England women’s rugby players are now entitled to 26 weeks of maternity leave on full pay as part of a new policy from the The Rugby Football Union and the Rugby Players’ Association.
Pregnant players will also be supported to move into other employment in the rugby network, while players with a child less than 12 months old will have travel and accommodation costs paid for during competition for the child and a support person.
There will be a similar provision made for players who would prefer for their child to remain in their home environment.
Rugby Football Union People Director, Paula Grant, said the union is committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for players who are pregnant or have children.
“We recognise that we need to develop opportunities and pathways for parents and players at all levels, and part of this requires an understanding of the challenges for players in the women’s game at professional level,” Grant said.
“The current policy allows players to make choices as well providing financial certainty. We know the policy will evolve over time and understand each player’s individual circumstances are unique.”
If contracts are renegotiated or extended at any time while a player is pregnant or on maternity leave, the player will be included in discussions and have their contract extended for a period of not less than 12 months.
Red Roses lock, Abbie Ward, who recently announced she is expecting her first child, said the policies would help normalise motherhood within the sport.
“There has been a great deal of work carried out by players, the RPA and the RFU to get to this point,” she said in a statement.
“I am confident that the policy will help normalise motherhood in sport and give players the best possible chance of returning to play should they wish to do so in a secure and safe way.”
Here in Australia, the Wallaroos are on a path towards professionalism, with a new deal that will see players receive central part-time contracts. A “parenting and pregnancy guideline” has been agreed to “in principle”, according to Rugby Australia. This guideline will see Wallaroos players receive their full contract amount for the year while on maternity leave.
Full professionalism for the Wallaroos is slated for 2025. Currently, players are balancing paid work and study with their rugby careers.