Bristol Bears back row Alisha Butchers popped the question to her Bristol and Wales team mate, Olympian Jasmine Joyce at a Cardigan Bay hotel after helping their club to a last minute 12-10 victory over Worcester Warriors.
Jaz said, “It’s been an amazing weekend all round. We stayed at the Celtic Manor before our game for Bristol Bears on Saturday – which we won so that paved the way for the rest of the weekend.
“We went straight from our game to The Cliff Hotel in Gwbert where we had an amazing room with a beautiful view over Cardigan Bay. We spent Sunday morning in the spa and when we came back, Alisha’s sister had decorated the room. It was perfect to be fair, Alisha smashed it. It was very emotional for us both and I think I said yes before she even asked the question but when she did get around to asking, it took me just seconds to say yes. We had a lovely afternoon with all our friends and family at Alisha’s sister’s and spent Sunday night back at the Celtic Manor so a perfect weekend.
“I’ve known Alisha since we were 15 or 16 but we started spending more time together about five years ago and our relationship grew from close friends to partners. It’s such an easy relationship and I can’t wait to spend the rest of our lives together.”
Alisha said, “I’m just really happy, so glad she said yes! I was extremely nervous at first but I had the support of my friends and family to make it possible so it was made easy for me on the day.
“I’m looking forward to planning the wedding now but we have plenty of time for that.”
Jaz is settling into being a full-time professional again after taking three weeks to complete her PGCE at Pontarddulais Primary School.
She said, “Even though I’ve lived the life of a professional rugby player before, it feels different this time, doing it for Wales and also being able to go home every night.
“Having been full-time with GB Sevens last year, and prior to Rio, I know from first hand what a difference it’s going to make for us all. It will 100% improve every aspect of us as players, both on and off the field.”
