Wales forward Georgia Evans arrives at press conferences with a noticeable glow, a reflection of a year that has seen her achieve personal and professional milestones rarely matched in sport. Following a turbulent period 12 months ago, when Wales were eliminated from the World Cup and Evans faced intense online harassment, she has redefined her career trajectory.
This summer, Evans secured the Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR) title with Saracens. Just days after the championship win, she was proposed to by England powerhouse Hannah Botterman against the backdrop of a Greek sunset on the island of Zakynthos. The couple, who play on opposing sides for club and country, describe their dynamic as a perfect partnership.
Evans admitted that while supporting Botterman through England’s 39-Test winning streak can be “a little bit jealous,” watching her fiancée recover from injury and return to action against Australia was a special moment. “We’re not in each other’s pockets, but doing the same type of thing every day really helps,” Evans said.
Off the pitch, the 29-year-old is navigating a significant life change alongside her partner. Evans and Botterman recently underwent pre-scans as they plan to start a family, a process Evans described as an “eye opener.” Speaking on The Good, The Scaz & The Rugby podcast, Botterman revealed she was “terribly surprised” by the medical procedures involved.
“Unfortunately, it’s not a happy accident that just happens for us, but it’s something we’ve looked into for the future,” Evans explained. The couple praised the supportive environments provided by both the Welsh and English unions, citing the recent arrival of Alisha Joyce and Jaz Joyce’s son, Ralphie, as evidence that the sport is becoming more accommodating for elite athletes planning for motherhood.
Looking ahead to Wales’ upcoming WXV clash against South Africa, Evans says her mindset has shifted. “I’ve got lots of things to focus on outside of rugby… coming into the Wales environment, I’ve just taken the pressure off,” she said. “It’s now about being my happiest self, and when I’m happy, I’m playing free.”
I find it hard to believe she says she takes the pressure off. Elite athletes rarely truly relax like that.
Wait, how do they balance opposing teams and same club training? That sounds exhausting yet kinda magical.
IVF in professional sports is still so stigmatized. It is refreshing to see these athletes normalizing it.
So glad Evans is thriving after that toxic online harassment. She deserves every bit of this happiness.