The other half of…
David Flatman, Bath and England prop
FACT FILE
Name: Alex Van Hattum
Age: 30
Birthplace: Holland
Profession: Head of recruitment at law firm
Relationship status: Engaged
Duration: Four years
How did you meet?
We met through Alex Brown (ex-Bristol) who is a good friend of mine. I’d like to say he pursued me, because I think he got Browny to set us up.
Was he smooth?
He’s not a classic roses sort of guy but he was the perfect wooer in that he phoned straightaway and took me to nice restaurants. Although on that first date I was a bit nervous and I ended up dragging him to a party because it would be more interesting to go with him than on my own.
Are you a rugby fan?
No, not at all, I knew a bit because a couple of really good friends play, but I wouldn’t class myself as a fan. I go more now although I’m not dedicated enough to go to away matches.
So you weren’t impressed by his fame then?
I’d never heard of him. He always plays it down anyway. Although he did turn up to our date in a Porsche. In fact he let me take the piss all night about this friend who had a Porsche with a personalised number plate and then afterwards he drove up in a Porsche with a personalised number plate! And then promptly struggled with reverse parking!
What’s the best thing about being a rugby girlfriend?
It’s very nice socially. I moved to Bath from Bristol to move in with him and there’s a nice community of people set up for you. Some are more my cup of tea than others but on a match weekend we have a big night out. My favourites are Danny Grewcock’s girlfriend Tash, Andy Beattie’s partner Sarah and David Barnes’ Ellie. I see a lot of the wives of Lee Mears and Matt Perry (Danni and Lucy) too. It’s not cliquey but there’s just some people you see more of.
Anyone you don’t get on with?
I've always got on with everyone, but you do hear horror stories of partners being really competitive and bitchy, I’ve never seen any nastiness of falling out though.
Is it glamorous at all?
No not really. Bath isn’t a massive money club and a lot of people are here because they love the place itself and the atmosphere – they’re not flashos so it means everyone’s understated. Danny is probably the biggest name but he never flaunts his name or anything. It’s not like football because the money isn’t there and we all have to be careful and save for the future.
There must be a bit of glam?
Well, it's nice when people ask David for autographs, that's a bit glamorous. And you can watch your mates on the telly which I think is fun. It was great when Matt Stevens was on X Factor! Actually, I think the girlfriends are more glamourous than the players with Mike Tindall going out with Zara Phillips and Paul Sampson with Kirsty Gallacher.
What’s the downside of dating a rugby player?
The downside is that they're used to getting everything done for them. They're molly cuddled, and as they're often a bit special growing up because they're good at something their mums spoil them rotten so they expect us to do the same!!
Anything else?
If they get a period of injury, they’re absolutely moody fuckers. But there is so much uncertainty in their careers and there is a fear for the future if they’ve no alternative career. For instance with David he went straight from school into rugby and didn’t go to university and doesn’t know what he’ll do after rugby. I think it’s frightening for them because they do have a lack of control over their body and they’re so dependent it. With rugby the highs are brilliant, but when things aren’t going right, they’re really moody – I think every female would agree with that!
Ever worry about the future?
It concerns me what he’ll do next, but I think I’ve got quite a bit of faith that he’ll land on his feet. He’s very bright, very sharp and really good with people. I’d love it if he had set plan because I’d like to have children in future and I’d prefer not to work. I’m in a position where I could be the main breadwinner if he decided to go to uni. I guess in that way we’re lucky that I could hold the fort – I just don’t want to.
Any female rivals for his affection?
There’s a clear grouping of girl at certain places that would give their right arm to have a go!
What’s Flats really like?
He’s a big character, he’s not one of those props who surprises you by being shy and retiring and quiet. He loves a laugh, he’s very big hearted, he loves his family, he’s loyal, he has a million friends and very few, if any, enemies. I know I’m biased but I think he’s the funniest, most witty player and he’s very bright.
I let him wear the trousers in public but we all know who’s really in charge.
Is he romantic?
We’re not really a cheesy couple but I suppose the most romantic thing he’s done was when we went to Kenya and he booked this luxurious treehouse overlooking a beautiful valley. Although when we read the guestbook we saw it was mostly honeymooners and the thought of how much action that bed had seen made it all seem a bit too corny for us!
Care to give us an embarrassing tale?
Okay I’ve got one. While he’s got used to dogs (I’m dog obsessed) he's petrified of them. And the other day he properly crapped himself when a three month old puppy slightly growled at him – he snapped his arm back straight away.
Finally, is the Porsche still around?
Oh no, that was gone a few months into he relationship, he’s got a much more acceptable X5 now and I think that’ll go soon. We’ll probably get an estate or something for the dogs!