ByAlastair TeleferBBC Sport Journalist17 April 2026Seeing Abbie Ward walk around the sold-out Allianz Stadium holding the Women’s Rugby World Cup Trophy in one hand, and her daughter Hallie with the other, was an image that stuck in the mind of teammate Lark Atkin Davies. Lock Ward is expecting her next child later this year. She returned to international Rugby in 2024, after becoming the first contract England woman to give birth since the Red Roses turned professional in 2019. Motherhood did not need to wait until her career. She returned to international rugby in 2024, 17 weeks after having her baby. Just two years later she started and scored in 2025 World Cup Final. Hooker Atkin Davies, a replacement for Ward in that final, was inspired by Ward’s comeback to rugby and announced in December 2025 that she was pregnant with the first of her children. Like Ward, Atkin Davies is due to deliver this summer. Atkin-Davies said to BBC Sport that “seeing Abbie go through the pregnancy with Hallie” was a turning point. “I’ve always wanted to be a mother, but I didn’t know how it would look. Rugby is a big part of my identity. “I thought it would be great to have a child and then return, but I wasn’t sure how that would work. It’s not something that many people have tried. “One of the key memories was seeing Abbie with the World Cup trophy in her hand on the pitch following the World Cup final. I saw that it was possible and I wanted to give it a try. I saw it was possible, and I want to give it a shot. Ward told BBC Sport that she heard a lot of outside noise about whether or not you should be training. “The first thing that you hear when you visit your doctor or search online is to not lift heavy objects. I lift heavy objects every day as part of my work, and I’ll continue to do so. “I want to talk about it because the narrative is changing regarding what women are capable of. The NHS recommends that you continue “your normal daily activity” as long as it is comfortable for you during pregnancy. Ward added, “The advice is to do what is normal for YOU.” “Our normal is different from that of the average person. “That has brought me a lot of positive feedback on social media as well as in person. The number of mums that have come up to thank me for changing the narrative. They have done something they thought they couldn’t do. “The guidance is changing compared to what it was historically. Women are capable of a lot. “World Cup winner Kildunne reveals body dysmorphia struggle3 days agoWomen’s Six Nations guide: Fixtures, results and BBC coverage14 hours ago’Fire and desire’ to be at 2029 World Cup with a three-year-oldPreviously, the RFU did not have a maternity policy specifically designed for players, with former England prop Vickii Cornborough – the second Red Rose to announce a pregnancy after the update – describing the old policy as “not fit for purpose”.Cornborough, a Rugby Players’ Association (RPA) representative, helped create the policy through input from the RPA and players themselves.Following the birth of twins, 74-cap Cornborough announced her retirement from international rugby at the age of 34, saying she did not feel mentally ready to return.With their babies due this summer, Atkin-Davies and Ward are both aiming to be back playing by the start of next season.Ward, who played in two World Cup finals with Cornborough, warned her pregnant team-mates that returning will not be straightforward. “It’s amazing to know that women have options and a choice – great if i played a part in that,” added Ward. “There’s also pressure because I hope I didn’t fool them into thinking that it was easy. Everyone will discover that it is not an easy task. “Hooker Atkin Davies has won 74 cap and been a regular ever since her England debut back in 2015.Having played at the past two World Cup Finals, the 31 year-old wants to be part of the next World Cup celebrations in Australia in 2025 and have a moment similar to Ward’s. Atkin-Davies said, “Becoming a mother and having a child will make me a stronger person and player.” “I am aware that it will be hard. I know this. I don’t just want to return – I want it to be better. “That’s what you really want to do as well. It may take some time as your body and brain undergo so many changes but I am determined to be at the World Cup in 2029, with a three year old. “Those big moments running out with my child at Ashton Gate, or Allianz Stadium, would be absolutely amazing. But it will be difficult. “Related TopicsRugby Union
