Emma Raducanu, the celebrated tennis star, played an unexpected role in England’s remarkable rugby victory at Twickenham today, as she lent her support from the stands. Her presence seemed to be a lucky charm for the team, which achieved a significant triumph against the formidable All Blacks, just after her visit to their training camp.

The 23-year-old Brit could not hide her excitement as she cheered England to its first home victory over New Zealand in 13 years. Her enthusiasm was palpable as England secured a 33-19 win. Raducanu, exuding style in a black coat adorned with a red rose badge, was seen alongside her friend, Simone Ashley, star of ‘Bridgerton,’ who wore a vibrant red jumper in a show of support.

The joy of the occasion was captured in a photograph taken in the Twickenham changing rooms, where Raducanu and Ashley posed with England’s Henry Pollock following the historic win. The duo’s presence and support were undoubtedly a memorable part of the day’s celebrations.

As England stormed to a 33-19 win, Ms Raducanu, looking radiant in a black coat with a red rose badge on the lapel, and friend, Bridgerton leading lady Simone Ashley, in a patriotic red jumper, were wreathed in smiles. 

The duo later posed for a photograph with England’s Henry Pollock in the Twickenham changing rooms after the side’s historic win over the All Blacks. 

Ms Raducanu proudly held the Hillary Shield as Pollock and Ms Ashley smiled beside her. 

The last time England beat New Zealand at Twickenham was 13 years ago. 

At the start of the game, Pollock had divided fans by pulling a defiant face and licking his lips as the All Blacks performed the famous Haka.

All smiles: Henry Pollock of England, British tennis player Emma Raducanu and actress Simone Ashley pose with the Hillary Shield 

England player Fin Smith, Emma Raducanu and Simone Ashley celebrate in the England dressing room following today’s victory

Famous fans: Tennis star Emma Raducanu and Bridgerton actress Simone Ashley only had eyes for England’s rugby heroes during their All Blacks clash

England lost to New Zealand three times last year by a combined total of 10 points, failing to score a point after the hour in all of them. 

On Saturday, however, they kept the foot on the pedal to finish in control. 

The crowd roared in delight when the irrepressible Henry Pollock dribbled a loose ball into the corner for Roebuck to scoop up and score.

‘To get the confidence to beat sides like this and hopefully go four from four in the autumn internationals is massive,’ said scrumhalf Alex Mitchell. 

‘We’re building and we’ve got so much in us still.’

England will look to complete a sweep of their Autumn games and make it 11 wins in a row when they play against Argentina next Sunday, while New Zealand visit Wales with their Grand Slam hopes over.

‘England sort of ground their way back into the game. George Ford had a blinder and just accumulated points and they took their opportunities,’ said their captain Scott Barrett.

‘At times we might have overplayed. England did pretty well at putting it in the air and chasing well. We created enough, we just didn’t get enough points.’

At the start of the game, Pollock had divided fans by pulling a defiant face and licking his lips as the All Blacks performed the famous Haka

England’s Henry Pollock, Ben Earl and Ben Spencer celebrate following the Quilter Nations Series match at the Allianz Stadium, London

Henry Pollock celebrates after the match with his sister Zoe Pollock

Mother’s pride: Henry hugged Hester Edlmann after his side romped to victory

Pat’s my boy: Luke Cowan-Dicki  and Ellis Genge give Henry Pollock praise following their win

Guy Pepper, Sam Underhill, Ben Earl, Henry Pollock and Tom Curry pose for a photo with the Hillary Shield in the England dressing room  

Ellis Genge and Henry Pollock share their joy at winning the crucial match on Saturday

England’s Henry Pollock and Maro Itoje celebrate at the final whistle

Ms Raducanu has been a keen supporter of the English side, as recently as today they posted a ‘Great to see you’ message to the sportswoman on their social media. 

Earlier this week, she was seen in the England camp practicing line outs with the energetic video posted to their Instagram. 

‘She watched training today and then we did a few bits after,’ said prop Fin Baxter.  

‘I think she did a bit of kicking with Marcus. Maro (Itoje) was chatting to her and we let two big dogs of their sports talk. 

‘Then it was, “Come on, Emma wants to do a lineout with you”.

‘She was very good and caught the ball. It was a weird way to meet her for the first time. But it was cool to have her in.

‘The amount of pressure that she has to go under because of how successful she is is definitely something we can all learn something from.’

Her visit to the stadium with Simone, comes shortly after the actress sparked rumours of a romance at the US open with Timothy Sykes.

Emma sported a natural look with minimal make-up, a chic coat and her long brown tresses flowing freely while she eagerly backed the English squad

Meanwhile Simone cut a fashionable figure, snuggled up in a dark black coat contrasted with a bright red jumper, coupled with gold hoop earrings

Victory smiles: Emma Raducanu and Simon Ashley can’t hide their joy at England’s win

Henry Pollock sticks out a celebratory arm after winning the 2025 Quilter Nations Series match

Pals Emma Raducanu and actress Simone Ashley also posed with rugby star Maro Itoje

The two looked rather cozy on their date as they held hands and locked lips while watching Jannik Sinner’s match at Arthur Ashe Stadium in Queens.

The grey-haired man is a managing partner of restaurant group Wish You Were Here Hospitality according to his LinkedIn page.

The group manages businesses all around the world including Elephante in Santa Monica, Dudleys in New York, Belle’s Beach House in Venice, Bar Bambino in Scottsdale, and Little Ruby’s Cafe with multiple locations in New York and one in Seoul, Korea.

Timothy’s Instagram is private but Simone does follow him which gives a clue on the seriousness of their relationship.