Pregnant Red Roses Players Break Barriers at Six Nations Training Camp

The Red Roses, England's Women's Rugby team, made history by winning their first Women's Rugby World Cup in 11 years on home soil. Now, they are continuing to break barriers off the pitch. With the Women's Six Nations tournament approaching, the team is preparing to face Ireland in front of a 60,000-strong crowd at Twickenham, but they will be without their captain, Zoe Stratford, who is pregnant. However, Stratford is not alone; two other players, Abbie Ward and Lark Atkin-Davies, are also expecting and will miss the tournament. Instead of taking time off, all three women are participating in England's pre-tournament training camp, taking part in non-contact drills and training. This is a significant milestone, as it was previously thought that being a professional rugby player and having a child was not possible. "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," said England openside flanker Sadia Kabeya. Kabeya believes that the fact that three pregnant players are participating in the training camp will inspire fans of all genders and generations. "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." Centre Megan Jones, who will captain the Red Roses in Stratford's absence, sees the long-term benefits of her teammates' pregnancies. "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!" Jones also believes that this will change the perspective on women and their capabilities. "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 Red Roses are making history off the pitch, but they will face five tough tests in the Women's Six Nations tournament before they can continue to make history on it.