'Mums thank me for changing the narrative': How motherhood in rugby has evolved
Summary
Abbie Ward, an England women’s rugby player, returned to international rugby 17 weeks after giving birth and played a key role in the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup final. More players, including Lark Atkin-Davies and captain Zoe Stratford, are now balancing motherhood and professional rugby, supported by new maternity policies from the Rugby Football Union.Key Facts
- Abbie Ward was the first contracted England women’s rugby player to have a baby since the team went professional in 2019.
- Ward returned to play 17 weeks after giving birth and helped win the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup.
- Lark Atkin-Davies, inspired by Ward, announced her pregnancy and plans to return to rugby after giving birth this summer.
- England rugby players receive 26 weeks of fully paid maternity leave and support including travel and accommodation for their children.
- A "support person" can accompany players at games and training camps during maternity leave.
- Players can continue specialized training programs during pregnancy, with some training alongside teammates.
- Ward faced judgment for playing rugby so soon after childbirth but highlights that pregnancy training guidance is changing.
- Many mothers have expressed gratitude to Ward for showing it’s possible to return to sport after having a baby.
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