Two England Rugby Players Who Ended Up Dating After Meeting at School
Today at 03:56 AM
Holly Aitchison and Hannah Botterman first crossed paths at Hartpury College in 2015, where their shared passion for rugby sparked an unforgettable connection.
RUCK's Autumn Nations Series coverage is proudly powered by the My Name'5 Doddie Foundation, dedicated to creating a world free of MND. Join the the fight against MND here.
A Bumpy First Half
Their love story, however, hit a stumbling block after a year, leaving both heartbroken. For Holly, the split came during a time of self-discovery as she navigated her identity and sexuality.
Reunited by Rugby
Fast forward to their professional careers, and fate worked its magic. Reuniting at Saracens reignited their bond, both on and off the field. Now, the dynamic duo are not just partners in life but teammates once more—this time in Bristol Bears colours.
Reflecting on their journey, the couple, who have been together for several years, shared their story with FEMAIL.
Holly recounted, “We kept finding our way back to each other, no matter how much we drifted apart. That was the pattern throughout.”
Holly admitted, “There was a part of me that struggled with the idea of being with a woman. It took me some time to figure out what I truly wanted.”
“Now,” she added, “I’m much more at ease with myself than before.”
It appears that the couple, who have won a combined 69 caps for England, are now longer dating.
"Role models" – Five inspiring Red Roses you need to follow on Instagram
Before the 2024 Women’s Six Nations kicks off, let’s spotlight five standout Red Roses players worth following on Instagram. From motivating moms to fitness enthusiasts, these stars are sure to inspire.
#1. HOLLY AITCHISON
Given Holly’s familial background with her father Ian being a former England U20 and Saxons player as well as Waterloo's director of rugby, it made perfect sense for her to pursue rugby.
Aitchison herself boasts an impressive resume, having represented England in various capacities, including age-grade levels, the HSBC World Sevens Series, and even at the Olympic Games for Team GB.
Joining Saracens in 2020 marked the beginning of her remarkable journey, highlighted by scoring a try during her England 15s debut in 2021. This momentum carried her to the starting lineup for the 2021 Rugby World Cup final and secured her a spot in Simon Middleton’s Six Nations squad in 2023.
Demonstrating her prowess, she played a pivotal role in the Red Roses’ victorious campaign at the inaugural WXV1 tournament in New Zealand. Now, Holly’s achievements continue to flourish as she recently earned a place in John Mitchell’s squad for the 2024 Guinness Women’s Six Nations.
#2. EMILY SCARRATT
Scarratt is renowned for her pivotal role in securing England's 2014 Women's World Cup victory with just six minutes remaining in the game. An exceptionally gifted athlete, she made a significant decision at the age of 16, declining a US Basketball Scholarship to pursue her passion for rugby. Bursting onto the Test scene in 2008, she showcased her versatility by scoring 12 tries in 12 games.
Throughout her illustrious career, Emily has consistently delivered outstanding performances on the international stage. She emerged as the top point-scorer at the 2014 World Cup and continued to excel, tallying 56 points at the 2017 World Cup as England advanced to the final. Notably, she captained Team GB at the Rio Olympics, securing a bronze medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, and represented England at the 2018 Rugby World Cup Sevens.
In January 2019, Emily made a triumphant return to the 15-a-side game, joining Loughborough Lightning and earning a full-time England contract. Her impact was immediate, as she scored two tries in England's resounding 80-0 victory over Scotland, clinching the Women's Six Nations title. She further distinguished herself at the 2019 Super Series, emerging as the top try-scorer and demonstrating her prowess as a goal-kicker, earning recognition in Sky Sports' 'Team of the Tournament'.
Emily's exceptional contributions were duly recognized when she was named World Rugby's Women's Player of the Year in November 2019. Continuing her ascent, she became the highest-scoring player in Red Roses history during the 2020 Six Nations. Despite facing a period of absence due to injury, Emily's talent and resilience remain undeniable, as evidenced by her inclusion in John Mitchell's squad for the 2024 Guinness Women's Six Nations.
