Irish rugby star and wife announce they are expecting their first child

The couple, who have been together since 2016 and tied the knot in 2022, posted their happy news on Instagram.

Posing for pictures on a cliff at sunset, in which the Ireland rugby international can be seen holding his wife’s bump, they wrote: “We can’t wait to meet you little one, you are so incredibly loved already.”

Anna and Ian first met during the ex-rugby star’s time in Bordeaux.

The Ulster rugby player, who previously played for Ireland, proposed to Anna back in 2019 on the pier in Dún Laoghaire. They were married in July 2022 at Gloster House in Co Offaly.

Well-known names from the sporting world attended their wedding, including former Leinster player Mike McCarthy and his wife Jessica.

Anna, who is a well-known fashion and lifestyle influencer, with over 25k followers on Instagram now runs a CBD business with her husband.

Fellow influencer Rosie Connolly was among the first to congratulate the couple as she wrote: “Ahh congratulations guys”, as did Shane Lowry’s wife Wendy and Jessica O’Mahony who posted “Amazing news guys.”

Pippa O’Connor added her congratulations, writing: “Gorgeous news” while Holly Carpenter declared: “Such lovely news, I’m delighted for you both.”

Madigan’s fellow ex-Ireland star Simon Zebo commented: “Ah shtopppppp. So happy for ye two. Blessings brother inshallah”

Dublin LGFA and Ireland rugby star Hannah Tyrrell offered “congrats guys”, while Devin Toner added: “Brilliant news, congrats guys”.

Today FM’s Louise McSharry said: “Aaaaah congratulations!! Delighted for you guys,” as Tess Coliver said: “This is the best news , congratulations”.

Madigan (34) who played 147 times for Leinster between 2009 and 2016, and won 31 caps for Ireland under Joe Schmidt, retired from rugby last September, citing an ongoing injury issue.

In an emotional statement at the time he said: “Today I am announcing my retirement. I don’t really know where to start so best to start where it all began with Old Belvedere Mini Rugby, being coached by my Dad.

“All that mattered was how many tries I scored, the Monster Munch and Cadet red lemonade that would send me to the moon!

“My love for rugby was born, the incredible memories.”

Madigan praised the contributions of his coaches at Kilmacud Crokes Gerry Creene, Mick Carroll, Billy Knoctor, and Donal McEvoy.

He said: “I’ve never felt freedom like the way I felt on a Gaelic football pitch.”