Abbie Ward: England lock to start for Bristol 17 weeks after giving birth
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England lock Abbie Ward has played for Bristol since 2021 and signed a new deal until 2024 this spring
England lock Abbie Ward will start Bristol's Women's Premiership Rugby opener against Sale on Saturday - 17 weeks after giving birth.
The 30-year-old, whose husband Dave is the Bristol head coach, welcomed her first child Hallie in July.
Ward has been capped 61 times by England and last played in November 2022, in the World Cup final.
She is the first contracted Red Roses player to have a baby since the team went professional in 2019.
When she announced her pregnancy in January, she wrote in a post on Instagram: "I can't wait to have my mini-me pitchside next season and show that athletes can be mums too."
The second row moved to Bristol in 2021 and signed a new contract in March, through to the summer of 2024. At the time the Bears co-captain said she is "yet to play" her best rugby.
Bristol open the new Premiership season against the Sharks at Ashton Gate (12:30 GMT).
Earlier this week, Dave Ward told BBC Radio Bristol: "She's got to earn her space.
"[There are] difficult conversations from our perspective, certainly a few weeks ago in terms of the way that Delaney [Burns], Hollie [Cunningham], Chris [Balogun] and Nicola [Beet] were playing in the cup - outstanding, outstanding performances all round.
"So for her to come in and get a shot at either starting or on the bench this weekend, she's got to train well. She has done that, all credit to Abbie she has.
"It's not easy on both sides of the coin, and as a coach I have to be fair to the team and I have to be fair to Abbie as well.
"If I gave her selection she'd hate me forever as a coach and as a husband, so she's definitely not going to be given anything. What she'll get either way this weekend is what she's earned."
'A special run-out'
Dave Ward said the intention was for Hallie to come out on to the pitch before kick-off, which would be "special".
"If it wasn't my wife, I'd probably be making more of a deal of it, but because she's my wife I kind of don't," he said.
"But actually I'm incredibly proud of her and I'm just amazed by her. Obviously I get to see her first-hand all the work she's put in."
BBC Radio Bristol will have commentary of Bristol Bears Women v Sale Sharks Women on Saturday, 18 November.