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‘Mums thank me for changing the narrative’ – how motherhood in rugby evolved

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

  

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£111 trains will have ‘chilling effect’ on World Cup – Fifa

Image source: Getty ImagesByBen Collins, BBC Sport journalist, and Dale Johnson Football issues correspondent52 mins ago205 CommentsFifa has reacted to criticism from New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill. Sherrill said that the world football governing body was to blame for fans having to pay $150 for a 30 minute train journey from New York City to MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, to attend World Cup matches this summer. There are no concessions, so children and senior citizens must also pay the entire $150, “Elevated fares will inevitably push fans to alternative transportation options. “Fans being fleeced by PS111 World Cup train tickets – FSA18 hours agoGovernor’s Fifa demand ‘unprecedented’MetLife Stadium, which will be named New York/New Jersey Stadium during the World Cup as part of the policy on corporate sponsored names, will host eight matches, including an England group game and the final on 19 July. “Fans being fleeced by PS111 World Cup train tickets – FSA18 hours agoGovernor’s Fifa demand ‘unprecedented’MetLife Stadium – which will be named New York/New Jersey Stadium during the World Cup as part of Fifa’s policy on corporate sponsored names – will host eight matches, including an England group game, and the final on 19 July.Train fares for matches at the Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, outside Boston, have also been vastly increased to $80 (PS59), with coach tickets costing $95 (PS70).Sherrill said that Fifa should subsidise the cost of public transport for World Cup games this summer.The governor posted on X, external that her administration “inherited an agreement where Fifa is providing $0 for transportation” while NJ Transit has a bill of $48m (PS35m), and claimed the tournament organisers will make $11bn (PS8.1bn). Schirgi said that it was unprecedented for Fifa to set arbitrary prices and then demand that they absorb the costs. “No other major sporting event, concert, or global event has faced such a request. “While Fifa’s projected revenue is approximately $11bn, not profit as the governor claims incorrectly, Fifa was always a non-profit organisation according to our statutes. “Revenues generated by the Fifa World Cup go towards developing football, especially for women and youth, around the world. The $11k World Cup Final ticket – What we learned from the first open sale2AprilMore about this storyFollow Your Club with BBC Sport12MarchListen to the latest Football Daily PodcastGet football news delivered straight to your mobile16 August 2025

  

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How Lampard’s own revival ended Coventry’s 25-year wait

Image source: Getty ImagesByNick MashiterFootball reporter1 Hour ago180 CommentsByNizaar KinsellaFootball reporterFrank Lampard, Coventry City and the Premier League are back. Coventry’s focus is now on winning the Championship title after Friday’s 1-1 draw with Blackburn. Lampard’s reputation suffered after a 12-month battle with Everton, and a short caretaker stint at Chelsea, where the club was under a transfer ban. He also won just one game in 11 matches. Lampard’s critics have been quieted by his success at Chelsea and Everton. What does this mean for Lampard’s career? During his caretaker tenure at Chelsea, Lampard spoke openly about his decision to choose his next job. It looks like he made the right choice. How Coventry returned to the Premier League after 25 years13 Hours agoCoventry promotion unique and special – Lampard11 Hours agoCoventry draw with Blackburn to win promotions to Premier LeagueEarly Arrival and Squad BreakfastsCoventry was at a low point when Lampard arrived. Mark Robins led them from League Two into the Premier League in 2023, but they lost the play-off final on penalties to Luton. Robins’ reign included an FA Cup semifinal, which they also lost on penalties to Manchester United. But Lampard needed to reinvigorate this club. In November 2024, he told the team and staff at Ryton that they were better than their table indicated. He took over the club when they were 17th, beating John Eustace for the job. The season ended in a dramatic play-off semifinal defeat by Sunderland. Lampard has influenced players to join CBS Arena, even though they had other options. They wanted to work with the former England midfielder, who has 106 caps. Coventry kept their best players by rejecting Sheffield United’s bids to sign Bobby Thomas, while Milan van Ewijk chose to stay despite Wolfsburg’s interest. The Blades made multiple offers for Thomas, but Lampard made clear that he wanted him to stay and formed a strong relationship. Lampard’s humbleness and knowledge surprised some players when he joined the squad, given his decorated career. Lampard usually arrives at Coventry’s Sky Blue Lodge training grounds around 7.30am. He uses the gym before eating breakfast with the team. He will allow the players to talk. The transition from Robins and Lampard was fluid, as the squad’s average age began to decrease. Lampard is more than just a coach. The fact that he has been able to top the table with the same team shows his ability to recover. It has allowed him, for the very first time, to feel like a boss, and not a player, when he speaks with staff. Some Coventry fans feel that Lampard was needed by the club and vice versa. This is hard to argue with, given the outcome. Jack Rudoni, who joined Coventry for PS5m from Huddersfield five months before Lampard arrived, has thrived under Lampard. “People only see him as the gaffer, because they don’t really know him. But he’s much more than that,” he told BBC Sport. “He is a good man and has a great rapport with everyone. “You can talk to him about anything, and he’ll give you advice on football or not. There is no one better to learn from. He has been brilliant on and off the field. “We have a great relationship and we communicate often. He helps me with small things, like timing runs, where to go, and even shooting techniques. “He has been brilliant. It’s great to be able to guide me and give tips. I’m happy that it worked out on the field, which then repays him for working with me. “Lampard’s focus will now be on building a Coventry team that can compete in the Premier League. This will ensure the Sky Blues return to the top tier for the first time since the mid-1990s is not short lived. Image source, Getty ImagesRelated topicsCoventry CityChampionshipFootball

