The wife of former England Rugby Union star Lawrence Dallaglio is racing to sell the couple’s £2.7million home in order to save him from a potential bankruptcy order
Lawrence Dallaglio’s wife is trying to sell their £2.7million house in a bid to shield her husband from bankruptcy.
As reported by Telegraph Sport, Alice Dallaglio took steps at the High Court on Friday, seeking a validation order that would permit the immediate disposal of the couple’s Richmond abode, where they lived for nearly a quarter of a century. The sale comes amid divorce proceedings between the duo, who have been wed for 20 years.
The former Rugby Union legend faces the grim possibility of bankruptcy, a subject brought into focus during an Insolvency and Companies Court hearing on Tuesday.
At 52, Lawrence narrowly sidestepped financial ruin two years ago, clearing debts which tallied up to £700,000 in unsettled taxes.
Once on the brink of bankruptcy due to a petition from HM Revenue and Customs, he was able to shake off the threat in 2023 after engaging in an individual voluntary arrangement, reports Wales Online.
In court, Craig Parrett, a director at Isadore Goldman representing Alice, said: “The completion of the property’s set for tomorrow and all the parties are keen to ensure that completion can proceed for the benefit of the first respondent’s [Dallaglio’s] creditors.”
Despite the home being tagged at around £2.7m, Parrett went on to clarify that the true equity stood at approximately £1.2m – the inflated sale price potentially signalling the urgency to generate funds.
Parrett added: “If a bankruptcy order is made, the net sale proceeds will be provided to a trustee.
“If the bankruptcy order is not made, they’ll be provided to the IVA supervisor.” ICC judge Stephen Baister said that the application would be made a priority with some minor tweaks, saying: “Get it in quickly enough.
“I’m sitting in the afternoon and I’ll certainly get it done.” The order was reportedly approved.
News surfaced in February that the couple, parents to three children named Enzo, Ella, and Josie, were filing for divorce. They both appeared at Central Family Court in Holborn to negotiate a final settlement.
Regarded as one of the legends of English rugby, Lawrence earned distinction with four Six Nations titles, five Triple Crowns, and a World Cup. He also spent the duration of his 18-year club career with Wasps.
Following his retirement at the close of the 2008 season, Dallaglio has been actively involved in charity work and participated in various cycling challenges.
In 2018, he launched the first Dallaglio Cycle Slam, which has since become an annual event aimed at raising funds for disadvantaged young people in need of assistance.