In a heartwarming moment that has resonated across the rugby world, England internationals Rosie Galligan and Marlie Packer have shared joyful personal news, announcing that they are expecting a baby together later this year. The couple, both key figures in England’s dominant women’s rugby setup, revealed that their first child together is due in October 2026.
The announcement, made through a joint social media post, quickly drew congratulations from teammates, fans, and the wider sporting community. The pair, who are engaged and play club rugby for Saracens Women, expressed their excitement about growing their family, with Packer’s five-year-old son Oliver also eagerly awaiting the new arrival.
Galligan, 27, has been an integral part of England’s forward pack in recent years, establishing herself as a reliable presence in the second row. Known for her physicality and work rate, she has earned over 30 caps for the national team and was a key contributor during England’s victorious 2022 Women’s Six Nations Championship campaign, where the team secured a Grand Slam. Her rise through the ranks has been steady, and she is widely regarded as one of the brightest talents in English rugby.
Packer, meanwhile, brings a wealth of experience to both club and country. At 36, she remains one of the most influential figures in the England setup, having earned over 100 caps since making her debut back in 2008. A dynamic back-row forward known for her leadership and relentless energy, Packer has been part of multiple successful campaigns, including England’s triumph at the 2014 Women’s Rugby World Cup. Her longevity in the sport is a testament to her consistency and professionalism, and she continues to be a guiding presence within the squad.
The couple were also part of the England team that lifted the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup on home soil, a historic achievement that further cemented their legacy in the sport. That victory marked a significant milestone for women’s rugby in England, drawing record crowds and increased global attention to the game.
Galligan’s pregnancy adds to a growing list of England internationals embracing motherhood while continuing their sporting journeys. Earlier this year, several of her Red Roses teammates, including captain Zoe Aldcroft, along with Lark Atkin-Davies and Abbie Ward– also announced pregnancies. This trend reflects a broader cultural shift within elite women’s sport, where athletes are increasingly supported in balancing professional careers with family life.
In recent years, governing bodies like the Rugby Football Union have introduced more progressive maternity policies, ensuring that players receive financial and structural support during pregnancy and their return to the game. These developments have been crucial in normalising motherhood within elite sport and encouraging more athletes to continue their careers without compromise.
For Galligan and Packer, the journey ahead represents a new chapter both personally and professionally. While Galligan is expected to step away from competition in the coming months, her return to rugby post-maternity will be closely followed, particularly given the increasing number of successful comebacks by elite athletes across sports.
Packer, who has already experienced motherhood alongside her rugby career, has often spoken about the importance of family support and the evolving environment within women’s rugby that allows players to thrive both on and off the field. Her experience will undoubtedly play a key role as the couple prepare for the arrival of their child.
The announcement has been widely celebrated not just as a personal milestone, but as another sign of progress within women’s sport, where athletes are redefining what a professional career can look like. As England rugby continues to grow in stature globally, stories like Galligan and Packer’s highlight the human side of elite competition, reminding fans that behind every jersey is a life beyond the game.
With October approaching, the rugby community will be eagerly awaiting the arrival of “Baby Packer,” a moment that will undoubtedly be cherished by teammates and supporters alike.
