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.
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England’s Sadia Kabeya and Marlie Packer speak about whether they can become the first England team to back up a World Cup with Six Nations triumph. Watch ‘England, Meet England’, co-created with O2, on ITV April 9
“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 Sky Sports.
“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.”
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England rugby captain Megan Jones speaks about the Red Roses culture and John Mitchell’s impact on it ahead of the Six Nations. Watch ‘England, Meet England’, co-created with O2, on ITV April 9.
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.
England’s 2026 Women’s Six Nations fixtures
- vs Ireland (Saturday April 11) – Allianz Stadium, Twickenham (2.45pm)
- vs Scotland (Saturday April 18) – Murrayfield, Edinburgh (1.30pm)
- vs Wales (Saturday April 25) – Ashton Gate, Bristol (2.15pm)
- vs Italy (Saturday May 9) – Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi, Parma (3pm)
- vs France (Sunday May 17) – Stade Atlantique, Bordeaux (5.45pm)
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