Behind every man is a great woman and that couldn't ring truer for rugby ace Andrew Porter who credits his wife Elaine with being the secret to his success. The Leinster prop is well used to being away from home for periods of time and is a key player in Ireland's Six Nations campaigns but says he couldn't have done it without the strong support at home. Chatting with EVOKE as he helped reopen Explorium in Dublin last June, Andrew reflected on his first date with his wife Elaine which might just be one of the best we've ever heard! Casting his mind back, Andrew said: 'I remember we went on our first date into town and I think it started off as just going for a few drinks and then we ended up getting home at six in the morning. 'I remember I dropped her home at six in the morning after a night in Coppers, so it was a good first date and I suppose the rest is history!' The rest is history indeed. Since that fun first meeting, the couple have moved into their home, adopted their adorable dog Pablo, tied the knot in style at Glasson Lakehouse, and are now expecting their first child. Elaine has been by Andrew's side throughout his career and just as she was cheering him on during Ireland's games in South Africa in 2024, she'll undoubtedly be supporting Andrew as the Six Nations comes to and end. Speaking last June about his prep for South Africa, Andrew said: 'Sometimes Elaine says that she can’t wait for me to leave, but I think she’s joking! It's quite tough being away from family and it's obviously tough on her when I'm away for weeks at a time throughout the year, but the sacrifices that she makes help me to excel as a rugby player. 'It's something I'm incredibly grateful for, having someone who's as supportive as my wife. It makes the job a lot easier when you have that support network and someone who encourages you and supports you along the way.' Andrew and Elaine have been together for several years so they’re well used to spending time apart and making the most of their time when Andrew is home. He said: 'We make sure to spend quality time with each other and especially when I'm away for so long you do cherish your time together a bit more and want to spend meaningful time together.' Anyone who follows the couple on social media can vouch for them making the most of the off-season in Ireland and they're often seen enjoying staycations or messing around at home - Elaine's funny TikToks of Andrew have thousands of views. Attention, and specifically attention during tournaments, on the Irish rugby team seems to have reached an all-time high in recent years, but Andrew laughs off the idea of them being social media stars. 'I'm a rugby player first and obviously lots of interest has built in the last few years in rugby and I suppose more and more people are getting interested because our teams are doing so well,' he said with a laugh. 'It's great to see so much excitement and buzz about rugby and it's great that we can connect to so many more people.' That said, there is a dark side to the attention online and in March 2025 Elaine hit out at trolls who sent her disgusting messages after Ireland's match against France in the Six Nations. Andrew's interview with EVOKE came as he helped to re-open Explorium, Ireland's National Sport and Science Centre, and launch its new experiences in 2024. These included the COOL IT climate change exhibition and the F1 simulator which gives visitors a chance to experience real speed and pit stops. Andrew was particularly taken with this activity, telling EVOKE: 'It's amazing here at Explorium. The F1 car was a bit of a tight squeeze for me but it's incredible. The amount of investment that’s gone into this place is amazing and there’s so much to see and do for kids and adults. 'I've had the best time here and I suppose it makes me feel like a bit like a child. The lads [his rugby teammates] would love it. The competitive edge would come out on a few of the activities for sure!' See more pictures below