If your feed feels a little more romantic today, you’re not imagining it.
December 15 marks the wedding anniversary of former rugby pro Sam Stanley and his husband Laurence Hicks, who officially tied the knot on December 15, 2024 in St Albans, England.
And yes, we are absolutely raising a glass to one of queer sports culture’s most meaningful love stories. 🥂
From rugby history to husband life
Stanley made headlines back in 2015 when he became the first English rugby union professional player to publicly come out as gay while still active in the sport.
It was a huge moment, not just for rugby, but for every closeted kid watching from the stands and wondering if there was space for them in “tough guy” culture.
But the other part of his story has always been Laurence.
Sam and Laurence have been together since 2010, quietly building a life long before the world was watching.
They got engaged in 2017, and if you remember the noise around that at the time, you’ll also remember that Sam never once apologized for loving who he loved.
Then came the wedding in St Albans last December, described by Sam as an emotional day surrounded by family and friends, complete with that kind of joy that makes you want to cry in the group chat.
So what have they been up to lately?
Since the wedding, the two have been living in full “build a life together” mode, and it’s honestly kind of adorable.
A big part of their current chapter is Sicily, where they’ve been pouring energy into a major renovation project connected to their property dreams.
If you follow them online, you’ve probably seen updates from Borgo della Pineta and the surrounding area, with progress shots, heatwave workdays, and the very specific brand of “we’re exhausted but obsessed” energy that only renovations can create.
The project has been framed as a longer-term plan, with the couple aiming to turn the property into a welcoming stay for others down the line, which feels very on-brand for two people who have always built community around them.
It’s giving “soft life,” but with power tools.
Why this anniversary matters beyond the cute photos
It’s easy to call this “couple goals,” and sure, it is.
But it’s also bigger than that.
Queer people in sports don’t just need coming-out stories, we need stories that show what comes after.
We need the part where love becomes normal, public, celebrated, and boring in the best way.
We need anniversaries.
We need husbands.
We need the quiet years where the headline isn’t “gay rugby player,” it’s “two men living their life and building a home.”
Happy anniversary, you two
So today we’re sending love to Sam and Laurence on year one of married life, and a reminder to everyone else that queer joy isn’t just a moment, it’s a timeline.
Here’s to more years, more sunsets, more Sicily updates, and more proof that the bravest stories can still have the softest endings. 🌈💍
📷 IG: @ samstanleys