They’ve gone from teenage sweethearts to one of England rugby’s power couples.
Former All Blacks star Sonny Bill Williams has sent shockwaves through the rugby world by unveiling his all-time dream team.
Known for his bold on-field decisions, the New Zealand legend has now made one off the field that has left fans buzzing: the exclusion of two All Blacks icons – Dan Carter and Richie McCaw.
Combined, these rugby titans share 260 test caps, but neither made the cut. Who did?
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Sonny Bill’s Shock Swap: Carter OUT, Wilkinson IN
When asked by Sporting News to name the best players he’s ever lined up alongside, Sonny Bill made the audacious call to drop Dan Carter in favor of… drumroll... England’s very own Jonny Wilkinson!
That’s right, the All Blacks' most prolific fly-half was sidelined for Toulon teammate Wilkinson.
But Sonny Bill had his reasons: “I’m lucky enough to say I’ve played with Jonny Wilkinson and have seen the commitment that he had,” Williams explained.
“He was at the height of his powers when I played with him, but the dedication to his craft was just unbelievable.”
"Playing with Jonny in my second season at Toulon gave me the confidence to believe I could [play international rugby]," Sonny Bill Williams added.
"That was the reason I wanted to go back home and try and prove to people and myself that I could play. I was fortunate enough to play alongside some greats, not least Jonny and [the former All Black captain] Tana Umaga, who really helped my game.
"I had a lot of self-doubts when I first came to the code but I knew these guys had reached the top ... playing alongside them made me feel I could give it a crack."
Wilko’s Words: What Wilkinson Really Thinks of SBW
Turns out the admiration wasn’t one-sided. Back in their Toulon days, Wilkinson was quick to sing Sonny Bill’s praises:
“I think he will go brilliantly,” Wilkinson said. “His strength is his strength – his ability to keep the ball alive, his physicality, his ball movement and game awareness in space and people around him. I’ve not seen the likes of him before.”
French Flair: Why Dusautoir Got the Nod
Another surprise inclusion in Sonny Bill Williams dream team was none other than France’s heroic flanker Thierry Dusautoir.
The Les Bleus legend, who famously captained France in the 2011 Rugby World Cup final against the All Blacks, left a lasting impression on SBW during their time in France:
“He wasn’t just an amazing player,” Williams said, “but you could see how he rallied his troops in big games. He’s someone I really admire.”
“He wasn’t just an amazing player,” Williams said, “but you could see how he rallied his troops in big games. He’s someone I really admire.”
Sonny Bill Williams Dream Team
Here’s the XIII he picked this time though, with one player being kept in reserve:
Keven Mealamu, Jerome Kaino, Aaron Cruden, Jonah Lomu, Nehe Milner-Skudder, Malakai Fekitoa, Thierry Dusautoir, Jonny Wilkinson, Kurtley Beale, Quade Cooper, Kieran Foran, Johnathan Thurston, and Anthony Mundine. With Mitchell Pearce on the bench.
British & Irish Lions WAG's
Here's a look at some of the partners of the England, Irish and Scottish stars likely to be packing their passports — and maybe a Lions bucket hat or two...
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
England:
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 Future Mrs Itoje (Maro Itoje)
Mimi Fall is officially engaged to Lions veteran Maro Itoje after a jaw-dropping proposal during a holiday to Nigeria and Ghana. Mimi shared the news with a snap of her rock and the caption: “Mrs I to be.”
A professional model herself, Mimi’s been teasing fans with glimpses of the engagement party – though the wedding date remains on hold thanks to Maro’s jam-packed Lions schedule. Priorities, eh?
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.
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.”
Quiz: Name these 10 retro rugby players #2
If you’re over 30 and can’t name these iconic rugby stars from the 2000s, we have to ask: were you really paying attention? Back by popular demand, it’s time for part two of our nostalgic quiz.
From stunning tries to unforgettable moments—and yes, some hairstyles we’d rather forget—these players were at the heart of rugby’s golden era. If the names don’t come flooding back, it might be time to fire up YouTube and relive the magic.
Think you’ve got what it takes to ace this one? Let’s find out. Good luck!
