Photo via BBC Sport

World Cup-winning captain Stratford gives birth

Zoe Stratford, the twenty-nine-year-old athlete who captained England to a World Cup victory against Canada in September 2025, welcomed her first child on Wednesday alongside her husband Luke. The newborn baby girl is currently unnamed.

Following her summer transfer to Sale Sharks from Gloucester-Hartpury, where she secured three consecutive Premiership titles and the 2021 World Player of the Year accolade, her club shared celebratory remarks online.

Her pregnancy follows similar announcements from international teammates Lark Atkin-Davies, Abbie Ward, Marlie Packer, and Rosie Galligan earlier this year. In light of these developments, Meg Jones—who succeeded Stratford in the captaincy—has advocated for professional players to receive fertility assistance and egg freezing options.

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