The Impact of Motherhood on Women Rugby Players in the Six Nations

As England prepares to defend their title in the Women’s Six Nations against Ireland, they will be without several key players, including Zoe Stratford, Lark Atkin-Davies, and Rosie Galligan, who are expecting their first children. This situation highlights the challenges faced by female athletes in balancing motherhood with the demands of elite sports.

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Kelsey Gentles, an England rugby league player, exemplifies the transformative journey many athletes undergo after childbirth. After giving birth to her daughter Maia, Gentles returned to the sport with a new perspective and physicality, transitioning from an outside back to a prop. She emphasizes the unique challenges of returning to sport post-pregnancy, stating, “There’s no cookie-cutter template to follow when you come back.” Gentles' experience reflects a broader trend among female athletes who navigate the complexities of motherhood while striving to maintain their competitive edge.

The Guardian

Charlotte Caslick, an Australian rugby player, also faces similar challenges as she prepares for her return to elite sevens rugby after pregnancy. Caslick acknowledges the difficulties of balancing motherhood with the rigorous demands of the sport, noting, “Sevens is definitely a young person’s game.” Her situation illustrates the broader implications of motherhood on career trajectories in women's rugby.

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The England rugby team has implemented a new agreement providing 26 weeks of fully paid maternity leave for players, along with funding for children to accompany them to matches. This initiative aims to support players like Abbie Ward, who is expecting her second child, and reflects a growing recognition of the need for maternity support in women's sports.

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Despite the support systems in place, many athletes still face significant hurdles. Gentles describes the emotional and physical toll of returning to sport, stating, “My priorities have shifted,” and highlighting the difficulty of managing expectations from both the sport and personal life. She also points out the societal pressures that often accompany motherhood, where women are expected to prioritize family over their athletic careers.

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Caslick shares her own struggles with the timing of announcing her pregnancy, revealing the challenges of maintaining transparency while managing professional commitments. “It was hard making up reasons for why I’m not playing,” she admits, underscoring the stigma that can surround pregnant athletes.

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• “Every woman and her body reacts differently.” — Kelsey Gentles, England Rugby League Player

The Guardian

• “I didn’t want to send that message, that I was mentally weak.” — Kelsey Gentles, England Rugby League Player

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• “Be kind to yourself, because there will probably be a lot of people that aren’t kind to you, that will compare you to your pre-baby self, when that person essentially doesn’t really exist any more. Being a mother is the greatest gift in the world and I don’t see why you can’t do both.” — Kelsey Gentles, England Rugby League Player

The Guardian

As the Women’s Six Nations progresses, the experiences of players like Gentles and Caslick may influence future policies and support systems for female athletes. Their journeys highlight the importance of recognizing and accommodating the dual roles of motherhood and professional sports, potentially paving the way for a more inclusive environment in women's rugby.

The Guardian