Life From The Sidelines

This week, we’re joined by the inspiring Milica Anscombe, wife of professional rugby player Gareth Anscombe, mother, and entrepreneur behind "Home Host UK." Milica shares her journey of starting her own business while managing the demands of family life and the unique challenges of being part of the rugby community.

In this episode, Milica opens up about:

• The courage it takes to just start and build something meaningful.
• Balancing the fast-paced life of rugby with raising a family.
• Her experience launching "Home Host UK" and the lessons she’s learned along the way.

Whether you’re looking for inspiration to start your own venture or insight into managing a busy lifestyle, this conversation is packed with heartfelt advice and practical tips.

Join Life From the Sidelines as we kick off the New Year discussing personal resolutions, upcoming rugby events, and hot takes from an ex-All Black legend criticizing France’s squad decisions for 2025. Plus, meet our behind-the-scenes star, Oceane, who keeps our podcast running smoothly.

As the year comes to a close, we’re inviting our biggest teammates—our husbands—onto the mic for a candid and heartfelt conversation. Together, we’re looking back on the wins, challenges, and growth that defined our year both on and off the field. From life as partners to athletes and the lessons we’ve learned along the way, this episode is a special celebration of love, sport, and everything in between. Tune in for laughter, reflections, and a glimpse into how we’re setting our intentions for the year ahead.

In this episode, we dive deep into the inspiring lives of Tyla King (née Nathan-Wong) and Tupuria King, two world-class athletes who have achieved greatness in their respective sports while building a life of love and shared values. From Tyla’s incredible journey as a New Zealand Rugby Sevens legend and three-time Olympian to Tupuria’s dominance as a world champion in waka ama, we explore their individual achievements, their love story, and the challenges they face as a power couple in the world of sports.

Join us as they share how their families, education, and unwavering mutual support have shaped their success both on and off the field. Whether it’s balancing international competitions, planning their dream wedding, or looking to the future, Tyla and Tupuria’s story is a testament to resilience, love, and partnership.

Tune in for an episode filled with heartwarming anecdotes, lessons on teamwork, and a celebration of triumphs in life and love.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Pam Timu, wife of professional rugby player Caleb Timu, as she shares her journey from Colomiers, France, where she balances life as a mother of three and a wife to an international athlete. Pam opens up about the challenges of relocating for her husband’s career, the emotional toll of adjusting to a new culture, and her struggles with mental health. Discover how her faith became a lifeline, and hear about her incredible transition into a new career in web development. This episode is a powerful reflection on finding identity, purpose, and balance in the midst of life’s biggest transitions.

In this special and deeply personal episode, we welcome Helen Faasalele, wife of professional rugby player Piula Faasalele, to share her journey as the spouse of an international athlete. Together, we reflect on the challenges, sacrifices, and triumphs of being a partner to a professional rugby player, while also honoring the life and memory of our beloved friend, Helen Tekori. We share stories of sisterhood, grief, and the enduring bonds that unite wives of athletes. Through laughter and tears, we celebrate Helen’s incredible legacy of friendship, strength, and love. Join us for this heartfelt tribute to the power of sisterhood and resilience in the face of loss.

In this episode, we sit down with Keilani Bituniyata, wife of Fijian rugby star Setareki Bituniyata, to hear her incredible story. Keilani shares her journey from life in Fiji to starting a new chapter in France, balancing motherhood, and supporting her husband’s international rugby career.

We explore their love story, how they met, and the challenges of dating and marrying a professional athlete. Keilani reflects on adjusting to French culture, raising their children in a foreign country, and finding community in a new land.

We also dive into the realities of being a rugby wife, from the highs of supporting her husband’s career to the challenges of managing long separations and the physical risks of the sport.

Join us for an inspiring look into Keilani’s life, filled with love, resilience, and lessons learned along the way.

In this episode, we discuss sensitive topics, including domestic violence. These conversations may be triggering for some listeners. We encourage anyone who may be affected by these discussions to listen with caution and prioritize their well-being. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please seek support from local resources or helplines in your area.

In this episode, We are sharing all about our recent holiday and the wild experience of training for (and running!) a marathon while being married to a pro athlete. We’ll talk about the fun and challenges of juggling vacation time with training, and how life as an athlete's wife always keeps you on your toes.

Plus, we will touch on the big wins this year—our husbands being crowned double champions in their rugby season (such a proud moment!). But with the highs came some real lows too. We sadly lost a dear sister Madame Tekori over the summer, and we will open up about what that journey has been like, and how we’re getting through it together.

From celebrating victories to coping with loss, this episode dives deep into the balance of joy, grief, and keeping life moving forward.

Sophie Bennett partner to Alan Ryan Strength & Conditioning coach of Stade Toulousain, a former team manager at Bath Rugby, shares her journey in sports and her transition to a new role. She discusses her passion for sport, her experience in coaching and managing rugby teams, and her love for running and CrossFit. Sophie also talks about her relationship with her partner, Alan Ryan, and the challenges they faced being in different countries. She reflects on the emotional process of leaving Bath Rugby and the importance of family and support in her life. Sophie shares her passion for running and supporting women in their fitness journeys. She discusses her own experiences with ultra-running races, including Dragon's Back and Winter Downs. Sophie emphasizes the importance of finding a supportive community and taking care of oneself in the demanding lifestyle of being a partner to a professional athlete. She offers advice for getting started with running, including finding the right shoes, joining a couch to 5K program, and considering a coach for support.

In this episode, Jada and Kayla interview Dina Celina, the fiancee of Scottish rugby player Blair Kinghorn. Dina shares her background as a registered nutritionist and DJ, and how she balanced her careers with supporting Blair's rugby career. She discusses the challenges and rewards of being in a rugby relationship and emphasizes the importance of maintaining independence and self-care. Dina also talks about her transition from DJing to focusing full-time on her nutrition business. The episode concludes with a discussion about Blair's move to Toulouse and the couple's future plans. In this conversation, Jada Meafou and Kayla Ahki intervies Dina Celina about her experience moving to a new country and adjusting to a new culture. They discuss the challenges of sobriety and the importance of putting oneself first. Dina also shares tips for starting a nutrition journey and talks about the excitement of running a wine marathon.