England Women Rugby World Cup stars' love lives from team-mates to former coach

The England women's team are just two matches away from lifting the Rugby World Cup trophy. The two-time champions are set to face France in a semi-final showdown on Saturday afternoon in Bristol.

The Red Roses have been in formidable form, winning by 30 or more points in every match so far, but France are expected to pose a sterner test. Remarkably, England haven't tasted defeat since their World Cup final loss to New Zealand in 2022. Their 40-8 quarter-final triumph over Scotland last week marked their 31st consecutive win, meaning a victory at the Twickenham spectacle on September 27 would extend this record to 33. As the team prepares for a significant day in the nation's women's rugby history on home soil, we take a closer look at some of the England stars and their romantic lives off the pitch.

Jess Breach

England winger Jess Breach has been in exceptional form for England at the World Cup, notching six tries in the three group stage matches. The speedster, who made her debut in 2017, currently plays for Saracens.

However, it was during her time at Harlequins that she met her boyfriend and fellow Quins star Archie White, making her move to Saracens in 2022 a difficult decision. Archie, a flanker, retired from professional rugby at the age of 27 this year as part of the 2024/25 leavers, after reaching 50 appearances for the Quins the previous year.

He stepped away to explore new opportunities in business, but continues to play for Tonbridge Juddians in the National Leagues.

Holly Aitchison and Hannah Botterman

It's rare to witness two athletes representing their nation at the highest level of sport whilst simultaneously sharing a romance. Fly-half Holly Aitchison and prop Hannah Botterman both earned selection in John Mitchell's 2025 England World Cup squad.

Aitchison managed only 19 minutes of action before the Scotland clash due to an ankle problem. However, she featured for the full 80 minutes against Scotland, converting five kicks, setting up Abby Dow's try and crossing the line herself.

The 28-year-old Southport star's girlfriend, Botterman, remained unused against Scotland, though the 26-year-old did score a try against the USA and featured against Australia. Their romantic tale began when they met each other at Hartpury College in 2015, before becoming completely smitten. Both represented Saracens before moving to Bristol Bears until 2025/26, with Aitchison joining Sale Sharks Women last June.

Zoe Aldcroft

England skipper Zoe Aldcroft has won admirers through her commanding presence on the field and her charisma away from it. She initially met husband Luke Stratford in Gloucester, when Luke courageously approached her whilst wearing women's clothing as fancy dress in a nightclub.

The bold move clearly worked, as the pair tied the knot in June 2024 at Hackness Grange in Scarborough. Zoe revealed that Luke demanded to wear shorts "even in minus conditions", adding: "As soon as the wedding was done the tie was off and the flip-flops were on."

The 28-year-old lock, who was appointed England captain earlier this year, believes this World Cup could revolutionise women's rugby. Meanwhile, Luke dedicated at least five years to playing at Hartpury College and coaches the Hartpury 2nds in the university league, while holding a full-time position at a school. During his leisure time, he extends his coaching expertise to the local team, Longlevens RFC.

Both Zoe and Luke embrace an active lifestyle, often spotted rowing and hiking together. When not engaged in outdoor adventures, they enjoy attending family gatherings and friends' weddings.

Abbie Ward

Since 2015, Abbie Ward has been a constant presence in the team, with this being her third Rugby World Cup. The 32-year-old Bristol Bears lock married former Harlequins hooker Dave Ward in August 2020.

Their paths first crossed at the Quins' training ground in Guildford when Abbie had just joined the women's team, and they've been inseparable ever since. Rugby continues to be a central part of their relationship. Dave, who once coached Abbie at Bristol Bears Women, is now the head coach at Ampthill and District.

However, the couple's greatest triumph was the birth of their daughter Hallie in July 2023. Abbie's return to the pitch just 17 weeks later against Sale Sharks was nothing short of remarkable, as documented in the film Abbie Ward: A Bump in the Road.

Abbie said previously: "I 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."

Marlie Packer and Rosie Galligan

Saracens and England team-mates Marlie Packer and Rosie Galligan delivered the fantastic news in June 2025 that they are engaged. The two Red Roses stars got engaged near England's training base in Guildford, Surrey, with Galligan describing it as the "easiest yes in the world".

Packer serves as the experienced vice-captain of the England squad at 35 years old. The back row player has a son called Oliver from a previous relationship and regularly posts snapshots of the trio's happy life on social media.

Saracens lock Galligan, 27, began her relationship with Packer some time after 2021. She has appeared in every match for England so far in the tournament.