This year, rugby stars are creating their own teams off the pitch.
Blue Bulls scrum half, Embrose Papier, along with his wife, Aneeka, are the latest couple to share their pregnancy news with the world.
The couple, who tied the knot in September 2024, took to Instagram on Tuesday, October 7, to share that they are growing their family as they held an adorable and intimate gender reveal with just the two of them.
The pair wore matching white outfits for their stunning gender reveal picnic, and they popped a blue confetti cannon, symbolising that they are expecting a baby boy.
“Our world’s turning blue,” Embrose excitedly captioned his post.
View this post on Instagram
They also had a fun painting activity as they both painted their unborn baby’s vests. Aneeka painted a blue rainbow with writing that says “Baby Papier”, while Embrose wrote “I’m the new guy” on the vest he painted.
The couple received an outpouring of love and congratulatory messages from fans, friends and family.
“Omg omggggg girl! Congratulations you both, how exciting!!! So happy for y’all,” @emilyrosevd commented
“Congratulations, all the best with the pregnancy,” @tracy_d_o_n wrote.
“I’m so excited for you! Congratulations. May the Lord bless you infinitely. I pray for you the most beautiful and healthy pregnancy @aneekasulaiman. We all share in your joy!” @officially_farrencloete added.
While Aneeka expressed gratitude for the love and well-wishes they received for their pregnancy.
“Feeling so loved and deeply grateful for all the beautiful wishes, love, and congratulations sent our way.
“Our baby boy is already so blessed and surrounded by so much love. Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts,” she captioned her post as she also included a carousel of images from their gender reveal.
View this post on Instagram
In January 2024, Embrose proposed to Aneeka, and later that year, the lovebirds tied the knot.
This year, nearly all the rugby stars are embracing love and focusing on growing their beautiful families.
Embrose and Aneeka have joined the rugby baby boom list, as many couples, including Anlia and Eben Etzebeth, Faf and Miné de Klerk, as well as Handré and Marise Pollard, all announced that they are expecting.
