Abbie Ward: From Sedbergh to World Cup Glory
When Abbie Ward (R 2009–11) lifted the Women’s Rugby World Cup trophy with England at Twickenham on Saturday 27 September 2025, it marked the culmination of a journey defined by resilience, leadership, and unrelenting drive. For Sedbergh, it was also a proud moment: a former pupil embodying the School’s sporting ethos on one of the biggest stages of all.
Abbie, a powerful lock for both England and Bristol Bears Women, was at the heart of the Red Roses’ World Cup-winning campaign. Her trademark strength in the line-out, composure under pressure, and leadership qualities proved crucial as England stormed past Scotland in the quarter-final, edged France in a tense semi-final, and ultimately secured the title against Canada with a 33–17 victory in front of a sold-out crowd at Twickenham – where Abbie capped the occasion by scoring a try.
Abbie has made headlines by returning to international rugby just months after giving birth, emerging as a trailblazer for balancing elite sport with motherhood. “It’s been surreal, a rollercoaster,” she told Sky Sports. “And if you told me at the last World Cup, after that final [when England lost to New Zealand], ‘you’ll be in another one, and this time you’ll have your daughter watching pitchside or at home’… it makes me emotional thinking about it.”
Abbie spoke to Sedbergh School’s Archivist, Katy de la Rivière
Abbie’s daughter Hallie has been part of her rugby journey from the very beginning, often joining her at training camps and matches. Earlier this year, Abbie reflected on the experience in conversation with Katy: “She really is part of the team. It’s incredible to share those moments with her.”
Although Sedbergh did not yet offer girls’ rugby when Ward was a pupil, the School played a pivotal role in shaping her career. “There was amazing provision for sport, and that’s one of the main things that attracted me to Sedbergh in the first place. They really supported me in my pursuit of [county] rugby… Sedbergh staff really helped me with that.”
Beyond the sporting opportunities, Abbie emphasised the values Sedbergh School instilled – principles that would guide her through the demanding world of professional rugby. “It instilled a really solid work ethic. But with the ethos of work hard, play hard. That’s really important as a professional athlete because it can be so intense… I definitely learned that at Sedbergh.”
Abbie’s career has spanned the transformation of women’s rugby into a fully professional sport. She has also championed the broader role of women’s rugby in celebrating strength, confidence, and individuality. “There is a huge trend towards celebrating strong women,” she told Katy. “And it’s here to stay.”
A Legacy for Sedbergh and Beyond
Abbie’s triumph at the 2025 World Cup is more than a personal milestone. It is a symbol of progress for women’s rugby, a celebration of resilience in balancing motherhood and elite sport, and a reminder of Sedbergh School’s lasting influence on its pupils.
As she stood with her teammates beneath the Twickenham floodlights, Abbie embodied the very qualities Sedbergh prizes: perseverance, camaraderie, and the ability to rise to any challenge. For today’s pupils – whether on the rugby pitch, hockey field, or in the classroom – her story is a shining example of what can be achieved with passion and determination.