signing a new deal with Sale — and revealed that family life in the North West played a major role in his decision.
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.
Join our Breaking News and Top Stories WhatsApp community for all the latest news direct to your phone.
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 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.
“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.
? Jemima Sellicks – The brilliant doctor dating Saints star Alex Coles
Jemima Sellicks, an internal medicine doctor and member of the Royal College of Physicians, is currently dating Northampton Saints standout Alex Coles.
Working at Northampton General Hospital, Sellicks brings brains to match Coles’ rugby talent, as the Saints forward continues to make waves on the pitch.
?️ Madison Woan – The Caribbean beauty dating Freddie Steward
Madison Woan, daughter of Nottingham Forest legend Ian Woan, has been soaking up the sun with England fullback Freddie Steward. The stylish brunette spent the summer in the Caribbean with her rugby beau, sharing envy-inducing snaps before the international action began.
? Beth Dolling – Model girlfriend of Marcus Smith steals the spotlight
Model and singer Beth Dolling, 25, is the glamorous other half of England fly-half Marcus Smith — and she’s every inch the fashion icon. Having worked with top brands like PrettyLittleThing, Beth often stuns her followers with chic snaps and behind-the-scenes glimpses into life with her rugby superstar boyfriend.
In one heartfelt post, she gushed: “Watching you do what you love makes me so proud.” The couple have been together since 2021 and are easily one of rugby’s most photogenic duos.
? Mimi Fall – Maro Itoje’s stunning model wife
England powerhouse Maro Itoje said “I do” this summer to his model partner Mimi Fall, after a romantic proposal during a trip to Nigeria and Ghana. Mimi has since shared breathtaking moments from their celebrations, giving fans a glimpse into their life together — a mix of love, style and global glamour.
Henry Pollock – single and ready to mingle
The 20-year-old has been linked to a number of girls since breaking onto the international scene, but for now remains single.
? Megan Slade – Devon business boss and proud mum to Henry Slade’s kids
Henry Slade’s wife Megan is a true multitasker — a fashion entrepreneur, mum of two, and devoted rugby supporter. The couple, who married in 2022, share daughters Olive and Orli.
Megan also runs Olive & Bud, her own Devon-based children’s clothing brand, and frequently posts adorable match-day family moments on Instagram.
? Katie George – The ambitious consultant married to vice-captain Jamie
England vice-captain Jamie George tied the knot with Katie George in December 2020, just before lockdown struck. The couple had an intimate ceremony with teammate Elliot Daly as best man.
Katie is a project manager at KS TWO Consulting and manages to balance career and family life effortlessly. Jamie once admitted: “She’s working nine to five while I’m just trying to keep busy.”
?? Chloe Rose – Cornish sweetheart of Luke Cowan-Dickie
Chloe Rose prefers to keep things private, but the partner of hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie has been by his side through thick and thin. The pair share a son, Arlo, born in 2020, with Luke proudly calling fatherhood his “world.”
She may not chase the spotlight, but Chloe is a constant figure of support, often spotted cheering from the sidelines.
? Gracie Hand – The low-key student dating Fin Smith
Young love! Fin Smith’s girlfriend Gracie Hand is a student who keeps her life low-key, but the England fly-half often posts adorable photos of the couple online. Fans can’t get enough of their down-to-earth romance as Fin rises through the rugby ranks.
? Ashleigh Inwood – Tommy Freeman’s long-time love
Tommy Freeman has been dating Ashleigh Inwood for more than five years, and the pair are clearly stronger than ever. The couple recently bought a home near Northampton, and Tommy marked their anniversary with a heartfelt tribute: “Forever grateful for your support.”
In a cheeky interview, he joked about his friendship with teammate Fin Smith: “Our girlfriends think we like each other more than them!”
? Poppy Daniel – The Bristol graduate dating Quins newcomer Jack Kenningham
Harlequins star Jack Kenningham, one of the fresh faces pushing for a first England cap, also has plenty to smile about off the pitch with partner Poppy Daniel.
While she keeps a low profile, Daniel is known to be a Bristol University alum and has previously worked at The Beach at Bude
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