England’s prominent lock, Abbie Ward, has been a vital part of Bristol’s squad since her move in 2021, and recently extended her contract to 2024 earlier this year.
Set to potentially make a comeback in Bristol’s opening match against Sale in the Women’s Premiership Rugby this Saturday, Abbie Ward’s return comes only 17 weeks after the birth of her first child, Hallie, in July.
The 30-year-old, with an impressive tally of 61 caps for England, last appeared on the field in the 2022 World Cup final in November.
Ward had her eyes set on the commencement of the new domestic season for her return to rugby.
Dave Ward, Bristol Bears’ head coach and Abbie’s spouse, expressed the significance of this training week for her during an interview with BBC Radio Bristol.
He noted her recent engagement in contact training, but acknowledged that she hasn’t had as much full-scale 15-on-15 practice as she would have liked.
Ward, a trailblazer in the sport, became the first Red Roses player to have a child since the team turned professional in 2019.
Announcing her pregnancy in January on Instagram, she shared her excitement about having her “mini-me” by the pitch, highlighting the possibility of balancing motherhood with athletics.
Ward moved to Bristol in 2021 and committed to stay until the summer of 2024. At the time of her new contract signing, she confidently stated that her best rugby days were still ahead.
Her last appearance was in the World Cup final against New Zealand, where England faced a tough defeat.
Bristol is gearing up to face the Sharks at Ashton Gate with a kickoff time of 12:30 GMT.
Dave Ward emphasized the need for Abbie to prove her readiness to rejoin the team.
Acknowledging the stellar performances of team members like Delaney Burns, Hollie Cunningham, Chris Balogun, and Nicola Beet in the cup matches, he mentioned the necessity for Abbie to display her skills in training to secure her position in the team, whether as a starter or a substitute.
He stressed the importance of fairness in his dual role as coach and husband, stating that any selection would be purely based on merit and not favoritism.
The couple hopes to have a memorable moment with their daughter Hallie joining Abbie on the pitch before the match starts, adding a special touch to her potential return.
Dave Ward, while downplaying the personal connection, expressed immense pride and admiration for his wife’s dedication and hard work.
Listeners can tune in to BBC Radio Bristol for live commentary of the Bristol Bears Women vs Sale Sharks Women match on Saturday, 18 November, with the game starting at 12:30 GMT.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Abbie Ward Rugby Return
When is Abbie Ward expected to return to rugby after giving birth?
Abbie Ward is in contention to play in Bristol’s Women’s Premiership Rugby opener against Sale on Saturday, which is just 17 weeks after she gave birth to her first child, Hallie, in July.
What is significant about Abbie Ward’s potential return to rugby?
Abbie Ward’s return is noteworthy as she is the first contracted player of the Red Roses to have a baby since the team went professional in 2019. Her return to high-level rugby after a short maternity break is also remarkable.
How many times has Abbie Ward been capped for England?
Abbie Ward has been capped 61 times by England. Her last game was in November 2022, during the World Cup final.
What were Abbie Ward’s achievements before her maternity leave?
Before her maternity leave, Abbie Ward played a significant role in the England rugby team, last appearing in the 2022 World Cup final. She has been a key player for Bristol since 2021 and recently extended her contract through 2024.
What does Abbie Ward’s husband and coach, Dave Ward, say about her return?
Dave Ward, Bristol Bears’ head coach and Abbie’s husband, emphasized the importance of her training week and her need to earn her place in the team. He also mentioned the balance he needs to maintain in being fair to both the team and Abbie in his dual role as coach and husband.
More about Abbie Ward Rugby Return
- Abbie Ward’s Rugby Career
- Women’s Premiership Rugby
- Bristol Bears Team News
- Rugby and Motherhood
- England Red Roses Professional Team
5 comments
Dave Wards got a tough job balancing coach and husband but seems like he’s doing great, fair play to him.
This is so inspiring! shows that women can do anything, juggling a career and a family, Abbie’s setting a great example for young girls.
I heard her last game was in 2022, can’t wait to see how she performs now? Go bristol!
wow, Abbie Ward’s coming back already? that’s amazing, hats off to her dedication, motherhood and pro sports, tough combo!!
61 caps is no joke, Abbie’s a legend in the making, can she beat the record? lets see.