HeadlinesBriefing favicon HeadlinesBriefing.com

World Cup champs Rosie Galligan and Marlie Packer welcome baby

BBC Sport •
×

England’s 2023 Women’s Rugby World Cup champions Rosie Galligan and Marlie Packer revealed they are expecting a child together. The 27‑year‑old Galligan and the 36‑year‑old Packer, both contracted to Saracens, posted the news on Instagram, announcing a due date in October 2026 for their families.

Galligan, who helped lift England’s first World Cup title on home soil last year, and Packer, a 2014 champion with a five‑year‑old son Oliver, are now preparing to welcome a new generation of talent. Their announcement underscores the growing visibility of elite athletes balancing motherhood and professional sport.

Both athletes split time between national duties and club commitments with Saracens, where they have been pivotal in recent campaigns. Their family news arrives as England prepares for the next international window, adding another layer to the squad’s evolving dynamics and the broader conversation around athlete welfare.

The announcement, shared with a playful caption—“Baby Packer due October 2026 and your mummies and big brother can’t wait to meet you”—highlights the personal side of professional sport. It reminds fans that behind the jerseys are lives that evolve, and that the next generation of rugby stars may soon arrive off the field.