Two England women's players dated each other, they met at school
Yesterday at 03:36 PM
Two of England's biggest rugby stars, Holly Aitchison and Hannah Botterman, have lifted the lid on their heartwarming love story.
The duo, both 27, are set to play pivotal roles for England in the 2025 Six Nations, but their journey together began long before that.
Their paths first crossed at Hartpury College in 2015, where their shared passion for rugby sparked a connection that quickly blossomed into something more.
Now, nearly a decade later, they're not just teammates on the pitch — they were partners off it too.
However, their initial romance hit a rough patch after a year, leaving them both ‘heartbroken,’ particularly as Holly grappled with her own identity and sexuality.
But fate intervened, bringing them back together when they both joined Saracens. Now, they’re teammates once again, this time playing for Bristol Bears.
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 now appears the pair have split up, however, they’ve remained friends and play together for Bristol Bears and England.
"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.
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