  

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‘We’re not arrogant’ – NRL chief says Super League talent will not be drained

ByDan Roan and Craig Wall, BBC Sport senior journalists3 hours ago95 commentsThe chief executive of Australia’s National Rugby League has said that concerns about a multi-million-pound investment in Super League could drain the talent from the UK game “are completely unfounded”.Andrew Abdo was in the UK, holding talks with British officials regarding the potential groundbreaking deal between the sport’s two leading competitions. “We’re trying to make rugby league as strong as we can in the UK and Europe,” he told BBC Sport. “That is the exact opposite to it becoming a feeder program. “We are doing this to grow, to attract players from other codes to this market and to ensure that there is good investment in pathways for the competition to thrive. Leeds Rhinos Chairman Paul Caddick has also expressed concern about the prospect of investment. He said, “we do not intend to be swallowed up”. Caddick said that if Australia took value out of English rugby, the gap would only grow and we would be subservient to Australia. This is something I wouldn’t agree to. “It all comes down to the first question, ‘why?’ It’s not about grabbing our riches or enabling them. Abdo responded to these concerns by saying: “I understand that people tend to assume the worst in the absence information. “But the fears that the Super League will become a feeder to the NRL are far from the reason we’re doing it. “Rugby league in Australia has grown significantly over the last decade. But Caddick has warned that the challenges facing the sport are greater in the UK because of football dominance, adding that NRL is not a “magic ticket or Father Christmas”. “We fully comprehend the challenges that this market presents. We listen to understand the challenges and opportunities that this market presents. “Who would be in charge? Image source, Getty ImagesThe NRL is run by an independent body – the Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) – and it wants to replicate that model in the UK if it is to invest. Abdo revealed a deal depends on “assurances that we can actually have the ability implement our gameplan”. Image source, Getty imagesThe NRL, which is run by the Australian Rugby League Commission, is an independent body. It wants to replicate this model in the UK to attract investment. Abdo revealed that a deal is dependent on “assurances we can implement the gameplan”. “The ability to execute a plan comes from very clear governance, which allows decision-makers to think about the long-term interests of the sport as a whole and not just the short-term. “We’re doing it because we believe in the game and want to globalise. If the two biggest competitions in the World are able to work together and co-operate, it can only strengthen rugby league. “In order to invest, you need a strong and clear governance. I think that is part of the current challenge. So that’s something we’re working on. “Super League club owners lose a total amount of PS20m every year, despite the fact that attendances and audiences are increasing. Peter V’landys said last year that the UK game was heading for a ‘train crash’ if it didn’t find ways to increase its revenue. Abdo responded that the NRL was not interested in Super League returning to a winter competition in order to allow the sport to be broadcasted year-round globally. If aggregating all rugby league rights is beneficial to us in the future, we will certainly consider it. Negotiations are encouraging, despite no formal offer from the NRL. Jones told BBC Sport that the sport was open to investment. “The NRL fits perfectly.” They are the most likely to be the leaders in the current negotiations we are having with different parties. “I don’t believe this will be a lengthy process because we have some planning to do. The earlier an investor comes on board, the more beneficial it will be for everyone. Jones said Super League already had “a growth trajectory”, and that investment will “turbocharge” the league. However, he admitted that “finance” and “control” issues still needed to be resolved. Jones responded that the ARLC wants to decide on the composition of an independent commission which would run Super League. “But for the moment, that’s a’redline’ because it’s vital that the UK game be represented. Our governance structure is already independent. “I believe there is a solution that will allow both parties to feel comfortable that they have some control. However, the UK game still has some control over how this territory is run. “This isn’t a takeover. This is a partnership, but also an investment. There is capital, but there are also synergies between the two competitions that play in the same sport. The NRL also has expertise to offer the game in the UK. “It is about globalisation and ensuring that the sport can be seen as widely as possible. We talked about pathways and it wasn’t just about bringing the best talent from England to Australia. It was about how we can improve the UK’s pathway system and deliver better. “One of the most important parts of the discussion was that ‘this cannot just flow through to the clubs and into players’ salaries and inflate the players’ salaries’. “Yes, the money goes to the clubs, but also to the centre. It has to take care of the women’s, wheelchair and community games. “Related TopicsRugby LeagueMore about this storySuper League is in danger of a ‘crash,’ says V’landys28 Oct 2025Which Super League games will BBC broadcast live in 2026?”

  

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From FA ban to double Euros winners – Lionesses reach 500 games

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Fitzpatrick’s wild birdie and superb 63 puts him in Heritage lead

Image source: Getty ImagesByTom RstanceBBC Sport Journalist5 hours ago120 commentsRBC Heritage, Second round-14 M Fitzpatrick, (Eng); -13V Hovland, (Nor); -10H English, (US); -9S Straka, (Aut), L Aberg, (Swe), P Cantlay, (US)Selected : -8 R MacIntyre, (Sco), R Fowler, (US); -7 Fitzpatrick admitted that the shot was indeed lucky. It’s nice when you get that in a hurry, but it’s even better to use it. Hovland, of Norway, remains his closest competitor after a stunning birdie on the 17th hole kept him in contention. Hovland, who was playing alongside Fitzpatrick and world number one Scottie Schaffler, shot a disciplined 67. The American, despite hitting every fairway and converting several birdie chances, is seven shots behind.

  

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