Sonny Bill Williams married his wife FOUR weeks after meeting her
11/10/2024 05:35 AM
In an exclusive insight from his autobiography You Can't Stop The Sun From Shining, Sonny Bill Williams has opened up about the unconventional start to his marriage.
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The dual-code international reveals that he and his wife, Alana Raffie, decided to get married just four weeks after meeting, despite not being in love at the time.
Williams, known for his wild younger years and womanising reputation, has since undergone a profound transformation, partly due to his conversion to Islam. In his book, he admits that he was once "a slave to my lusts and desires" before his faith changed his perspective on life.
The couple first crossed paths in 2013 at a retail store where Alana was working, but she initially wasn't keen to share her number with the rugby star. After a couple of weeks, they went on a chaperoned date, accompanied by her cousin and her cousin's husband.
"From a Westernised way of living – the way I grew up living – it's a weird concept," Williams told The Saturday Telegraph. "Straight away we said we're going to do it Islamically correct, so even in that first four weeks I wasn't with her by myself, we always had a chaperone."
Despite the early hurdles, the couple tied the knot one month after meeting, hoping that love would grow over time. Fast forward, and the couple now share five children together. At 39, Williams credits their faith and commitment to Islam for reshaping his life and putting an end to his days of womanising.
"She grew to love my faults, I grew to love her faults, we grew to love each other's strengths," Williams reflected. "Our shared faith and living for something greater than oneself is what I put it down to. Our life is a work in progress, me and my wife. It's not all roses, but we have moments of really good times."
Wealthiest Rugby couples (Net Worth):
From high-profile partnerships to humble beginnings, these power pairs have amassed impressive fortunes while leaving a lasting legacy. With stories of childhood love, philanthropic missions, and royal connections, each couple brings their own unique flair to the game.
Here's a look at the top rugby couples whose bonds—and bank accounts—have made them iconic.
Johnny & Laura Sexton – The Dublin Dream Team (£6m)
From teenage sweethearts to one of rugby's wealthiest pairs, Johnny and Laura Sexton have captured fans' hearts as much as Johnny's kicks have clinched games. Their love story began at Rathgar Tennis Club, blossoming all the way to marriage in 2013.
With three kids cheering on dad from the sidelines, the Sextons are as iconic off the field as Johnny is on it. The couple's journey—from Saint Mary's College to University College Dublin—stands as a testament to commitment and love.
Siya & Rachel Kolisi – The Power Couple with a Purpose (£10m)
Siya and Rachel Kolisi's £10 million empire wasn't just built on rugby; it's infused with purpose. The Kolisis are widely admired for their philanthropic work, especially through the Kolisi Foundation, which uplifts underprivileged communities.
Although the couple recently parted ways, Rachel remains a key influence in Siya's life. Now back with the Sharks after a stint in France, Siya continues to value her steadfast support. Despite the split, their legacy as South Africa's "golden couple" lives on.
Mike & Zara Tindall – Royal Connections and Reality TV (£20m)
"Fridge" by nickname, royalty by association, Mike Tindall's wealth and fame go beyond rugby. Married to Zara Phillips, Queen Elizabeth II's granddaughter, Tindall has firmly planted himself in British pop culture. From breaking his nose eight times to breaking records in rugby, Mike's career has been nothing short of resilient.
Since retirement, he's taken his profile to new heights with appearances on shows like I'm a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here and Bear Grylls: Mission Survive. His estimated £20 million fortune proves rugby and royalty make quite the combo.
Jonny & Shelley Wilkinson – A Hero's Quiet Empire (£22m)
Jonny Wilkinson isn't just a legend on the field; he's a legend in love too. After leading England to the 2003 Rugby World Cup victory, Wilkinson has kept a low profile with his wife, Shelley Jenkins.
They wed in 2013 on the scenic French Riviera, and now with a young son, they're embracing family life in the quiet lane. Worth £22 million, Jonny's legacy as one of rugby's finest is matched by his financial success and family's privacy.
Sonny Bill & Alana Williams – The Ring, the Romance, and the Riches (£20m)
Sonny Bill Williams, the Kiwi powerhouse, is famed not just for rugby but for his ventures into the boxing ring. Known for his versatility on the field and knockout power off it, he's carved a unique sports career.
His whirlwind romance with Alana Raffie, culminating in a four-week engagement, sparked as much intrigue as his sporting accomplishments. Now worth £20 million, the couple's success story includes rugby, league, boxing, and plenty of endorsements.
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