Couple get engaged on pitch after rugby win

A couple have celebrated getting engaged on the pitch at Twickenham, just moments after winning a major competition.

Dorset & Wilts women's rugby team manager Sam Briggs and vice-captain Anna Beckett got engaged after a nail-biting county championship win over Sussex.

The couple, who met at a rugby club near Swindon, had been together for three years before prop forward Beckett decided to pop the question on Sunday.

"It's just amazing, absolutely amazing. An overwhelming day all around but wonderful for everybody, I cried a lot," said Briggs.

The match at Allianz Stadium Twickenham, formerly Twickenham Stadium, finished 15 all at full-time, leading to a penalty kick-off to decide the championship.

The twin counties eventually triumphed 2-0 in the shootout.

"At the beginning of the Dorset and Wilts season, I said 'if we get to Twickenham, I'll propose to Sam' and it just kind of built from there," Beckett said.

She continued: "As we were getting closer I thought, what an amazing way to do it if we get there.

"Sam has been by my side throughout the whole process, and I know that she's gutted that she wasn't able to play anymore, but to have her there alongside me the whole time, I just thought I can't miss the opportunity."

Beckett laminated some letters spelling out 'Sam will you marry Anna?' and got down on one knee after her partner had read them.

"Luckily, she said yes," Beckett added.

Briggs said the proposal came as a real shock.

"To have everybody there together just meant the world," she added.

The team was not even due to compete in the final, having lost 26-22 to Leicestershire in the semi-finals.

It received a late reprieve due to the victors fielding two ineligible players.

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