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One memorable sight that left a lasting impression on England teammate Lark Atkin-Davies was witnessing Abbie Ward walk around a packed Allianz Stadium, holding the Women’s Rugby World Cup trophy in one hand and her daughter Hallie in the other. Ward, who is currently expecting her second child, marked a significant moment when she returned to international rugby in 2024, becoming the first contracted England woman to come back to the sport after having a baby since the Red Roses turned professional in 2019.
Ward’s journey is remarkable—she resumed playing just 17 weeks after giving birth, and within two years, she not only started in but also scored during the 2025 World Cup final. Inspired by Ward’s experience, Atkin-Davies, who was a substitute in that final, announced her first pregnancy in December 2025 and is also expecting her child this summer. Other notable England players, including captain Zoe Stratford and World Cup winner Rosie Galligan, have likewise shared pregnancy news earlier in the year. Reflecting on Ward’s influence, Atkin-Davies told BBC Sport, “Seeing Abbie go through her pregnancy with Hallie was the turning point… 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.”
These players benefit from the Rugby Football Union’s updated maternity policy, introduced in February 2023, which offers 26 weeks of fully paid leave to players. Additionally, travel and accommodation expenses for players’ children are covered when selected within a year of giving birth or adoption. The policy also allows a “support person” to accompany a player at matches or training camps, with a similar arrangement for those who prefer to keep their infants at home. England players have the option to continue their training throughout pregnancy, with Ward and Atkin-Davies maintaining their fitness alongside teammates, including in gym sessions.
Ward has spoken openly about facing judgment after returning to international rugby less than a year following childbirth. She shared with BBC Sport, “I experienced so much outside noise about whether you should be training… The first thing you are told when you go to the doctors or look online is that you should not lift heavy things. Well, I lift heavy things every day – it is part of my job, and I will continue to do that.” She emphasizes that narratives around women’s capabilities during and after pregnancy are evolving, saying, “The guidance is changing from what it has been historically. Women are capable of an awful lot.” The NHS aligns with this by recommending pregnant women maintain their normal physical activity as long as they feel comfortable, though Ward notes that the level of activity for professional athletes differs from the average person.
Previously, the RFU lacked a dedicated maternity policy for players. Former England prop Vickii Cornborough, who became the second Red Rose to announce a pregnancy following the policy update, described the earlier approach as “not fit for purpose.” Cornborough, serving as a Rugby Players’ Association representative, contributed to developing the new policy alongside input from players and the RPA. After giving birth to twins, Cornborough retired from international rugby at 34, citing mental readiness as a factor in her decision. Both Ward and Atkin-Davies aim to return to the field by the start of the next season, despite acknowledging the challenges ahead. Ward cautioned her pregnant teammates, “There is also pressure, as I hope I have not catfished them into thinking it is easy. Everyone will find out it is not easy.”
Atkin-Davies, a seasoned hooker with 74 caps since her 2015 debut, aspires to compete at the next World Cup in Australia and create memorable experiences like Ward’s at Allianz Stadium. She expressed the positive impact motherhood could have, saying, “Becoming a mum and having a baby will make me a better person and player… I do not just want to come back – I want to come back and be better.” While fully aware of the physical and mental hurdles to overcome, she is motivated by the vision of returning to top-level rugby with a young child by her side, describing the prospect of running out with her baby at venues like Ashton Gate or Allianz Stadium as “absolutely amazing.”
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