Rugby Star's Joyous Announcement: Pregnant and Ready to Welcome a New Bear Cub
Rugby World Cup champion Lark Atkin-Davies is set to become a mother for the first time. The Bristol Bears hooker, who has been a stalwart of the England team, has not played for her club this season, taking time to prepare for her new role as a parent. Atkin-Davies, who made her England debut in 2015, has 74 caps to her name and was a key player in England's World Cup victory on home soil in September. She scored three tries in all six matches, showcasing her exceptional skills on the field.
In a heartwarming Instagram video, the 30-year-old revealed her due date is in June. The Bristol Bears team expressed their excitement, stating, 'We can't wait to welcome a new bear cub.'
This announcement comes as a surprise, given Atkin-Davies' recent absence from the field. However, it's worth noting that her England and Bristol teammate, Abbie Ward, returned to the sport just 17 weeks after giving birth to her daughter in 2023. The Rugby Football Union's updated maternity policy, which provides 26 weeks of fully-paid maternity leave and funds for children to travel to games, has likely played a significant role in supporting players' transitions into parenthood.
As Atkin-Davies embarks on this new chapter, the rugby community eagerly awaits her return to the field, knowing that her presence will undoubtedly strengthen the team's performance. The question remains: How will her pregnancy and impending motherhood influence her future in the sport? The rugby world eagerly awaits the answer, as the sport continues to evolve and embrace the diverse experiences of its athletes.
