Mothers – everybody has one. But not everyone can claim to have a mum who laces up her rugby boots, slots in the gumshield and chases (usually much younger) opponents around a rugby pitch each week.

Mother's in sport don't just "make up the numbers" but, rather, they can add to the on-and-off-field performance, culture, diversity and leadership of a typically younger set teammates.

The next time you skip rugby training because you’re “a little sore” or have a bout of “man-flu”, spare a thought for the mothers of sport who come back to play rugby soon after childbirth.

Lynda and Alfie, Angie and Ashlyn+Aiden, Rocky and Max

In 2019, there were three such individuals playing for the Storm (the HKU Sandy Bay RFC women’s team) who had all given birth and come back to rugby within the same calendar year – quite an achievement!

Alfie with Lynda, Max with Adrienne (Rocky) and Aiden & Ashlyn with Angie are now regular attendees on match days, joining the team on bus trips to the far flung reaches of Hong Kong to participate in the game we love.

Not only are these mums having a big impact on and off the field, but they are contributing valuably to a resurgent Storm squad that is experiencing a hot winning streak and a fun, inclusive team culture.

These senior players offer their thoughts on coming back to rugby from childbirth.

To the mums of rugby and of rugby playing children, we salute you for all that you do.

How soon after birth were you back doing physical training?

LYNDA: Alfie was born in April and I joined in with summer touch training end of May to mid June before heading off to Europe for the summer. I started full contact rugby when I got back mid September.

ROCKY: I was back physically training after 6weeks, I had to wait due to having a c section. And my definition of training had definitely changed , it took a while to adjust.

ANGIE: 6 weeks - as soon as I got the go ahead from my doctor!

Awwwww... matching Christmas jumpers

Was there any hesitation in getting back into rugby?

LYNDA: Yes there was. I didn't know whether I would have the energy for it and to add an aching body to night feeds felt like a huge unnecessary burden. The risk of injury is now also greater as I am the main carer but I'm glad I've pushed ahead. It's been amazing getting back into playing and doing something that’s just about me.

ROCKY: I had actually “retired” from playing 2 years earlier due to concussions and moved to referring. But after having Max I realised that the pull of the team environment was stronger than the want to referee. Also, as Chris coaches, it made sense all three of us could go to the same place on a Saturday

ANGIE: No! I’ve not had 2 consecutive seasons of rugby, so I haven’t gotten enough of it! I had only started playing rugby for one season before I got pregnant with my first child, got back for the following season and then got pregnant again with Ashlyn!
However, it takes a little longer (months) before I was comfortable that I was fully healed for rugby!

Two to watch: Angie and Aiden train at home

How are you finding balancing motherhood, work-life, husbands and rugby training?

LYNDA: It has been a challenge and I'm so grateful to the team; the coaches and players have been so supportive, as I had to bring Alfie along to training last year as well as to games. It's been tough but everyone helps pitch in, even a few of the lads who are watching us play have taken him for a bit.

ROCKY: Honestly, it’s tough and all priorities change. I work full time and have less time for fitness. I only commit to Thursday training and Saturday games in order to maintain a balance that I’m happy with. I play a very different style of rugby now! Chris and I get to spend time together at rugby which is a bonus as there is limited time outside this.

ANGIE: It feels like there are not enough hours in the day. Means having to ditch my husband (joke).

On a serious note, it’s worked out as I’ve had a supportive husband that covers Training night shifts at home and brings the kids for games!

It also means I am more organised and efficient as I want to finish work at a decent time whether it is to make it home for bedtime or get to training.

Pitchside shennanigans with Max and Alfie

Is there a Storm Mother Hen group that offers sage guidance and direction to the younger and newer players in the team?

LYNDA: Yes we have a group chat and it's super useful. We all give each other great stuff such as clothes and toys and anything that we can pass on. A handy baby seat that I received from Joanie was actually given to her as a baby shower gift from the team over 3 years ago, so it's fantastic that it's made its way round to me.

On game days, we get a blanket out and the babies can sit, eat and nap together whilst we play on the pitch, which is just brilliant.

ROCKY: We do have a mum’s group, which is nice and we can coordinate the kids and care for games!! 3 of us have returned to playing this season too so it’s great to have others finding the same balance and experiences.

ANGIE: Generally, the more senior players do help out the newer players in the team.
We do have a mothers group so we can coordinate babysitters/ babies during match time!
Also, I would hope that by having a few of us Mums actively playing, we would be encouraging more players to come back after birth!

"It takes a village to raise a child"

Any clues yet as to which position the kids might play?

LYNDA: Alfie is small but strong like his mumma, so definitely a forward in the making but who knows!

ROCKY: I have him down as a No. 8. Time will tell.

ANGIE: Ashlyn doesn’t seem in any rush to walk let alone run so not sure if she will even be playing rugby. Although she does have a good grab on her, so potentially she could be a good Flanker!