The plot thickens! Phoebe Burgess’ sister Harriet Hooke worked at the same private school as Sam’s mother Julie – as it’s rumoured the two families didn’t get along
The supposed ‘rivalry’ between the Burgess and Hooke families has dominated headlines in the weeks since Sam and Phoebe Burgess split.
And in a surprising twist, it seems Phoebe’s sister Harriet Hooke actually worked at the same school – and in the same department – as Sam’s mother, Julie Burgess.
According to Harriet’s LinkedIn page, she was employed as a languages teacher at Sydney’s exclusive Scots College, where Julie is Head of Languages, from January 2016.
More family ties: Phoebe Burgess’ sister Harriet Hooke (left) worked at the same exclusive private school as Sam’s mother Julie (right, with her grandchildren), as it’s rumoured the two families didn’t get along
Harriet appears to have started a new job at Frensham School in Mittagong, NSW in July 2018. It is unclear if she is still employed at Scots College in any capacity.
It is not being suggested that her change in jobs had anything to do with Sam and Phoebe Burgess’ split or any ‘tension’ between the Burgess and Hooke families.
Sam and Phoebe’s separation was made public in January, with the South Sydney Rabbitohs star being pictured walking out of their marital home carrying several overnight bags.
Phoebe had given birth to the couple’s second child, William ‘Billy’ Burgess, just weeks earlier. The pair also share a daughter named Poppy, who is almost two.
Profession: According to Harriet’s LinkedIn page, Harriet worked as a languages teacher at Sydney’s exclusive Scots College, where Julie is Head of Languages, from January 2016
She’s the boss! Sam Burgess’ mother Julie is Head of Languages at the same private school
Earlier this month, The Daily Telegraph reported that there were tensions between the Burgess and Hooke families as far back as Sam and Phoebe’s wedding in 2015.
From an ‘altercation’ between extended family members on both sides to heckling during the best man’s speech, guests are said to have sensed the relationship was already in trouble.
During the best man speech, delivered by Sam’s brother and fellow NRL star Luke Burgess, the father-of-the-bride was apparently heard loudly telling him to ‘shoosh’.
As the night went on, an altercation reportedly erupted between Sam’s friend and former teammate Luke Keary and Phoebe’s brother-in-law, retired rugby union player Gene Fairbanks.
In happier times? Earlier this month, The Daily Telegraph reported that there were tensions between the Burgess and Hooke families as far back as Sam and Phoebe’s wedding in 2015
Tension? From an ‘altercation’ between extended family members on both sides to heckling during the best man’s speech, guests are said to have sensed the relationship was already in trouble. Pictured: Sam and Phoebe on their wedding day
Sources close to the couple were said to be speculating that the growing tension between the two families could create problems for the newlyweds.
The Burgesses, a blue-collar clan who hail from West Yorkshire, England, are sport-obsessed – with the four brothers all being professional league players.
Meanwhile, the Hookes are an elegant family with an appreciation for antiques.
Pictured: The Burgess family Christmas lunch last month, which Phoebe notably did not attend
Rumours of a rift between the families intensified after Sam and Phoebe split and the journalist swiftly unfollowed several Burgess family members on Instagram
Among those she unfollowed were Sam’s mother Julie as well as his brother George and sister-in-law Joanna.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Sam and Phoebe Burgess’ representatives for comment.
Marriage collapse: The couple’s break-up came shortly after Phoebe gave birth to their second child, son William ‘Billy’ Burgess (pictured), on December 9. They also share a daughter, Poppy