Love, rugby and a moment to remember – a Stormers-Lions match became the backdrop for a once-in-a-lifetime proposal when Jethro Sheldon dropped to one knee at halftime, leaving Mignon Filander in tears of joy and a stadium erupting in cheers louder than the scoreboard.
Western Cape, South Africa (06 January 2025) – A couple from Worcester in South Africa’s Western Cape province will always remember the rugby match shortly before Christmas 2024 between the Stormers and the Lions – not so much for the action on the field, but because they got engaged on the stand.
Jethro Sheldon (31), a municipal project manager, waited until halftime to pop the question. Mignon Filander (25), a beautician with her own salon, was completely taken by surprise.
“When the whistle blew, I whispered in her ear that I had a surprise. I got down on one knee and took out the ring,” Jethro told me.
“I can’t even remember hearing the question. I just started crying. I’ve been dreaming of this day for a long time, but it exceeded all my expectations,” Mignon added.
The people in the area started cheering – even louder than the rest of the crowd, who were celebrating the Stormers’ 15-0 lead at half time (the franchise would go on to win the United Rugby Championship fixture 29-10).
The couple were surrounded by friends and family, just as Mignon had always wanted. She didn’t suspect anything, because it was also her future sister-in-law’s birthday.
Tamlyn Jordaan explained how the plans were made in secret. “My little brother called and said he wanted to propose to Mignon. We couldn’t find a suitable date, so I thought, since everyone knows I like going big on my birthday, it wouldn’t be strange if we invited a bunch of people to the rugby. It was great that we could combine it with the Stormers, because we’re all big fans.”
The ring, designed with the help of a friend who works at Viljoen Jewellers in Worcester, was a hit. Mignon had wanted a pear-shaped stone, but Jethro’s choice of an oval-shaped diamond with smaller stones on the side stole her heart.
“I love this man so much – more than the Stormers, more than the Springboks!” she said.
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The couple have been dating since 2020. They don’t have a wedding date yet, but plan to “discuss everything calmly” when they go away in January for Mignon’s birthday, Jethro said, pulling another rabbit out of the hat.
To cap it all, he caught a ball that was kicked out in the second half of the game – I kid you not!
“I’ve always had a good eye. I’ve caught three garter belts at friends’ weddings too,” Jethro said with a wink.
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