England and Lions flyer Tommy Freeman is living his rugby dream – but it’s come with a hefty price tag, thanks to a heartfelt promise that’s left him more than £12,000 out of pocket.
The Northampton Saints winger is set to start at Suncorp Stadium this weekend, returning to the very ground where he made his England debut during the 2022 tour of Australia. But this time around, his parents are travelling in serious style – and it’s all on Tommy’s tab.
Join RUCK’s Instagram broadcast channel and get the latest rugby news straight to your phone.
“My parents came to Australia in 2022. It was very last minute because I didn’t think I was going to play out here, so I told them not to come,” Freeman said.
“I eventually got selected and then they flew out. It was last minute so I told them that if I get picked for the Lions I would pay for their business class seats, which has backfired!”
True to his word, the 23-year-old has stumped up for two long-haul business class tickets for Sara and Cliff Freeman. The only problem? “It’s completely backfired!” he joked. “It’s cost me over £12,000!”
Family First, Even Through Setbacks
The Lions call-up hasn’t just been a dream come true for Freeman – it’s been a much-needed lift for his parents, who’ve had a tough time during their travels Down Under.
“I gave them a ring and they are having troubles of their own. Mum has just broken her foot so she has had surgery in Adelaide,” he said.
“They were travelling from Canberra to Adelaide and thought they would drive it so they pulled over and got some photos….”
Despite the injury and thousands of miles travelled, the Freeman family reunion is going ahead – though Sara’s main concern was simply being able to board the plane.
“They were obviously delighted. All the travelling they’ve done to support me, it’s paid off. It’s amazing to be able to give back.”
‘I’m Not the Easiest on Game Day’
While Freeman is known for his calm finishing on the pitch, he admits things can get a bit tense behind the scenes.
“It has not gone well on that front so a bit of good news for them was good. Mum’s main concern was being fit enough to fly to get here in time.
“They were obviously delighted and all the travelling miles they have put in for me has paid off.
“It’s amazing to be able to give back because I am not that pleasant to be around on game day with the nerves. I can be a bit grumpy, so for it all to pay off with moments like this is extra special.”
Freeman’s Lions journey has cost him financially, but emotionally, the return has been priceless.
EDITORS PICKS:
Lions stars are joined by WAGs in Australia for 2025 tour
The British and Irish Lions have roared back into Australia for the first time in over a decade – and they’ve got more than just silverware on their minds.
It’s been 12 years since that unforgettable 2013 series win, and Andy Farrell’s men are hunting history once again. Despite a rocky opener – a 28-24 defeat to Argentina in Dublin – the Lions bounced back in style, brushing aside all challengers in their warm-up matches since arriving Down Under.
But it’s not just fierce tackles and try-scoring heroics making headlines – there’s a wave of glamour off the field too.
That’s right, several of the squad’s stars have been joined by their wives and girlfriends in Australia, offering unwavering support – and turning heads along the way.
So, who are the women cheering from the sidelines as the Lions go for glory? From long-time loves to social media sensations, here are the WAGs backing Britain and Ireland’s best this summer.
NGLAND
Meet Chloe Rose – the woman behind the England hooker (Luke Cowan-Dickie)
Hailing from Cornwall, Chloe is the long-time partner of Luke Cowan-Dickie and a regular face in the stands, proudly backing her man through thick and thin. But lately, she’s been making waves of her own.
Chloe has kicked off a serious fitness journey – and the results speak for themselves. Her latest transformation has fans double-taking. Check out her progress on Instagram here.
The couple’s biggest team effort? Their son, Arlo – born during the 2020 Six Nations after Chloe announced her pregnancy just ahead of the 2019 World Cup. Luke shared the news with fans at the time:
“So this is my little man, Arlo Cowan-Dickie, and he is already my [world]. Thanks for the kind messages – him and mum are doing great.”
From pitchside snaps to heartwarming family moments, Chloe and Luke aren’t shy about giving followers a peek behind the scenes. And fans can’t get enough.
Beth Dolling – Singer, Model, and Marcus’s No.1 Fan (Marcus Smith)
Fly-half Marcus Smith is dating Beth Dolling, a 25-year-old singer and model who’s worked with major brands like PrettyLittleThing and built up a sizeable social following.
She’s often snapped in glammed-up couples’ pics with Marcus, and one heartfelt post said it all: “No matter what, watching you do what you love doing makes me so proud.”
They’ve been Instagram official since June 2021, and with Beth’s fashion flair, expect some serious style moments down under.
Mimi Fall – The new Mrs Itoje (Maro Itoje)
The Lions captain has officially hung up his bachelor boots after tying the knot with long-time partner Mimi Fall – just weeks before the tour kicks off.
The towering second-row proposed during a sun-soaked getaway to Nigeria and Ghana in August 2024, popping the question at a dreamy waterside resort in Ada, just outside Accra. “It was a beautiful resort,” Maro told the Daily Mail. “I popped the question there.” Job done.
Mimi confirmed the engagement with a sparkling Instagram reveal, flashing the rock and writing: “Mrs I to be.” Cue the collective swoon.
Fast forward to May 25, and the couple sealed the deal with a stylish ceremony in London’s swanky Mayfair. The snaps say it all – pure class, serious suits, and big smiles all round.
Sharing the news online, Maro wrote:
“Scripture says it is not good for man to be alone… I am no longer alone. I HAVE A WIFE. To God be the Glory!!!!”
Ashleigh Inwood – Five Years Strong with Freeman (Tommy Freeman)
Northampton flier Tommy Freeman has been dating Ashleigh Inwood for over five years. They now share a home near Northampton and a future that looks just as promising as Tommy’s England career.
Freeman recently posted a loved-up tribute: “Five years. Forever grateful for your support.”
But don’t worry — there’s still room in his heart for Fin Smith. Tommy joked to MailOnline: “Our girlfriends aren’t happy because they think we like each other more than them!”
Meg – Keeps herself out of the spotlight (Ellis Genge)
Fellow England vice-captain Ellis Genge is in a relationship with his partner Meg. The blonde beauty often stays out of the spotlight, so not much is known about her, however, the pair share two sons, who Ellis absolutely dotes on.
Nancy Neath – Design Star with an Eye for Decor (Will Stuart)
Prop Will Stuart’s girlfriend Nancy Neath is a creative talent in her own right, running a successful table and floral design business that’s got serious aesthetic game.
The couple moved in together in 2023, though not without hiccups. Will revealed: “My girlfriend chose a new mattress — it’s too soft. I’ve ended up on the floor a few times tucked in a duvet.” Rugby tackles are rough, but love is tougher.
Gracie Hand – The long-term couple (Fin Smith)
Student Gracie tends to keep her private life low-key, but Fin posts adorable selfies of them together, sharing glimpses of their relationship with his followers.
Michelle Daly – From School Romance to Family Life (Elliot Daly)
Elliot Daly married longtime love Michelle in 2021 after years together and one perfectly timed proposal. The pair have now welcomed a daughter, Orla, born in July 2024.
Elliot summed it up sweetly on their anniversary: “One month ago today, I got to marry my soulmate. 10 years of knowing each other, 4 years engaged, and now finally married. My Wife.”
They’ve gone from teenage sweethearts to one of England rugby’s power couples.
Like this:
Like Loading…