Abbie Ward & Dave Ward<\/p>\n
One of rugby\u2019s ultimate power couples, Abbie Ward tied the knot with former Harlequins hooker\u00a0Dave Ward\u00a0back in 2020. The pair first crossed paths at the Quins\u2019 training ground in Guildford when Abbie had just joined the women\u2019s side, and they\u2019ve been inseparable ever since.<\/p>\n
Rugby remains at the heart of their relationship. Dave, who previously coached Abbie at Bristol Bears Women, is now head coach at\u00a0Ampthill & District. And the couple\u2019s biggest victory to date? Welcoming daughter\u00a0Hallie\u00a0in July 2023.<\/p>\n
Abbie\u2019s comeback just 17 weeks later was nothing short of inspirational \u2013 a journey captured in the documentary\u00a0Abbie Ward: A Bump in the Road.<\/p>\n
As Abbie put it:\u00a0\u201cI think it is nice having someone who can relate to everything that is going on, the highs and the lows. I think it is quite unique to have your other half who completely gets all of that work life but all of the social parts of it as well.\u201d<\/p>\n
Zoe Aldcroft & Luke Stratford<\/p>\n
England\u2019s captain heading into the World Cup,\u00a0Zoe Aldcroft, has captured hearts both for her leadership on the pitch and her charm off it. She and\u00a0Luke Stratford\u2014now a women\u2019s rugby coach\u2014first locked eyes in Gloucester, where Luke made a bold first move: approaching her dressed in women\u2019s clothes at a nightclub.<\/p>\n
Their wedding came in June 2024 at Hackness Grange in Scarborough, and it was anything but ordinary. As Zoe recounted: Luke insisted on wearing shorts\u00a0\u201ceven in minus conditions\u201d, and she warned,\u00a0\u201cas soon as the wedding was done the tie was off and the flip-flops were on.\u201d<\/p>\n
Beyond the wardrobe quirks, Zoe\u2019s rise is nothing short of inspiring. Named England captain in 2025, she heads into the Rugby World Cup being touted to lead a reshaping of women\u2019s rugby, believing this tournament\u00a0\u201chas the potential to change women\u2019s rugby for ever.\u201d<\/p>\n
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