Is England Lock Ward Expecting Baby Number Two?

Abbie Ward, an integral player in the England women's rugby team who clinched the World Cup in 2025, has announced her pregnancy with her second child, further highlighting the evolving landscape of maternity support in women's rugby. The 32-year-old Bristol Bears lock shared the exciting news via her Instagram, revealing that the new addition to her family is expected in summer 2026.

Last updated: 10 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Abbie Ward's announcement marks a significant moment not just for her family but also for the wider context of women's professional sports in the UK. As an established player with 81 caps for the national team, her pregnancy is a testament to the increasing support female athletes receive regarding maternity. The England women's rugby team has made strides in maternity rights, with Ward's first pregnancy in 2023 being a pivotal moment that shaped the current policies.

Key takeaways

Abbie Ward is expecting her second child in summer 2026.
Ward's first pregnancy led to significant changes in maternity policies for England women's rugby players.
The RFU introduced a comprehensive maternity policy in collaboration with the Rugby Players' Association (RPA).

Timeline: how we got here

Here's a brief overview of key moments leading up to Ward's announcement:

2015: Ward debuted for the England women's rugby team.
2019: Most England women's players received professional contracts.
2023: Ward's first pregnancy highlighted the need for a maternity policy, which was subsequently developed.
2025: Ward played a vital role in England winning the World Cup on home soil.
October 2023: Ward announces her second pregnancy.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Ward's announcement of her pregnancy is fresh news that reflects the ongoing changes within women’s rugby, particularly regarding maternity rights. The positive reception to her news underscores the growing acceptance and support for athletes balancing family and professional commitments.

What was already established

Since 2023, the RFU has implemented a maternity policy allowing women players to take 26 weeks of fully paid maternity leave. This policy was a direct response to the feedback from players like Ward, who advocated for better support for those starting families while pursuing their athletic careers.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

Ward's announcement may not directly impact consumers, but it plays a role in shaping public perception of women's sports. Increased visibility of female athletes and their life choices can inspire future generations and encourage a more inclusive environment in sports.

Businesses and jobs

For businesses involved in women's rugby, Ward's announcement could lead to increased interest and investment in women's sports. As maternity policies improve, more women may consider careers in athletics, positively impacting the sports industry and related sectors.

Policy and regulation

The England rugby team's maternity policy is a significant step in promoting equality in sports. As more professional sports teams adopt similar policies, this could lead to broader discussions on maternity rights across various sports in the UK, potentially influencing future legislative changes.

Numbers that matter

26 weeks: The length of fully paid maternity leave available to England women's rugby players.
81: The number of international caps Abbie Ward has earned.
2019: The year when most England women's international rugby players were awarded professional contracts.

Definitions and jargon buster

RFU: Rugby Football Union, the governing body for rugby in England.
RPA: Rugby Players' Association, which represents professional rugby players in England.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Expect further reactions from the rugby community and perhaps additional announcements from other players regarding their own experiences with maternity in sports.

Medium term (1–6 months)

The spotlight on maternity policies in women's sports may lead to further discussions about enhancing support for athletes, including potential changes in sponsorship opportunities and media coverage.

Signals to watch

Future announcements from the RFU regarding additional support for players.
Increased media coverage of women's rugby, especially around family-oriented narratives.
Feedback from current players about the effectiveness of the maternity policy.

Practical guidance

Do

Support initiatives promoting inclusivity and maternity rights in sports.
Engage with women's rugby events to raise awareness.

Don’t

Avoid dismissing the significance of maternity policies in sports.
Don’t overlook the achievements of female athletes as they navigate both family and professional commitments.

Checklist

Stay updated on policies affecting female athletes.
Follow discussions about maternity support in sports.
Engage with women's rugby teams and events in your area.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the maternity policy is a significant step forward, it is still relatively new. The effectiveness and implementation of such policies may vary across different teams and sports. Ongoing discussions and feedback from players will be crucial in shaping the future of maternity rights in sports.

Bottom line

Abbie Ward's pregnancy announcement is not just a personal milestone; it highlights the positive changes in maternity support within women's rugby. As more female athletes like Ward take steps to balance family and career, it is essential for governing bodies to continue adapting policies that support these athletes' needs.

FAQs

What are the maternity rights for England women's rugby players?

England women's rugby players are entitled to 26 weeks of fully paid maternity leave, a significant advancement in support for female athletes.

How has Abbie Ward influenced maternity policies in rugby?

Ward's experiences, particularly during her first pregnancy, helped shape the RFU's maternity policy, highlighting the importance of support for athletes balancing family and sports.

What is the RFU's role in women's rugby?

The Rugby Football Union (RFU) governs rugby in England and plays a crucial role in implementing policies that support women's professional rugby, including maternity rights.