Zoe Stratford, captain of the England rugby team, has announced she is pregnant with her first child, due in September. This news comes as she prepares to miss the upcoming Women’s Six Nations tournament.
Stratford, who is 29 years old, led the Red Roses to a World Cup triumph on home soil just seven months prior to this announcement. The final, held at Allianz Stadium in Twickenham, saw a record crowd of 82,000 fans, with England defeating Canada 33-12.
In her own words, Stratford expressed her excitement, stating, “We are so incredibly grateful and excited.” This announcement marks a significant moment in her career, as she is the third England women’s player to announce a pregnancy this year.
Stratford, previously known by her maiden name Aldcroft, has made a remarkable impact on women’s rugby. She was named World Player of the Year in 2021 and has co-captained Gloucester-Hartpury to three consecutive Premiership Women’s Rugby titles.
Since her international debut in 2016, Stratford has accumulated 69 Test appearances, showcasing her resilience and dedication to the sport. She notably recovered from injury to start every knockout fixture at blindside flanker during the recent World Cup.
As the Red Roses prepare for their Six Nations campaign, which opens against Ireland on April 11, the team will need to adjust to her absence. Head coach Mitchell is expected to name his squad for the tournament soon, having recently agreed to a new deal through to the next major tournament.
Stratford’s husband, Luke, is a coach at Sale Sharks, adding another layer of connection to the rugby community. As the sport continues to grow, Stratford’s journey into motherhood will be closely followed by fans and fellow athletes alike.
While Stratford’s pregnancy is a joyous occasion, it also raises questions about the future of her playing career and how she will balance motherhood with her professional commitments. Details remain unconfirmed.
