Iva Jantjies on lockdown with Elton

2020-05-22

Being the wife of a rugby player proves to be very challenging, but getting to see Elton out on the field, doing what he loves the most, makes it all worth it.

Elton travels a lot for work, and 6 months of the year it’s usually just me and the kids. Video calls are greatly appreciated during those times. Elton needs me to be strong and supportive no matter what is going on. There are ups and downs I face as a mother and wife, but I am very selective with the information I share with Elton when he is not at home, and try to keep him in a safety bubble. I believe that athletes can be affected by their families and loved ones, and when they are not at home it reflects in their performance on the field, so I do my best to keep his mind-set and spirit positive and effective.

Our favourite day of the week is Saturday. It’s usually game day and I get to share the excitement of that with all my friends – the rest of the rugby wives and girlfriends. We are very lucky to be a united group of women supporting each other. Some of us have been with the Lions for five years or more, and we are practically like family. This life is so exciting, especially when we get to travel with Elton, because we get to make treasured memories together.

Elton is the hardest working person I know. Our kids are extremely fortunate to have someone like him to look up to. EJ and Noah are obsessed with rugby and they love exercising with him. Right now our youngest, Leo, is just observing his dad and big brothers, but he’ll be ready to join in next year!

Being a rugby wife, or a wife of any professional athlete, is definitely a big responsibility, especially when it comes to nutrition and recovery. I am in charge of Elton’s diet, which is very strict. He is very specific about his meals, but we worked really hard to develop an amazing program for him throughout years.

Lockdown, with three kids and a very energetic husband that cannot go to work to get tired, has not been easy at all! Netflix has been a life saver. Our lives revolve around the TV and our garage gym right now! But I cannot lie and say that I am not happy to be stuck inside with Elton and the kids. Our household needed some downtime together, and I am so happy to be spending quality time with Elton.

He woke me up this morning with a cup of coffee he made himself (which never happens) and the little thing like this makes me love my life. I enjoy being locked up at home with my loved ones, because let’s be realistic, that’s what life is all about; the little things with the people we love the most.

Author: Ivana Jantjies, pictured here with Elton and their sons EJ, Noah and Leo.



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