Juggling international sporting careers with the demands of raising two young children is not for the faint-hearted. But with mutual understanding, and the support of a legion of family and friends, Tall Ferns basketball star Tessa Boagni and professional rugby player Ethan Roots are taking the challenges in their stride.
When Woman's Day visits Tessa, 27, and Ethan, 25, at their Christchurch home, the couple's adorable newborn son Benji is being doted on by his proud three-year-old brother Noah.
On a two-year contract with the Exeter Chiefs rugby team in the UK, former Crusaders and North Harbour player Ethan is back in New Zealand for a whirlwind two-week visit, between pre-season training and the start of the Premiership Rugby competition, to meet his new son and enjoy precious time together as a family of four.
Tessa rushed into Christchurch Women's Hospital at 1am on 21 July, and Benji was born less than two hours later, at 2.50am. By 6.30am, mother and son were back in the comfort of their Merivale home. Benji's speedy arrival meant that Ethan, who was in the middle of pre-season training in the UK at the time, nearly missed the birth all together.
"It wasn't until I came off the training field I realised I had missed a text saying Tessa had gone to hospital," recalls Ethan. "I raced into one of the coach's rooms and jumped on Face Time. Literally five or 10 minutes later, Benji popped out."
Tessa says her son's natural water birth was a "silver lining" after suffering with hyperemesis gravidarum - the severe morning sickness that famously struck the Princess of Wales - throughout both pregnancies. With Noah, Tessa also had a difficult birth that left her mostly confined to sitting or lying down for three months.
This story is from the September 25, 2023 edition of Woman’s Day Magazine NZ.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the September 25, 2023 edition of Woman’s Day Magazine NZ.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
JUDGE JAY-JAY
More FM radio diva Jay-Jay Feeney delivers her verdict on your biggest dilemmas
JON'S JOURNEY - BEING MAORI & DEAF MADE ME A TARGET
The Auckland sign language tutor has overcome enormous challenges
'WE WENT ON THE RUN FROM RUSSIA!'
Now safe in New Zealand, Nick and his family hid in the outback for three years
DEFYING THE ODDS MADDIS ON'S MILESTONE BIRTHDAY
One of the tiniest babies born in New Zealand is about to turn 10!
Farmer And rew & Jess' big day WE'RE STILL ON CLOUD 9!
The reality stars say 'I do' in a perfect country ceremony
Gordon Ramsays 'THIS IS THE REAL ME'
The fiery celebrity chef has cooked up a sizzling new reality show
KIWI STAR LOREN - 'I OWE MY LIFE TO MY SISTER'
The actress reveals why she seemingly disappeared after her starring role in Eagle Vs Shark
Lee & Luke's - RECIPE FOR LOVE
The Cantabrian contestants reveal the secrets of their incredibly strong mother-son bond
JEN GARNER FINALLY TELLS - MY SIDE OF THE STORY!
The actress breaks her silence at last on her relationship with ex-husband Ben Affleck
JESS BREAKOUT ROLE - 'KIWIS DON'T REALLY CARE IF YOU'RE FAMOUS'
The Palmerston North actress is in demand after her part in Netflix hit 3 Body Problem