England fly-half George Ford's wife arrived in UK as refugee after home bombed
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As England prepares for the 2025 Six Nations, George Ford will aim to lead his team to glory, with wife Atdhetare Hoxha and their daughter Alarnia cheering from the stands.
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While Ford's on-field brilliance is undeniable, his biggest win might just be the family he's built off it.
Child Refugee Turned Restaurateur
Atdhetare's journey to success is nothing short of remarkable. Born in Kosovo, she and her family fled their war-torn home in 1999 after their house was bombed. They arrived in Oldham with no possessions and zero knowledge of English.
“My dad started as a kitchen porter to improve his English,” Atdhetare shared. “We had family businesses back home, but they were taken from us in a heartbeat. Coming here with nothing taught us resilience.”
Finding Her Passion
After dabbling in hairdressing, Atdhetare discovered her true calling: food. In 2020, she opened Sorella, an Italian restaurant in Saddleworth that quickly became a local favourite. Now, her family runs four successful restaurants across Greater Manchester.
"She's the boss," George Ford told The Times. "If a chef's off sick, she jumps in without missing a beat. Me and my brother? We're only good for making coffees or loading the dishwasher!"
A Love Story with a Rugby Twist
George and Atdhetare tied the knot on 15 August 2022, and their love story got even sweeter with the birth of their daughter, Alarnia, on 23 March 2024. Reflecting on fatherhood, Ford said: "Playing for England was huge, but nothing compares to being at my daughter's birth."
With an inspiring partner by his side, Ford's off-field life is just as impressive as his on-field heroics.
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Bookies Predict the Lions XV to Face Australia – Two England Players Start
Forwards
1. Andrew Porter (Ireland) – 1/2
A converted loosehead prop who started his career as a tighthead, Porter is a cornerstone of Ireland's pack with his powerful scrummaging and relentless work rate around the pitch.
2. Dan Sheehan (Ireland) – 3/10
One of the most dynamic hookers in world rugby, Sheehan offers explosive ball-carrying ability and strong set-piece play. He has become a key figure in Ireland's recent successes.
3. Tadhg Furlong (Ireland) – 8/13
Arguably the best tighthead prop in the game, Furlong is known for his scrummaging dominance and remarkable skills in open play, often moving like a back despite his size.
4. Maro Itoje (England) – 1/5
The only Englishman in the starting XV, Itoje is a world-class lock with exceptional athleticism, lineout expertise, and a knack for disrupting opposition attacks. A Lions veteran, he'll be vital for the tour.
5. Joe McCarthy (Ireland) – 1/2
A rising star in Irish rugby, McCarthy has made a huge impact with his physicality and work rate in Leinster's second row. He's quickly becoming a dominant force in European rugby.
6. Josh van der Flier (Ireland) – 1/3
The 2022 World Player of the Year, Van der Flier is an outstanding openside flanker with relentless tackling, breakdown skills, and an ability to pop up in crucial moments.
7. Ben Earl (England) – 4/9
England's standout forward in recent tournaments, Earl's dynamic ball-carrying, high work rate, and speed make him a perfect fit for the Lions' back row.
8. Caelan Doris (Ireland) – 1/4
One of the best No.8s in world rugby, Doris combines intelligence, strength, and leadership. His ball-carrying ability and defensive prowess make him an essential selection.
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