Alisha Joyce Makes Stunning Return to Wales Squad After Giving Birth
Alisha Joyce has achieved a remarkable feat by being named in Wales's squad for the Women's Six Nations, merely months after welcoming her son, Ralphie, in November. The 28-year-old flanker, who returned to the rugby pitch in March after just 123 days postpartum, expressed shock at her call-up but embraced her role as a trailblazer for aspiring players.
Pioneering Maternity Programme and Rapid Comeback
Joyce is the inaugural Wales player to benefit from the governing body's newly introduced performance maternity programme, designed to support athletes during pregnancy and postpartum recovery. Sharing parenting duties with her wife and teammate, Jasmine Joyce, she has managed only 30 minutes of game time since her return, coming off the bench for Brython Thunder. Despite this limited exposure, Wales head coach Sean Lynn saw enough to include her, highlighting her experience in a squad featuring nine new caps.
The call-up came as a surprise to Joyce, who admitted, "I was shocked, to be honest." She now views herself as one of the older, more seasoned members of the team, aiming to set a professional example. Her absence from last year's Six Nations and World Cup due to pregnancy makes this comeback even more significant, with her son accompanying her to camp, a crucial factor in her ability to participate.
Navigating Parenthood and Elite Sport
Reflecting on the first four-and-a-half months of motherhood, Joyce described the experience as "incredible," though sleep deprivation posed a major challenge. "It's been the hardest thing to navigate," she noted, explaining that she and Jasmine split responsibilities evenly. After a tough initial period where Ralphie woke every half hour, they have established a better routine, allowing Joyce to focus on her rugby career without merely "surviving."
Her decision to have a child was influenced by observing Abbie Ward, the first England professional to become a mother, which demonstrated that career and family can coexist. Joyce and her wife underwent IVF, a planned and meticulous process that she considers one of their best decisions. "Being back in the game now with Ralphie here is crazy," she said, emphasizing the importance of visibility for young female athletes.
Future Ambitions and Inspiring the Next Generation
Joyce hopes to secure playing time in the upcoming Six Nations, starting with Wales's match against Scotland on 11 April, and has set her sights on the inaugural women's British & Irish Lions tour in 2027. "It would be so cool," she remarked, viewing it as a genuine incentive rather than a distant dream. Her journey aims to show that motherhood does not preclude athletic excellence, offering a powerful message to the next generation of players.
As she strives to regain peak performance, Joyce remains committed to being a role model, proving that with support and determination, women in sport can balance personal milestones with professional success.
