Rugby star Sam Burgess' romantic wedding to fiancée Phoebe Hooke in Australia


On 29 December 2015

England rugby star Sam Burgess married fiancée Phoebe Hooke in a romantic ceremony in Australia. The pair tied the knot at the bride's parents' home in the Southern Highlands, New South Wales.

The newlyweds were accompanied by close family and friends, including Hollywood actor Russell Crowe, who was there with his parents and his two sons.

The rugby star, 27, described the special occasion as "the most amazing day of my life" in an Instagram post that showed the bride and groom just after saying their vows. "It's official @mrsphoebeburgess .... The most amazing day of my life. X," he captioned the image.

Phoebe stunned in a custom made Alex Perry gown which featured a thigh-high split that showed off her slim figure and toned legs. The dress also featured a plunging neckline and sheer sleeves.

The groom looked dapper in a custom Giorgio Armani suit, as did his groomsmen - his brothers Luke, Thomas and George Burgess, and best friend Chris Feather.

The bridal party included Phoebe's sisters Jemima Fairbanks and Harriet Hooke, her best friend Phoebe White and her new sister-in-law Yolanda Hodgson, partner of Luke Burgess.

Following the romantic ceremony, the guests dined on sandwiches, chicken wings and a traditional English menu including steak and chips.

Sam and Phoebe, who is a journalist, became engaged when the England rugby star popped the question during a romantic holiday in Greece earlier this year. The pair moved back to Australia last month after a brief stint in Bath where he played rugby union for the past year before rejoining rugby league club South Sydney Rabbitohs.

Sam said at the time that missing his family was part of his decision to go back to Phoebe's native Australia. His brothers George and Tom also play for South Sydney Rabbitohs, while Luke plays for another Sydney team, Manly.

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