England rugby captain Zoe Stratford has announced she is expecting her first child, due in September, reports BritPanorama.
The 29-year-old shared the news on Instagram alongside her husband, Luke, who coaches at Sale Sharks. In a joint statement, the couple expressed their excitement, stating, “We are so incredibly grateful and excited.”
This announcement means Stratford will miss the upcoming Women’s Six Nations, which kicks off with England facing Ireland at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, on April 11.
Stratford’s news comes just seven months after leading the Red Roses to World Cup victory on home soil last autumn. Formerly known as Aldcroft, she has since accumulated 69 Test appearances for England since making her international debut in 2016. The versatile forward, recognised as World Player of the Year in 2021, played a pivotal role in the World Cup, recovering from injury to feature prominently in knockout stages, culminating in England’s 33-12 triumph 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 also embarked on a coffee shop venture with teammate Natasha Hunt. She becomes the third member of England’s World Cup-winning squad to announce a pregnancy since the tournament’s conclusion, following Bristol players Lark Atkin-Davies and Abbie Ward.
Head coach John Mitchell is set to reveal his Six Nations squad on Friday, and the absence of Stratford necessitates a decision on the captaincy. Marlie Packer and Meg Jones served as vice-captains during the World Cup, while Alex Matthews led the team in the pool stage match against Australia. Mitchell has extended his contract to remain in charge through the next major tournament.
Stratford previously highlighted the overwhelming support from fans during the World Cup, noting the significance of the moment for women’s rugby and the opportunities it presents for future generations. As the countdown to the Six Nations begins, her departure underscores the evolving landscape of women’s rugby where personal milestones intersect with athletic commitments.
