St Mary’s University London was abuzz with celebration on November 5, 2025, as four of its most illustrious alumnae—Jess Breach, Abi Burton, Rosie Galligan, and Ellie Kildunne—were awarded honorary doctorates in sport for their outstanding contributions to English rugby. The ceremony, held in conjunction with the inaugural Remembrance Trophy matches between St Mary’s and the Royal Artillery rugby teams, marked a proud moment not just for the university, but for women’s rugby as a whole.
The honorees’ journeys to the top of the rugby world are as inspiring as they are diverse. Jess Breach, currently a key figure for Saracens, burst onto the international scene in 2017, scoring a staggering six tries on her England debut. Her blistering pace and clinical finishing have since made her one of the most formidable wingers in the game. Breach’s impact was instrumental in England’s triumphant run at the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, and her background in Sports Communication & Marketing from St Mary’s highlights the synergy between academic achievement and sporting excellence. As Breach’s story demonstrates, talent paired with dedication can truly take an athlete from local club pitches—like those at Chichester RFC—to the highest echelons of international rugby.
Abi Burton’s path, meanwhile, is a testament to resilience and courage. After representing Great Britain in Rugby Sevens at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Burton faced a life-threatening diagnosis of autoimmune encephalitis in 2022. The illness forced her off the pitch for months, but her determination never wavered. Against the odds, Burton staged a remarkable comeback, earning her full England Union debut in 2025. Her journey from hospital wards back to the rugby field has inspired countless fans and fellow athletes alike. As one source put it, Burton’s bravery both on and off the field makes her "a true inspiration for the next generation of athletes."
Rosie Galligan, another Saracens standout and England lock, is celebrated for her remarkable "never-say-die" attitude. Her career has been shaped by overcoming adversity, including a severe bout of meningitis and a major leg injury. Each setback only seemed to fuel her determination, and Galligan returned stronger every time, cementing her status as a cornerstone of both Saracens Women and the England national team. Renowned for her line-out prowess and relentless physicality, Galligan’s contributions have been vital to her teams’ successes. Her story underscores the grit required to succeed at the top level of rugby.
Ellie Kildunne rounds out the celebrated quartet with her electrifying versatility. Since making her England debut in 2017, Kildunne has dazzled in multiple positions—wing, centre, and full-back. Her speed, agility, and attacking flair have made her a constant threat on the pitch. Kildunne was crucial in England’s victorious 2025 World Cup campaign, and her adaptability has set her apart as one of the most dynamic backs in the women’s game. Off the field, Kildunne’s personal life has also drawn attention; she recently confirmed her amicable split from Cameron Sommerville-Bailey, emphasizing her focus on rugby, podcasting, and promotional work. "I still love him to pieces, but it was the best for where we are," Kildunne shared, highlighting her maturity and commitment to balancing personal growth with professional ambition.
The backdrop of the Remembrance Trophy matches lent additional gravitas to the ceremony. These inaugural fixtures between St Mary’s and the Royal Artillery rugby teams were more than just a sporting contest—they symbolized the enduring bond between sport, history, and community. The dinner that followed provided a fitting stage to honor the alumnae who have become trailblazers for women’s rugby, inspiring both current students and the wider rugby community.
While the achievements of Breach, Burton, Galligan, and Kildunne took center stage, the rugby world’s attention was also drawn to the vibrant lives of players and their partners as the Autumn Internationals and Six Nations fever swept across Europe. Fans have become increasingly captivated by the stories of those who support rugby’s biggest stars from the sidelines.
Wales’ Louis Rees-Zammit, known for his lightning speed on the wing, has made headlines off the field thanks to his relationship with Drew Knotts. Knotts, a Florida-born fashion and lifestyle influencer, relocated from the United States to the UK to be with Rees-Zammit, especially as he returned to rugby following his NFL adventure. Her commitment and athletic background have made her a favorite among Welsh supporters, adding a new dimension to the off-field narrative of rugby’s elite.
England’s Marcus Smith, another standout fly-half, is often seen with his girlfriend, Beth Dolling. Dolling, a 25-year-old model and singer, has become something of a fashion icon in her own right, frequently sharing glimpses of her life alongside Smith on social media. The couple, together since 2021, have become one of rugby’s most photogenic duos. In a heartfelt social media post, Dolling wrote, "Watching you do what you love makes me so proud." Her presence in the stands and stylish public appearances have not gone unnoticed by fans and the media alike.
George Ford’s wife, Atdhetare Hoxha, brings another layer of inspiration to the rugby community. Having fled war-torn Kosovo as a child, Hoxha’s journey to the UK is a story of resilience and hope. Married to Ford since 2022 and now a mother to daughter Alarnia, born in March 2024, she balances family life with unwavering support for her husband’s career. "I came here as a refugee aged four during the Kosovan War. Everything we had was taken in a heartbeat," Hoxha once shared, illustrating the strength and perspective she brings to her role as a partner and parent.
Other notable rugby couples have also caught the public eye. France’s Antoine Dupont is reportedly dating Iris Mittenaere, the former Miss France and Miss Universe, while England’s Maro Itoje recently wed model Mimi Fall after a romantic proposal in Nigeria and Ghana. Meanwhile, Henry Slade’s wife, Megan, juggles entrepreneurship with motherhood, running a children’s clothing brand while raising their two daughters. The list of rugby’s power couples continues, featuring athletes and partners like Tadhg Beirne and Harriet Beirne, Freddie Steward and Madison Woan, Duhan van der Merwe and Nika van der Merwe, and more.
As the rugby calendar rolls on, these stories of triumph, resilience, and support—both on and off the pitch—continue to inspire fans across the globe. St Mary’s University’s recognition of its trailblazing alumnae serves as a timely reminder that the legacy of rugby’s stars is built not just on sporting achievement, but on perseverance, community, and the enduring power of partnership. With the Six Nations and Autumn Internationals igniting passions anew, the stage is set for the next chapter in rugby’s rich and evolving story.