The 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup in England is shaping up to be an unforgettable event, not only for its display of athletic excellence but also for the remarkable family connections among the players on the field. From famous relatives to multigenerational rugby dynasties, the familial ties add an extra layer of inspiration to the tournament.
The Inspiring Story of England’s Hannah Botterman
England’s loosehead prop, Hannah Botterman, has rugby in her blood. Her aunt, Jane Everett, was a part of the victorious England squad that won the Rugby World Cup in 1994. Recounting those days, Everett shared memories of the sacrifices women players made, including paying for their own kits and managing jobs alongside their passion for the sport. “Watching Hannah live my dream is truly special,” Everett said, reflecting on how far women’s rugby has come.
Botterman’s rugby lineage doesn’t stop with her aunt. Both her parents were rugby players, with her mother even making it to the England Academy before her rugby journey was halted due to pregnancy. These deep family ties to the sport have profoundly shaped Botterman’s career. As her aunt fondly recalled, “When Hannah got her first England cap, I couldn’t help but shed a tear as I remembered what it meant to wear the Red Rose.”
Global Legacies in the Rugby World
England 2025 features an array of players with impressive family legacies. According to reports, New Zealand winger Portia Woodman-Wickliffe’s father and uncle both played for the All Blacks, cementing their family as a rugby powerhouse. Canada’s captain, Sophie de Goede, continues the tradition started by her parents, who captained their respective women’s and men’s national teams.
Other notable stories include Maddie Feaunati, a standout player for England, whose father Zak Feaunati portrayed Jonah Lomu in the film Invictus. Wales boasts two sister pairs, Gwenllian and Alaw Pyrs, as well as Nel and Branwen Metcalfe, who hail from the same rugby club. Meanwhile, in Australia, Katalina Amosa made headlines not just for her performance but also as the sister of Wallaby Brandon Paenga-Amosa. When she debuted, her brother was reportedly more emotional than she was, highlighting the strong family bonds in rugby.
Famous Sporting Dynasties Beyond Rugby
For Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, her family’s sporting excellence extends beyond rugby. Her aunt, Te Aroha Keenan, was an international netball player for New Zealand and also coached Portia during her formative years in netball. Portia’s journey from netball to rugby is a testament to her adaptability and determination, becoming the leading World Cup try-scorer in rugby union history and a two-time Olympic gold medalist.
Rugby’s Family Ties: An Enduring Legacy
The familial connections highlighted at this year’s Women’s Rugby World Cup exemplify the powerful role of shared experiences, mentorship, and legacy. From parents who coached their children to siblings inspiring each other, rugby truly is a family affair.
If you’re as inspired by these athletes as we are, now might be the perfect time to support your passion for the sport. Check out Canterbury’s official rugby gear, trusted by professional players around the globe. Whether you’re hitting the field or cheering from the stands, they’ve got you covered with high-quality apparel and accessories.
As players from around the world take the field in England for the Rugby World Cup 2025, they bring not just their skills but also their families’ dreams and legacies, making the tournament about much more than just the game.
