WEDDING BELLS
All Black star to marry Paris model
All Black heart-throb Byron Kelleher is off the market, after proposing to his stunning Paris-based princess.
The rugby hero last month popped the question to FrenchItalian model Lilly de Vellis, 28, in the Italian fishing village of Portofino, where her parents live.
Before offering his sweetheart a stunning diamond cluster ring, the 37-year-old first asked for her parents’ blessing.
After celebrating on the Italian Riviera, the lovebirds headed to Monaco, where they were hosted by close friends Prince Albert and Princess Charlene at the Royal Palace.
The 57-test All Black’s father, Kurt, was looking forward to welcoming a new addition into the close-knit Kelleher clan.
“Who wouldn’t be delighted that their son is engaged to someone who is very nice,” he told the Herald on
Sunday.
“He’s settling down . . . he’s getting on with life.”
A date for the wedding is yet to be set.
Kelleher is based in Toulouse, in the south of France, but travels extensively around Europe for work.
His business interests include a three-year contract as general ambassador for Airbus — the Toulousebased company which manufactures the A380 plane — as well as being part-owner of Toulouse restaurant Evangelina. He is also a TV and radio rugby commentator, and a motivational speaker, giving presentations on how some of the values he learned as an All Black have helped him.
Speaking from Toulouse, he told the Herald on Sunday: “The foundations that the ABs taught me are now proving to be invaluable to my current life and I always thank my stars for what it now means to me.
“Mum and Dad are very happy for me and I’m happy to be happy.”
The match-winning No 9 has had a colourful love life, including a highprofile relationship with American porn star Kaylani Lei in the mid2000s.
Confirmation of Kelleher’s engagement comes a week after he told French newspaper La Depeche about his love for his Toulouse life.
But the All Blacks and New Zealand remain close to his heart — he often thought of the men in black’s war cry as he dozed off to sleep.
“Here’s a secret,” said Kelleher. “At night when I go to bed I often fall asleep to the memory of the haka. I close my eyes and I recite it. It’s the New Zealand prayer.”
France has been home for Kelleher since 2007.
He has played professionally there for Toulouse and Stade Francais until 2012.