The other half of… 
Alix Popham, Scarlets and Wales
FACT FILE
Name: Jo Popham
Age: 26
Birthplace: Newbridge, Wales
Profession: Personal assistant/broadcaster
Relationship status: Married
Duration: Two years
Children: One (Holly, aged three) – a second on the way!
How did you meet?
My sister and his brother were boyfriend and girlfriend and we met at barbecue they were having – we moved in together three days later. Yeah, I was a tart! I remember him coming out of the kitchen and we both found ourselves looking at each other, it was a real eyes-across-the-room moment. Three and a half months later I moved to Leeds with him.
Was he smooth?
He is a bit of a charmer. He took me to the Celtic Manor for our first day for nice food and champagne. We hit it off because we’re both quite similar personality-wise and like a laugh.
Did you know who he was?
I only knew him as my sister’s boyfriend’s brother.
Are you a rugby fan?
I always liked rugby but I’m a much bigger fan now – I support him wherever he goes. When we went to Leeds I got to know all the players and their partners and ended up supporting the team too. It was a massive step to take because I didn’t know anyone, but luckily there were a lot of other Welsh girls in the same situation. I got to know the coach Phil Davies’ wife really well.
Did you ever regret the move?
Never, Leeds is an amazing city.
When did you find out you were moving to Leeds?
Alix had gone up to Leeds on loan before we met because he hadn’t been getting regular rugby at Newport. There was one game before which he’d said that if he didn’t come on at half-time then he’d accept an offer from Leeds. He came on at half-time still in his tracksuit, looked up at me and gave me the thumbs up. So I turned to the girls and told them ‘I’m moving to Leeds’ and we went out and got really drunk that night! That was actually my 21st birthday too!
What’s the best thing about being a rugby wife?
Well we get to travel to a lot places, meet lots of new people and some times there are some nice posh evenings. And, at the moment, because we’re doing all this work (Jo also works on Scrum V and S4C) and getting quite a bit publicity we get sponsored cars and phones which is a nice bonus.
Is it glamorous at all?
No. On matchdays we can’t wear jeans and now and again there’s a black tie event in the evening but that’s about it – I barely wear make-up most of the time and I’m a bit of scruff at work.
What’s the downside of being married to a rugby player?
You are alone quite a bit and it’s hard at the moment because Holly has just started school and Alix isn’t here so I’ve had to cut my hours down. I have to work though, I always want to work – I took a year off when I had Holly and couldn’t wait to get back into it.
Another downside is the injuries that they can get and some of the criticism isn’t nice. It’s never anything too bad though, he’s never had a bad, bad game. There’s a couple of journalists who’ve not been very nice but we don’t talk to them.
Ever worry about the future?
That’s why I’m working now so that I can be the bread-winner. The rugby career is so short-term – he could be retired in the next four or five years – that you have to get the money when you can. He’s got a few businesses though, including Eight Total Management, which is an agency that looks after new rugby players.
Any female rivals for his attention?
He wouldn't do anything anyway, he loves me too much, especially as I’m five months pregnant at the moment – I’m very hormonal and he’s not that stupid. When they all go out, the girls go for anyone who looks smart – even the coach driver gets attention when he’s in a suit! People think it's lovely going out with a rugby player but I don't get to see him very often so if they want to try it for a week they can, I’d probably see more of him then!
What’s Alix really like?
He’s a charmer, fun, easy-going, very loud and big – he’s got a presence. You know when he’s home!
Is he romantic?
He used to be, I’d prefer more cuddles and flowers though, but we’re married now – I guess after five years that’s not going to happen. He did take me to Rome once though!
Care to share an embarrassing tale about Alix?
Alix did once get into a bit of trouble in Cardiff and got jumped. He went to the police station to view the CCTV footage and just saw himself tripping over a kerb and knocking himself out! He’d told everyone he’d been knocked out by 20 guys or something, but he’d done it himself. They’re nasty buggers those kerbs!