Cumbrian rugby star Abbie Ward's return to action just 17 weeks after giving birth has been voted Allianz Premiership Women's Rugby moment of the season.
The 31-year-old from Keswick was back on the pitch for Bristol Bears last November, having given birth to daughter Hallie in July.
The England lock has also documented on an ITV programme with the Cumbrian described as a trailblazing figure in women's rugby union.
She is now the recipient of an end-of-season award for her comeback.
The awards citation says: "Abbie Ward’s remarkable return to rugby in Round 1 has been voted Moment of the Season.
"When Ward stepped onto the field with her daughter, Hallie, ahead of the 48-5 bonus point victory against Sale Sharks at Ashton Gate, it was just 17 weeks after her due date.
Not a dry eye in the house 🥲@AbbieWard93's return to rugby in Round 1 of #PWR has been voted our Moment of the Season 🫶
— Premiership Women's Rugby (@ThePWR) July 2, 2024
Tap below to read more ⤵️#PoweredDifferently | @allianzuknews
"The 31-year-old’s journey through pregnancy and her return to the pitch has been documented in Abbie Ward: A Bump in the Road and displayed the trials of tribulations of being an elite sportswoman battling preconceptions about remaining active after childbirth."
The documentary featuring Ward's story remains available to watch on ITV X HERE
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here