Follow OK! on Threads here: https://www.threads.net/@ok_mag
Wales rugby player Leigh Halfpenny will reach a milestone in his sporting career, but off the pitch spends time with his stunning fiancée and their two young children.
The 34 year old full-back player is competing against England in a World Cup warm-up match today (Saturday, 5 August) alongside the likes of teammates Corey Domachowski and Keiron Assiratti who are making their debuts.
The match is sure to be a significant and symbolic moment for Leigh who will be awarded his 100th cap – meanings he's played for his national team, Wales, against another national team an impressive 100 times.
By his side celebrating the milestone achievement in his rugby career will no doubt be his stunning fiancée and their two young children.
To mark his day, let's take a closer look at the sporting stars' life off the pitch…
Family life
The rugby player proposed to his fiancée Jess Tumelty in June last year while on the beach in Bandol, France – they are thought to have been together for around 10 years now.
Sharing the news with a family snap on Instagram he wrote: "Knee rehab going well. The best feeling when @jesstum said yes and having our two girls with us."
The couple have two children together, Lily, four and Nora, one – who will turn two in September.
While the sporting star tends to update his Instagram with the latest rugby snaps, he is often sharing a number of sweet posts with his three girls.
To celebrate Jess's birthday in April this year, they shared a sweet video reel during a getaway to Dormy House in Broadway.
They stayed in a stylish shepherd's hut and cosied up together for a number of stunning photos.
Leigh also shared a family photo to mark his fiancée's birthday and lovingly wrote: "We love you @jesstum we’re lucky to have you my girl, Happy Birthday."
He's also paid tribute to his two daughters for their birthdays expressing how proud he is and how loved they are.
The little ones can sometimes be spotted supporting their dad from the sidelines of the rugby pitch too.
Rugby star
Leigh, who hails from Gorseinon in Wales, first started playing for his local rugby club at the age of seven and has since been dedicated to the sport, even taking up a tradition to play on Christmas Day.
Talking to Wales Online, his mum Estelle opened up about the annual commitment influenced by Leigh's grandfather, Malcolm, who has been a huge influence in his life.
"Oh my gosh, every year," laughed Estelle at the time. "I remember the first year he did it, he came down in his kit. I asked where he was going and he said he was going kicking. I reminded him it was Christmas Day and it didn't matter a bit to him.
"He’s done it ever since. Nowadays, it’s in between his two daughters’ naps. He does a bit of kicking, then we have Christmas lunch."
The rugby star plays for the Scarlets, Wales and the British & Irish Lions – he has also been named the third highest points scorer for Wales after rugby legends Neil Jenkins and Stephen Jones.
Leigh – who received the honour of his 100th cap today – suffered a series injury in 2021 and was paid tribute to by his teammate and close pal, George North.
Talking about Leigh's achievement, he said: "We’ve been doing it together for 14 years, through thick and thin, and in sickness and in health. I can’t think of a Welshman who deserves it more for his service to the country."
He went on to say: "He’s a very good friend of mine and I’m chuffed to take the field with him on Saturday for his 100th cap. He’s probably the one guy who deserves it more than most. I can’t say higher than that really."
Source: Read Full Article