England rugby captain Zoe Stratford announces pregnancy
England rugby captain Zoe Stratford has revealed she is expecting her first child, due in September, reports BritPanorama.
The 29-year-old shared the announcement on Instagram alongside her husband, Luke, a coach at Sale Sharks. In a joint social media statement, the couple wrote: “We are so incredibly grateful and excited.”
This news means that Stratford will be unavailable for the upcoming Women’s Six Nations, which kicks off when England faces Ireland at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham on April 11.
Her announcement comes just seven months after she guided the Red Roses to World Cup glory on home turf last autumn. Stratford, who previously competed under her maiden name Aldcroft, has accumulated 69 Test appearances for her country since her international debut in 2016.
The versatile forward, recognised as World Player of the Year in 2021, effectively demonstrated her skills during last year’s tournament, recovering from injury to start every knockout fixture at blindside flanker, culminating in a 33-12 victory over Canada in the final.
At club level, she has co-captained Gloucester-Hartpury to three consecutive Premiership Women’s Rugby titles. Since the World Cup, Stratford has launched a coffee shop venture with England and Gloucester teammate Natasha Hunt.
She is the third member of England’s World Cup-winning squad to announce a pregnancy since the tournament concluded, joining Bristol pair Lark Atkin-Davies and Abbie Ward in celebrating the news.
Head coach John Mitchell will announce his Six Nations squad on Friday, facing the decision of selecting a new captain in Stratford’s absence. Marlie Packer and Meg Jones served as vice-captains during the World Cup campaign, while Alex Matthews captained the team during the pool stage match against Australia.
Mitchell has agreed to a contract extension that will keep him in charge through the next major tournament, ensuring continuity in the coaching staff as the team progresses.
Sport, much like life itself, has its own rhythms and unexpected turns, and Stratford’s journey into motherhood is a poignant reminder of the deeper stories that weave through the fabric of competition. As her teammates prepare for the Six Nations, they are not only aiming for victory but also supporting one another through significant life changes.
