A Decade of Love: The Jess Redden and Rob Kearney Story
For over a decade, Jess Redden and rugby star Rob Kearney have been navigating life’s adventures together, culminating in a beautiful family and a strong partnership. Their journey, which began in 2013, has seen them move from the halls of university to the heights of a professional sporting career, and eventually to building a life and family together, most recently welcoming their second child in late 2025.
The Spark: Early Days and a Rugby Star’s Heart
The initial sparks between Jess and Rob ignited in 2013. At the time, Jess was immersed in her studies, pursuing a degree in pharmacy at University College Dublin (UCD). Meanwhile, Rob was at the pinnacle of his illustrious rugby career. While many admired the rugby ace from afar, it was Jess who captured his attention and affection.
Details of their very first meeting remain somewhat private, as Rob has historically been guarded about his life away from the rugby pitch. However, it was in 2013 that their relationship officially began. Despite their initial efforts to keep things low-key, it wasn’t long before Jess, then a college student, found herself in the national spotlight. The news that one of Ireland’s most sought-after bachelors was off the market sent ripples through the country.
Prior to meeting Jess, Rob’s most significant public relationship was with British actress Susie Amy, a romance that lasted nearly three years. They experienced a brief separation in 2012 before reconciling, only to ultimately go their separate ways a year later.
Jess herself has spoken about the experience of entering the public eye at a young age, just 19, due to her relationship. In an interview, she reflected on developing a “thick skin,” explaining that while negative feedback still surfaces, it tends to “bounce off” her, serving more as a reflection of others. She also noted the positive impact of openness and vulnerability, finding that sharing these aspects of herself resonates deeply with people.
Blossoming Romance and a Shared Future
As their relationship deepened, Jess and Rob became more comfortable sharing their lives with the public. Rob, in particular, began to open up about his life beyond rugby.
Today, the couple frequently shares glimpses into their life, often showcasing their home in Ranelagh and posting affectionate photos on social media, demonstrating a clear comfort and ease with each other.
A New York Proposal
The next significant milestone in their journey was their engagement. On New Year’s Eve in 2019, Rob proposed to Jess in the iconic setting of Times Square, New York.
Jess shared the joyous occasion, posting a picture of the couple in Times Square, proudly displaying her engagement ring. The proposal marked a romantic culmination of their growing commitment.
A Big Move Down Under: Challenges and Resilience
A significant chapter in their story unfolded when Rob accepted an offer to play for the Australian rugby team, the Western Force. This move necessitated a relocation Down Under. Jess, ever supportive, made the decision to join her fiancé. However, this transition was far from straightforward, as it coincided with a period of immense personal grief for Jess.
Jess later revealed that Rob’s offer came through quite suddenly around August 2020. At that time, her father was in hospital, and the enormity of the rugby opportunity was somewhat overshadowed by her family concerns. She recalled agreeing to the move without fully processing it, assuming it might not even materialise.
Tragically, her father passed away in September 2020. In the immediate aftermath, Jess felt hesitant about moving, expressing a desire not to go. However, after much consideration, she ultimately decided to make the move to Australia, a decision she later described as the best she had ever made.
In February 2021, Jess shared a heartfelt post expressing her willingness to go to the moon for Rob, but also her happiness that he had chosen “the prettiest corner of the earth.”
By May 2021, Jess had returned to Ireland. She reflected on her time in Perth, describing it as a period of healing. She shared, “Sometimes the best detours in life are the ones we never have planned. After so much heartache and darkness I stepped on a plane into the unknown little did I know taking that step would be my best decision in life to date – our angels are always watching us and willing is to make those steps. Thank you Perth for helping to heal my soul, mum get the kettle on – I’m coming home.”
Navigating Grief and Planning a Wedding
The path to marriage was marked by profound loss. Jess and Rob had initially planned to wed in June 2021. However, due to Jess’s father, Brian’s, declining health, they made the difficult decision to bring their wedding date forward to November 2020.
Brian’s passing in September 2020 was a deeply sorrowful event for Jess, and she has been remarkably open about her grieving process, often sharing poignant poems dedicated to her father. These heartfelt verses speak of his enduring presence in her life, seen in everyday moments and in her children.
A Wedding Day Filled with Love and Remembrance
Despite the challenges, Jess and Rob finally exchanged their vows on December 3, 2021, in Co Clare, surrounded by their loved ones.
The ceremony was followed by an intimate reception at Trump Doonbeg. While the venue choice might have raised eyebrows, given Rob’s distant familial connection to President Joe Biden, for Jess, it held significant sentimental value, tied to special memories of her father.
The couple radiated happiness on their wedding day, describing it as “the most incredibly special day.” Jess ensured her father was a part of her wedding day through thoughtful tributes.
She incorporated a locket with a cherished photograph of her father into her bouquet and had the words “My darling dad, forever in my heart” embroidered onto her wedding dress. Jess looked stunning in a strapless white gown with a delicate lace train, while Rob was dapper in a three-piece black tuxedo, beaming beside his bride.
Expanding Their Family: From One to Four
The joy continued to grow in February 2023 when Jess announced that she and Rob were expecting their first child.
“We’ve been praying for you,” Jess shared, alongside a picture of Rob affectionately placing his hand on her growing bump.
In August 2023, their family officially expanded with the arrival of their baby boy. Honouring both her late father and Rob, they named their son Bobby Brian Kearney. Jess expressed her overwhelming love for their son, stating, “[It’s] hard to believe there was a world that you didn’t exist in, we love you endlessly baby boy.” Bobby is now a toddler, and his parents frequently share moments of their family adventures.
The family’s joy multiplied again in June 2025 when Jess and Rob announced they were expecting their second child. “One more reason to believe in magic, a little more love is on the way,” Jess captioned a sun-drenched photo of her growing bump taken on holiday.
By November 2025, their family of three became four with the arrival of their second son, Ross. Jess announced his birth with the touching words: “And then there were four. Meet our little miracle, Ross.” It is understood that Ross was named in memory of Rob’s brother, who tragically passed away at the age of six.
The journey of Jess Redden and Rob Kearney is a testament to enduring love, resilience in the face of adversity, and the profound joy of building a family. From their early days as a student and a rugby star to their current life as devoted parents, their story continues to unfold with love and happiness.
