Andrew Porter hails wife Elaine as a ‘champion' after long labour with newborn son

Irish Independent

12-06-2025

Dubliner Andrew and Elaine are now doting parents to a son, born two weeks ago — the first grandchild in both families.
Going back to how he first contacted Elaine, who comes from Bray, Co Wicklow, Andrew says: 'It was over Instagram… a modern day romance. I remember shooting my shot… then we met up and went on a few dates.
'Elaine was someone I had an instant connection with. It's mad looking back how things have turned out. Back then, could you have said this is where we would be now? It's a mad thought, but I wouldn't change any of it.'
Does she like rugby? 'Oh yeah, she's mad into it,' Andrew says.
'She was more of a GAA person before, and then she was forced into it when she met me, but she loves the rugby now. She goes to all the games when she can. She's the best fan I have and she's always there to patch me up when I need it after a tough game.
'I know the sacrifices she makes and now with the new arrival and what's on the horizon as well (the British & Irish Lions tour to Australia)…it's never an easy thing being a partner to a rugby player.
'It's tough to not feel guilty at times. It's nearly like everyone else's schedule revolves around mine.'
Andrew was with Elaine when their son came into the world, describing the moment as a 'crazy' experience, adding that it was 'incredibly special getting to be there'.
Elaine, who previously revealed that she suffered two miscarriages last year, was 13 hours in labour.
'It was a long old shift she put in, in fairness,' Andrew says.
'Rugby players put themselves through all sorts, but I don't think we put ourselves through anything close to that. Elaine's an absolute champion after what she went through. She's incredibly special.
'In the movies it looks so easy. They don't even come close to hitting the nail on the head.'
Porter points out that his son was born 'on the day of the Champions Cup Final (which Leinster failed to reach), so it really puts things into perspective.'
When we speak Baby Porter had yet to be given a first name. 'We're still trying to figure out his name,' Andrew reveals. 'We had a few, but after he was born we were like, 'I'm not sure if that suits.' It's Baby Porter at the moment.'
An ambassador for high-protein performance brand Grenade, Porter is promoting their latest campaign Join the Revolution. As part of the campaign, Grenade will sponsor kits for 20 teams, offering them full branded kits, product hampers and team banners.