One woman down, now there's just 34,999 to go

Welshman Hefin Evans was visiting Christchurch for the first Lions test last year when he spotted Emily Hamilton in a pub.

He liked what he saw, persuaded a friend to talk to her, then joined in himself.

The ploy worked. After months of phone calls and texts, two weeks ago, the retail manager decided to follow her heart and move to Auckland to be with him.

Hefin, who says he never expected to fall in love while in New Zealand, says he has not noticed an oversupply of women. "It depends where you go, I guess." Though in some places women are more approachable, he adds.

"I don't think there is much difference, here and anywhere else in the world."

But Emily disagrees. She says many of her friends are not single by choice.

"A lot of my friends in Christchurch are always looking for nice guys but there doesn't seem to be that many available. My friends are really lovely. I don't know why [they can't find men]."

Despite different upbringings, Emily and Hefin have much in common. Both are former top athletes whose careers were cut short by shoulder injuries. Hefin played international age group rugby and Emily is a former New Zealand swimming representative.

The couple plan to stay in New Zealand for at least a year, but travel is on the cards. "I don't expect to be settled in one place for long, but I do expect I'll be dragging a Kiwi girlfriend along with me," says Hefin.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY