'Mums thank me for changing the narrative': How motherhood in rugby is changing

TL;DR

Abbie Ward, the first contracted England woman to have a baby since 2019, returned to rugby just 17 weeks after giving birth. Other players like Lark Atkin-Davies and Zoe Stratford are also embracing motherhood while continuing their rugby careers.

Key points

Abbie Ward returned to rugby 17 weeks after giving birth
She is the first contracted England woman to have a baby since 2019
Lark Atkin-Davies announced her pregnancy inspired by Ward
Zoe Stratford and Rosie Galligan also announced pregnancies

Abbie WardLark Atkin-DaviesZoe StratfordRosie Galligan

Seeing Abbie Ward parade around a sold-out Allianz Stadium with the Women's Rugby World Cup trophy in one hand and her daughter Hallie in the other was an image that stuck with team-mate Lark Atkin-Davies.

Lock Ward is expecting her second child later this year. She returned to international rugby in 2024 after becoming the first contracted England woman to have a baby since the Red Roses went professional in 2019.

Motherhood did not have to wait until after her career. The 33-year-old returned 17 weeks after giving birth and, just under two years later, started and scored in the 2025 World Cup final.

Hooker Atkin-Davies, a replacement in that final and inspired by Ward's return to rugby, announced she was pregnant with her first child in December 2025 and, like Ward, is due to give birth this summer.

England captain Zoe Stratford and fellow World Cup winner Rosie Galligan also announced pregnancies earlier this year.

"Seeing Abbie go through her pregnancy with Hallie was the turning point," Atkin-Davies told BBC Sport.

"I always had this desire to be a mum, but I did not know what it would look like. I love playing rugby - it is a huge part of who I am.

"I thought I would love to have a baby and return, but I didn't know how that would work. Not many people have done it.

"One of the key moments was seeing Abbie on the pitch after the World Cup final, with the trophy in her hands. I saw it was possible, and I want to give it a shot."

The players will be supported by the Rugby Football Union's maternity policy, updated in February 2023.

Players receive 26 weeks of fully paid leave, and travel and accommodation costs are covered for the children of players selected within 12 months of giving birth or adopting a child.

A "support person" can also join them at games or training camps, with a similar provision for players who would prefer their infant to remain at home.

Lark Atkin-Davies and Abbie Ward with children on the Allianz Stadium pitch

Atkin-Davies, pictured with her niece and nephew, and Ward both started England's Grand Slam decider against France in last year's Six Nations [Getty Images]