Abbie Ward hopes her try-scoring return to action for Bristol Bears Women last week can act as the launchpad for her to regain her place in the England Women’s squad for the 2024 Six Nations.
Just 17 weeks after giving birth to daughter, Hallie, the 30-year-old forward was running out at Ashton Gate, helping the Bears to an emphatic 48-5 victory over Sale Sharks in their opening Premiership fixture of the season.
Having not played since November 2022, the experienced second-row showed little sign of ring-rustiness in 47 minute cameo.
Lining up alongside the likes of fellow Red Roses Lark Atki...