{"id":270766,"date":"2025-07-18T01:19:12","date_gmt":"2025-07-18T01:19:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/270766\/"},"modified":"2025-07-18T01:19:12","modified_gmt":"2025-07-18T01:19:12","slug":"ouch-british-irish-lions-star-hit-with-huge-12000-bill","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/270766\/","title":{"rendered":"“Ouch” – British & Irish Lions star hit with huge \u00a312,000 bill"},"content":{"rendered":"

England and Lions flyer Tommy Freeman is living his rugby dream \u2013 but it\u2019s come with a hefty price tag, thanks to a heartfelt promise that\u2019s left him more than \u00a312,000 out of pocket.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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 \u2013 and it\u2019s all on Tommy\u2019s tab.<\/p>\n

Join RUCK\u2019s Instagram broadcast channel\u00a0<\/a><\/strong>and get the latest rugby news straight to your phone.<\/p>\n

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\u201cMy parents came to Australia in 2022. It was very last minute because I didn\u2019t think I was going to play out here, so I told them not to come,\u201d Freeman said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI 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!\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

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? \u201cIt\u2019s completely backfired!\u201d he joked. \u201cIt\u2019s cost me over \u00a312,000!\u201d<\/p>\n

Family First, Even Through Setbacks<\/p>\n

The Lions call-up hasn\u2019t just been a dream come true for Freeman \u2013 it\u2019s been a much-needed lift for his parents, who\u2019ve had a tough time during their travels Down Under.<\/p>\n

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\u201cI 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,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey were travelling from Canberra to Adelaide and thought they would drive it so they pulled over and got some photos\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Despite the injury and thousands of miles travelled, the Freeman family reunion is going ahead \u2013 though Sara\u2019s main concern was simply being able to board the plane.<\/p>\n

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\u201cThey were obviously delighted. All the travelling they\u2019ve done to support me, it\u2019s paid off. It\u2019s amazing to be able to give back.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\u2018I\u2019m Not the Easiest on Game Day\u2019<\/p>\n

While Freeman is known for his calm finishing on the pitch, he admits things can get a bit tense behind the scenes.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt has not gone well on that front so a bit of good news for them was good. Mum\u2019s main concern was being fit enough to fly to get here in time.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey were obviously delighted and all the travelling miles they have put in for me has paid off.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

Freeman\u2019s Lions journey has cost him financially, but emotionally, the return has been priceless.<\/strong><\/p>\n

EDITORS PICKS:<\/p>\n

Lions stars are joined by WAGs in Australia for 2025 tour<\/strong><\/p>\n

The British and Irish Lions have roared back into Australia for the first time in over a decade \u2013 and they\u2019ve got more than just silverware on their minds.<\/strong><\/p>\n

It\u2019s been 12 years since that unforgettable 2013 series win, and Andy Farrell\u2019s men are hunting history once again. Despite a rocky opener \u2013 a 28-24 defeat to Argentina in Dublin \u2013 the Lions bounced back in style, brushing aside all challengers in their warm-up matches since arriving Down Under.<\/p>\n

But it\u2019s not just fierce tackles and try-scoring heroics making headlines \u2013 there\u2019s a wave of glamour off the field too.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s right, several of the squad\u2019s stars have been joined by their wives and girlfriends in Australia, offering unwavering support \u2013 and turning heads along the way.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s best this summer.<\/p>\n

NGLAND<\/p>\n

Meet Chloe Rose \u2013 the woman behind the England hook<\/strong>er (Luke Cowan-Dickie)<\/p>\n

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\u2019s been making waves of her own.<\/p>\n

Chloe has kicked off a serious fitness journey \u2013 and the results speak for themselves. Her latest transformation has fans double-taking. Check out her progress on Instagram\u00a0here.<\/a><\/p>\n

The couple\u2019s biggest team effort? Their son, Arlo \u2013 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:<\/p>\n

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\u201cSo this is my little man, Arlo Cowan-Dickie, and he is already my [world]. Thanks for the kind messages \u2013 him and mum are doing great.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

From pitchside snaps to heartwarming family moments, Chloe and Luke aren\u2019t shy about giving followers a peek behind the scenes. And fans can\u2019t get enough.<\/p>\n

Beth Dolling \u2013 Singer, Model, and Marcus\u2019s No.1 Fan (Marcus Smith)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Fly-half Marcus Smith is dating\u00a0Beth Dolling<\/strong>, a 25-year-old singer and model who\u2019s worked with major brands like PrettyLittleThing and built up a sizeable social following.<\/p>\n

She\u2019s often snapped in glammed-up couples\u2019 pics with Marcus, and one heartfelt post said it all:\u00a0\u201cNo matter what, watching you do what you love doing makes me so proud.\u201d<\/p>\n

They\u2019ve been Instagram official since June 2021, and with Beth\u2019s fashion flair, expect some serious style moments down under.<\/p>\n

Mimi Fall \u2013 The new Mrs Itoje (Maro Itoje)<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Lions captain has officially hung up his bachelor boots after tying the knot with long-time partner Mimi Fall \u2013 just weeks before the tour kicks off.<\/p>\n

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. \u201cIt was a beautiful resort,\u201d Maro told the\u00a0Daily Mail. \u201cI popped the question there.\u201d Job done.<\/p>\n

Mimi confirmed the engagement with a sparkling Instagram reveal, flashing the rock and writing:\u00a0\u201cMrs I to be.\u201d\u00a0Cue the collective swoon.<\/p>\n

Fast forward to May 25, and the couple sealed the deal with a stylish ceremony in London\u2019s swanky Mayfair. The snaps say it all \u2013 pure class, serious suits, and big smiles all round.<\/p>\n

Sharing the news online, Maro wrote:
\u201cScripture says it is not good for man to be alone\u2026 I am no longer alone. I HAVE A WIFE. To God be the Glory!!!!\u201d<\/p>\n

Ashleigh Inwood \u2013 Five Years Strong with Freeman (Tommy Freeman)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Northampton flier Tommy Freeman has been dating\u00a0Ashleigh Inwood<\/strong>\u00a0for over five years. They now share a home near Northampton and a future that looks just as promising as Tommy\u2019s England career.<\/p>\n

Freeman recently posted a loved-up tribute:\u00a0\u201cFive years. Forever grateful for your support.\u201d
But don\u2019t worry \u2014 there\u2019s still room in his heart for Fin Smith. Tommy joked to\u00a0MailOnline: \u201cOur girlfriends aren\u2019t happy because they think we like each other more than them!\u201d<\/p>\n

Meg \u2013 Keeps herself out of the spotlight (Ellis Genge)<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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Nancy Neath \u2013 Design Star with an Eye for Decor (Will Stuart)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Prop Will Stuart\u2019s girlfriend\u00a0Nancy Neath<\/strong>\u00a0is a creative talent in her own right, running a successful table and floral design business that\u2019s got serious aesthetic game.<\/p>\n

The couple moved in together in 2023, though not without hiccups. Will revealed:\u00a0\u201cMy girlfriend chose a new mattress \u2014 it\u2019s too soft. I\u2019ve ended up on the floor a few times tucked in a duvet.\u201d\u00a0Rugby tackles are rough, but love is tougher.<\/p>\n

Gracie Hand \u2013 The long-term couple (Fin Smith)<\/p>\n

Student Gracie<\/strong> tends to keep her private life low-key, but Fin posts adorable selfies of them together, sharing glimpses of their relationship with his followers.<\/p>\n

Michelle Daly \u2013 From School Romance to Family Life (Elliot Daly)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Elliot Daly married longtime love Michelle in 2021 after years together and one perfectly timed proposal. The pair have now welcomed a daughter,\u00a0Orla<\/strong>, born in July 2024.<\/p>\n

Elliot summed it up sweetly on their anniversary:\u00a0\u201cOne month ago today, I got to marry my soulmate. 10 years of knowing each other, 4 years engaged, and now finally married. My Wife.\u201d
They\u2019ve gone from teenage sweethearts to one of England rugby\u2019s power couples.<\/p>\n

CONTINUES ON PAGE TWO<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

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