As the world's elite descend on England for the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup, many players are inspired by famous relatives who have donned international jerseys before them. Among them is England prop Hannah Botterman, whose aunt Jane Everett was part of the victorious 1994 World Cup-winning side. Everett, an unused replacement prop in that final, also coached fellow England prop Kelsey Clifford at club level.
Botterman’s family rugby pedigree extends beyond her aunt: her uncle Gregg played for Saracens, and both her parents played for local clubs. Her mother reached the England Academy but no further, a path Botterman attributes to her own birth. “She actually blames it on me, because she fell pregnant with me when she was coming up,” Botterman told Sky Sports.
Other players boast equally impressive connections. New Zealand winger Portia Woodman-Wickliffe is the daughter of All Black Kawhena Woodman, while Canada captain Sophie de Goede’s parents both captained their national teams. England back-row Maddie Feaunati is one of four sporty sisters, and her father Zak is a former Samoa No. 8 who played Jonah Lomu in the film Invictus.
Sibling bonds are also prominent: Wales have two pairs of sisters from Nant Conwy club, and Scotland will be represented by Rhea and Ellian Clarke. Australia hooker Katalina Amosa made her debut this year with encouragement from her Wallaby brother Brandon Paenga-Amosa. France uncapped prop Makarita Baleinadogo is the daughter of former Fiji centre Daniele.
Woodman-Wickliffe, rugby union’s leading World Cup try-scorer, has perhaps the richest family legacy. Her father and uncle both played for the All Blacks, and her aunt Te Aroha Keenan played international netball for New Zealand. These family ties underscore the deep roots of talent heading into the tournament.