Follow Emily on Instagram here
#3. ELLIE KILDUNNE
At a mere 18 years old and with just a handful of senior matches to her name, Ellie made a remarkable impact by scoring a try on her England 15s debut. This memorable moment occurred when she entered the field as a substitute against Canada in the autumn of 2017.
Ellie’s journey in rugby traces back to her roots in rugby league, where she began her sporting endeavors at Keighley Rugby Union Football Club while growing up in West Yorkshire. Her exceptional performances during the inaugural Premier 15s season with Gloucester earned her five additional starts for the Red Roses in the 2018 Women's Six Nations.
Transitioning seamlessly from 15s to sevens in August 2018, Ellie continued to shine, tallying nine tries in just eight appearances for the Red Roses. Her dedication to the sport led her to join Wasps in 2020, where she committed her focus to XVs, culminating in a victory at the 2021 Six Nations. Subsequently, she made a move to Harlequins in 2021, further solidifying her presence in the rugby world.
Ellie’s contributions continued to grow as she remained an integral part of the Red Roses’ lineup, participating in the 2021 autumn international squad and securing another Six Nations victory in 2022. She played a pivotal role in the squad’s journey to the final of the delayed 2021 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand and contributed to their triumphant Six Nations Grand Slam in 2023.
Her achievements were further recognized when she featured in the Red Roses squad during their title-winning campaign at the inaugural WXV1 tournament in New Zealand. Most recently, Ellie’s excellence earned her a spot in John Mitchell's squad for the 2024 Guinness Women's Six Nations, highlighting her continued impact and significance in the sport.
#4. SADIA KABEYA
Kabeya, formerly of Wasps, currently showcases her talents for Loughborough Lightning in the Allianz Premier 15s league. Having emerged from the pathway system, she boasts a rich history of representing England at various age-grade levels.
Her senior debut during the 2021 autumn internationals saw her making a significant impact, starting with a match against Canada and continuing with another fixture against the USA. This marked the beginning of a promising international career.
Sadia’s contributions were pivotal in England’s successful 2022 TikTok Women's Six Nations campaign, where she showcased her skills and earned accolades as the Rugby Players' Association Allianz Premier 15s Player of the Year in 2022.
She demonstrated her mettle on the world stage as well, being part of the squad that reached the final of the delayed 2021 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand. Notably, she was awarded the Player of the Match in the opening game against Fiji.
Continuing her journey, Sadia remained a steadfast presence in the 2023 Six Nations and has recently been named in John Mitchell’s squad for the Red Roses’ 2024 campaign, underscoring her continued importance to the national team.
#5. ABBIE WARD
Abbie’s introduction to rugby began with touch at the age of 10, igniting a passion that led her through various age groups. Her talent shone early as she contributed to the England squad’s triumph at the U20 Nations Cup in 2011. Venturing abroad, she spent the summer of 2014 showcasing her skills in Canada with the Strathcona Druids.
Notably, Abbie made history as the first former Sedbergh School girl to represent England in a senior national sporting team. Her debut was marked with flair as she scored a try in her inaugural start against Italy in 2015. This was just the beginning of her impressive journey.
A pivotal figure in England’s 2017 World Cup squad, Abbie started in the final against New Zealand, showcasing her prowess on the international stage. Her consistency was evident as she participated in all five of England’s games at the 2018 Six Nations as part of the Bristol Bears second row.
Recognition followed with a full-time contract in 2019, culminating in a triumphant Six Nations Grand Slam victory later that year. Leading by example, she captained the Super Series squad in June 2019, a testament to her leadership qualities and skill.
Despite challenges, including maternity leave, Abbie’s dedication never wavered. She is now set to feature prominently in the 2024 Six Nations, adding to her impressive rugby legacy.
The post Two England Rugby Players Who Ended Up Dating After Meeting at School appeared first on Ruck.
