Fox Sports NRL presenter Yvonne Sampson and her husband, former Channel Nine star Chris O’Keefe, have joyfully announced the arrival of their second child. The couple welcomed a baby boy, sharing the news on Instagram over the weekend with a touching family photo.
In the Instagram post, Sampson introduced their newborn with the caption, ‘Welcome Darby Morris O’Keefe.’ The announcement was met with an outpouring of congratulations from friends, family, and fans alike. Among those expressing their joy were Nine star Deb Knight and announcer Glen Hawke, who both sent their heartfelt wishes.
A Growing Family
The couple, already parents to two-year-old son Henry, had kept the pregnancy under wraps until June. O’Keefe shared their excitement with News Corp, stating, ‘Vonny, Henry and I are expecting another little addition. Henry’s about to be promoted to big brother and we’re absolutely thrilled. Chaos incoming.’
O’Keefe also recounted how some of Sampson’s colleagues began to suspect the pregnancy during the NRL’s season-opening matches in Las Vegas. ‘Let’s just say when Vonny locked herself in her hotel room in Vegas for round one, a few of her colleagues started to suspect something was up,’ he explained. The couple valued their privacy, managing to keep the news quiet until they were ready to share it with the world.
Life Beyond the Spotlight
Married since 2018, Sampson and O’Keefe’s relationship began in the Channel Nine Brisbane newsroom, where they first met. Their engagement was announced in 2017, marking the beginning of their journey together as a family.
O’Keefe, a passionate supporter of the St. George Illawarra Dragons, humorously noted that their new son would follow in his brother’s footsteps as a fan. ‘Henry had his Red V membership before he had a Medicare card, this will be no different,’ he remarked, adding, ‘It’s important they build some character through long stretches of extreme disappointment.’
Balancing Careers and Family
Despite their high-profile careers, the couple has managed to maintain a strong family bond. O’Keefe praised Sampson’s role as a mother, saying, ‘She’s an extraordinary mum. She is not just the heart of our home, but the brains, legs, arms, and everything else too. I’m honestly just trying to keep up. Henry absolutely adores Vonny, watching them together fills me with so much happiness.’
Looking Ahead
As the family embraces this new chapter, they continue to balance their professional commitments with their growing family life. Sampson’s return to the screen will be eagerly anticipated by fans, while O’Keefe continues his work in journalism.
The couple’s story is a testament to their ability to navigate the demands of public life while cherishing their private moments. As they welcome Darby into their world, they do so with the love and support of their community, ensuring that both their sons grow up surrounded by warmth and affection.
