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Abbie Ward was the first rugby player to benefit from the Rugby Football Union's landmark maternity policy for players.

Now, just two years after giving birth to her daughter, Hallie, Abbie will walk out to play at The Stadium of Light in Sunderland on Friday as she begins her dream of winning the Women’s Rugby World Cup.

Abbie joined Anita Rani in the Woman’s Hour studio and spoke about how she managed to return to rugby following Hallie’s birth, the judgement she faced, and the message she would like mothers to take away from her story.

Abbie resumed training on the advice of her doctors. The NHS says it is a good idea to wait until after your six-week postnatal check before you start any high-impact exercise, such as aerobics or running.

You can listen to the full interview on Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓƵ Sounds.