Scary ‘realisation’ holding son, ‘lifestyle shake-up’ since becoming dad & overcoming trauma…Andrew Porter opens up

Ireland and Leinster rugby prop Andrew Porter opened up about fatherhood, mental health, and overcoming personal trauma. Porter and his wife Elaine welcomed their son Max in May 2025 following a previous miscarriage. The prop described the emotional realization of bringing his child home from the hospital and detailed how becoming a parent has shaped his perspective on life.

Porter also discussed his past struggles with an eating disorder and mental health challenges after his mother died from cancer when he was 12. Working with Movember's 'Make a Growmitment' campaign, Porter emphasized the importance of breaking taboos around men's mental health and using his athletic platform to positively influence others.