It’s child’s play for new mums
Black Ferns Becky Wood and Sosoli Talawadua showed recently that becoming a mum is no barrier to playing provincial rugby.
Among the throng of burly rugby players and sports journalists at the launch of the New Zealand provincial rugby season in Auckland yesterday were North Harbour’s Wood, with her three-month-old daughter Chloe, and Talawadua from Waikato, with her 91⁄2-week-old baby Marisela-Grace.
The new mums will play for their provinces in the Farah Palmer Cup this season, which kicks off on September 1, and are eager to strap on the boots again. ‘‘I’ve been out of the Harbour scene for the past 12 months,’’ Wood said. ‘‘So I’m pumped to get back into it. We’ve got an awesome squad this year and there is a lot of excitement among the girls.’’
Wood, a firefighter by profession, said she didn’t feel it was a problem coming back to rugby, but said she’s found it helpful to have the support of her family.
‘‘It adds a new element and it’s a new challenge, but we’re getting there,’’ she said. ‘‘I’ve got 12 months off work so that frees up a bit of time, but babies are pretty full-on.’’
Wood, 30, said she never considered skipping the provincial season. ‘‘We got pregnant with her pretty much straight after the World Cup,’’ she said.
‘‘The timing has worked out well and it was always a goal to get back into the rugby, I just wasn’t too sure when.’’
Talawadua, 29, says she did contemplate having a bit more time out of the game, but in the end decided against it.
‘‘I thought about that, because I knew she’d only be 12 weeks when the first game rolls around,’’ Talawadua said. ‘‘But then I thought about my age and that I might not have many seasons left in me.
‘‘It has its challenges. I give it up to all of those mums who are playing sport, but I’ve got my sister and brother who help me out.
‘‘But the challenges of having to express milk, making sure she’s got enough food and then getting to training, is quite a big thing. But I am excited to get back out there.’’ The Farah Palmer Cup is a 12-team competition this season, with Taranaki returning.