From Daisy Dagg to Di Kaino, these are the wives and girlfriends cheering on their rugby star partners from the sidelines.
Whether they’re long-time lovebirds or newly dating, meet the women behind the All Blacks.
Aaron Cruden and his wife, sports teacher Grace King, tied the knot in a fairytale ceremony in 2014. The couple met when they were just 18 years old and have been going strong ever since, with Grace supporting Aaron through his battle with testicular cancer in 2008. “The support and love she showed me when I was sick made me realise I had found a real keeper. I realised she was just as beautiful on the inside as she is on the out,” Aaron told Woman’s Day of his gorgeous wife.
Ardie Savea and his girlfriend, Saskia Hartmann-Hechenberger have been dating for several years.
Ben Smith – who was recently named as captain for the All Blacks in their upcoming on-off Test match against Samoa – and his wife Kate Menzies recently welcomed a baby boy named Walter into their family, joining two-year-old big sister Annabelle.
Beauden Barrett and his girlfriend, social media influencer and tax specialist Hannah Laity, regularly share photos of their adventures together on Instagram.
Brodie Retallick and his wife Niki Thompson tied the knot in a picturesque Hawke’s Bay ceremony in 2015, in front of guests including fellow All Blacks Aaron Cruden and Beauden Barrett, among others.
A more recent addition to the All Blacks team, Codie Taylor has the support of his partner Lucy Ryan.
Anton Lienert-Brown and his girlfriend Isabella Stone.
Israel Dagg and his wife Daisy Dagg tied the knot two years ago and recently welcomed their first child – baby boy Arlo Henry Dagg – on April 9 this year.
All Black veteran Jerome Kaino and his wife Di have three children together – eight-year-old daughter Milan, five-year-old son Kobe and one-year-old son Grayson.
Joe Moody and his girlfriend, Christchurch-based nurse Emma Dennis.
Julian Savea and his wife Fatima recently confirmed they were expecting their first child together! Taking to social media to share the happy news, Fatima wrote: “We are beyond blessed and excited to announce that we are expecting a wee bundle of joy soon! Words can not describe our excitement and joy.”
Kieran Read and his wife Bridget recently welcomed their own little bundle of joy, baby Reuben James, on January 19 this year. The tiny tot joins older sisters Elle (5) and Eden (4).
Owen Franks and his wife Emma welcomed their son Thomas in 2015. The couple first met in a Christchurch pub in 2010, with Owen revealing he knew right away he wanted to marry the blonde beauty. “When you know, you know,” he told the Australian Women’s Weekly. “Our relationship moved quite fast from the start and it just felt right.”
Sam Whitelock wed Auckland winemaker Hannah Lawton at Christchurch’s Pemberton Gardens in front of 172 guests. The couple met as students in 2008 at Lincoln University, and Sam later popped the question during a romantic getaway to Rarotonga.
Charlie Fauimuina and his wife, events organiser Rachelle, met more than 10 years ago at their South Auckland church. “I always knew she was The One, even though it took a bit of time to get to know her. When I asked her out, she said no a couple of times first!” Charlie told Woman’s Day.
TJ Perenara and his long-time love, Greer Samuel, have been together for seven years. The couple live together in Wellington, along with their adorable “fur baby” Roni.
