England rugby captain Zoe Stratford announces pregnancy months after ‘incredible’ World Cup win
England rugby captain Zoe Stratford has revealed she is expecting her first child, due in September.
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.”
The news means Stratford will be unavailable for the upcoming Women’s Six Nations, which begins when England face 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, equally adept in the second row or back row, was recognised as World Player of the Year in 2021.
During last year’s tournament, she recovered from injury to start every knockout fixture at blindside flanker, ultimately lifting the trophy following a 33-12 victory over Canada in the final.
England rugby captain Zoe Stratford has revealed she is expecting her first child, due in September
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At club level, she has co-captained Gloucester-Hartpury to three consecutive Premiership Women’s Rugby titles.
Since the World Cup, Stratford has also launched a coffee shop venture with England and Gloucester teammate Natasha Hunt.
Stratford is the third member of England’s World Cup-winning squad to reveal she is expecting since the tournament concluded.
Bristol pair Lark Atkin-Davies and Abbie Ward both have celebrated the news.
Stratford is the third member of England’s World Cup-winning squad to reveal she is expecting since the tournament concluded
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Head coach John Mitchell will announce his Six Nations squad on Friday.
A captaincy decision is now required in Stratford’s absence.
Marlie Packer and Meg Jones served as vice-captains during the World Cup campaign, while Alex Matthews took the armband for the pool stage match against Australia.
Mitchell agreed to a contract extension earlier this year that will keep him in charge through to the next major tournament.
The Red Roses emerged triumphant over Canada | REUTERSStratford previously spoke to The People’s Channel about the support the team received from fans and being an inspiration for young girls in sport following their triumph.
Speaking to GB News, Ms Stratford said: “We’ve been so privileged throughout this whole tournament and to have the support that we’ve had.
“It was 82,000 people at Twickenham on Saturday, which was absolutely incredible and kind of a moment where we thought, well, this is a new stage of women’s rugby.
“And then you had to have everyone there on Sunday as well, it was incredible.”
