Rugby Union Apr 24, 2026

Women's Six Nations: Red Roses 'super mums' set example by taking part in training camp while pregnant, say team-mates

👤
By Admin
Sports Journalist
Women's Six Nations: Red Roses 'super mums' set example by taking part in training camp while pregnant, say team-mates

The Red Roses inspired a generation when they won their first Women's Rugby World Cup in 11 years home soil - and they are now continuing to set an example off the pitch.

England kick off their Women's Six Nations against Ireland in front of a 60,000 strong Twickenham crowd on Saturday but with be without captain Zoe Stratford.

She became the third player in the squad to announce her recent pregnancy, alongside lock Abbie Ward and hooker Lark Atkin-Davies, all of whom will miss the tournament.

However, instead of taking the time away from the sport, all three women are taking part in England's pre-tournament training camp, participating in non-contact drills and training.

"Up until a couple of years ago, we didn't know it could be done - you couldn't be a professional rugby player and have a child," England openside flanker Sadia Kabeya told Your Site.

"To see that we have three pregnant girls in camp, it's not only great for us as rugby players but also for people watching."

Kabeya is confident the feat her three pregnant team-mates are undertaking will inspire fans of any gender or generation.

"You can be three things at once and there shouldn't be any kind of barrier stopping you from doing that," she added.

"You can be a super mum and also play for the highest level for England.

"It's not just about inspiring women, inspiring young girls, it's about inspiring young boys and men and kind of allowing them to kind of come into our world."

Centre Megan Jones is captaining the Red Roses for the Six Nations in Stratford's absence.

The new skipper has identified long-term advantages to her team-mates' joyous arrivals.

"The first thing that goes through your mind is that 18 years from now, they're probably going to be the next Red Roses coming through," Jones said. "So we've got a whole team ready to line up!"

"It changes the perspective on women. You know, we don't just get pregnant and then that's the end of us. We still have dreams too.

"The idea that you shouldn't train when you're pregnant is probably this massive myth. It's crazy what the body can do."

The Red Roses are making history off the pitch, but five tough Women's Six Nations tests await before they see if they can continue to make history on it.

Tags:

rugby-union news

Share this article

Related Posts

Courtney Lawes to join Sale Sharks as he states his England ambition: 'I'm officially coming out of international retirement!'

Courtney Lawes to join Sale Sharks as he states his England ambition: 'I'm officially coming out of international retirement!'

This was supposed to be where Courtney Lawes ended his 20-year playing career.We sit in the April sunshine on the balcony of the home he and his famil...

Women's Six Nations: Meg Jones to captain new-look England with Haineala Lutui in line to make debut against Ireland at Twickenham

Women's Six Nations: Meg Jones to captain new-look England with Haineala Lutui in line to make debut against Ireland at Twickenham

Meg Jones leads an England team featuring seven survivors from September’s World Cup final victory over Canada for the launch of their Guinness Six Na...

Lewis Moody: Former England captain to cycle 500 miles from Newcastle to Twickenham to raise funds for Motor Neuron Disease foundation

Lewis Moody: Former England captain to cycle 500 miles from Newcastle to Twickenham to raise funds for Motor Neuron Disease foundation

"I'm good at the moment," says Lewis Moody with a smile.In response to how he is now after revealing his MND (Motor Neuron Disease) diagnosis last Oct...

Women's Six Nations: England's Hannah Botterman and May Campbell ruled out of tournament

Women's Six Nations: England's Hannah Botterman and May Campbell ruled out of tournament

England's squad depth continues to be tested after front rows Hannah Botterman and May Campbell became the latest players to be ruled out of the Guinn...

Nathan Jibulu: Sale hooker handed six-week ban for biting Harlequins' Will Hobson

Nathan Jibulu: Sale hooker handed six-week ban for biting Harlequins' Will Hobson

Sale hooker Nathan Jibulu has received a six-week ban for biting Harlequins prop Will Hobson.The incident occurred on Saturday in the 69th minute of t...

Women’s Six Nations: Sadia Kabeya says England must turn crisis into opportunity as Scotland plot upset at Murrayfield

Women’s Six Nations: Sadia Kabeya says England must turn crisis into opportunity as Scotland plot upset at Murrayfield

Sadia Kabeya says England are ready to prove they have the depth to overcome a mass of absentees when they face Scotland at Murrayfield on Saturday.Th...