Disgraced rugby league star Joe Westerman has rebuilt his life in a loving relationship with the wife of a former friend, MailOnline can reveal.
Mr Westerman was dumped by his wife after being caught on camera performing a lewd sexual act with a woman in an alley behind a Greggs in his hometown.
Last February’s embarrassing headlines, fueled by the images that went viral on social media, also landed the 33-year-old in trouble with his Super League club Castleford Tigers.
But six months later, Mr. Westerman seems to have found happiness with local realtor Alison Hopkinson, 34.
Speaking from her childhood home in Castleford, Ms Hopkinson confirmed she was in a relationship with Mr Westerman.
Embarrassed rugby star Joe Westerman has shared photos of himself with new girlfriend Alison Hopkinson on social media – including a photo from the Pontefract Races
Westerman, 33, shared another photo of herself laughing with new love Alison Hopkinson, captioning the photo: ‘Sumet tickled us’ with a laughing emoji
Joe Westerman with wife Louise in happier times
Joe Westerman pictured himself earlier this year after video footage surfaced showing him performing a sex act with a woman behind a Greggs
Westerman was filmed in a compromising position in a graphic video that was then widely circulated on social media in February
When asked about their relationship she said ‘yes that’s right, but I don’t want to say anything else, thanks’.
The rugby star made the relationship public six weeks ago when he posted a picture of them smiling and sitting close together on his Instagram account.
Friends said “Awww babes” and “looks happy buddy.”
A week ago, Mr. Westerman, a father of three, posted another photo on social media of him posing with his attractive blonde companion at Pontefract races and placed a love heart emoji next to her name.
It prompted Sue Robinson to comment, “You look so happy, I’m so happy for you xx.”
Mrs. Hopkinson has two young children of her own. It is believed she is estranged from her husband Carl, 35.
And judging by the couple’s loving photos, any hope of Mr. Westerman mending his marriage to 33-year-old Lauren, the schoolteacher’s wife, seems over.
The six-foot drunk attacker was filmed performing a sex act with a ‘friend’s wife after a night out in downtown Pontefract. He was subsequently left humiliated when a seven-second graphic clip appeared on social media showing him with his pants down.
Joe Westerman envisioned playing for England in a Combined Nations All Stars match in June 2021. He has been playing rugby at the highest level for 13 years
Westerman was booed by fans when he returned to the field days after video of his illicit encounter was posted on social media – but he appeared to be in good spirits
The rugby player is currently signed with the Castleford Tigers youth team where he plays as a loose forward
He issued a fawning apology vowing to “work on my alcohol decision-making” and was fined by his club and ordered to do community service.
But that was nothing compared to the anger his wife Lauren faced at home.
In text messages to his wife, he claimed to remember nothing of what had happened.
He texted, “Words will never explain how sorry I am.
I can’t explain what happened because I physically can’t remember. It is disgusting and I now have to live with it forever. Losing you and the kids is heartbreaking Lauren, you deserve so much better.’
Adding: “You always said alcohol would get me down. My life story. I miss you very much. You were perfect. I want you to know that I don’t remember anything about that night. I look like a zombie.’
But his crawling didn’t work and he was kicked out by his irate wife who couldn’t stop her 14-year-old daughter from seeing the video.
Speaking of the woman in the video, Ms Westerman told the Sun: ‘It’s the children I feel for. Our children and her children.
‘She’ll never make it. She lost her job and her memes are all over the internet, her kids will see that.’
Ms Westerman had said she could ‘never get it out of my head’ after telling friends that her marriage is ‘a trillion percent complete’.
She said, “What kind of example would I set for my kids — especially my girls — if I gave it another try?
“I want them to know that this is not okay, that it is not acceptable behavior in a relationship, and that we all have self-esteem.
“I have to think about my children now and start our future together. It’s disheartening, but he has no one to blame but himself.’
She said, “The truth is he only told me because it was on social media. But I’m glad it was found, because the thought of kissing him afterwards just makes me sick.
‘
The angry woman said the video had caused irreparable harm to her and their three children, but she said she was “glad” to have seen it.
Joe Westerman with wife Lauren before being evicted from the marital home
Lauren Westerman was shooting earlier this year after video footage emerged of her husband performing a sexual act with another woman behind a Greggs branch. She told friends the marriage was ‘a trillion percent done’
Text messages sent from Joe Westerman to wife Lauren as he asked her forgiveness
Mr Westerman, who made two appearances for England during a 13-year career in the Premier League, married Lauren in 2014.
Ms. Westerman added that she hoped he could overcome his drinking problem and be a good co-parenting father to his children.
And family snaps he’s posted to Instagram suggest he’s doing just that.
Since the February scandal, Mr Westerman has kept a low profile and has continued to play for Castleford Tigers.
He has not commented further on the incident or what has happened since.