New ITVX documentary explores motherhood for professional female athletes

A Maidenhead-based director has created a new ITVX documentary exploring motherhood for professional female athletes and  tackling myths preventing women from remaining active during and after their pregnancies. 

Abbie Ward. A Bump in the Road showcases the journey of Bristol Bears and England rugby player Abbie Ward as she makes her way back to the professional game just 17 weeks after giving birth to her baby in July 2023.

She then goes on to secure her place back in England’s Six Nations squad for 2024.

The film also showcases how Abbie's husband Dave Ward, a former Harlequins player and women's head coach at Bristol Bears, supported Abbie in her return to the field. 

The documentary was directed and produced by Maidenhead resident, author, director, podcaster and entrepreneur Sue Anstiss MBE who has worked to drive change in women’s sport for more than 30 years, and Jack Tompkins from Ben&Jack Studio, also based in the town.

The film showcases the spirit of a mother driven by a dream to inspire her daughter and leave a lasting legacy in sport.

The documentary also tackles long-held myths which prevent many women from remaining active during and after their pregnancies.

Discussing her ambition for the documentary, Sue said: “It’s fantastic that we’re now seeing elite female athletes combining their sporting careers with motherhood - especially in sports like tennis, athletics and cycling.

“But it’s rarer to see this for sportswomen competing in team sports. The demanding nature of rugby, with its physical contact and impact, makes it all the more remarkable that Abbie would try to return to the sport professionally, so soon after she’d had her baby.

“I believe this film will transcend the world of sport, resonating with audiences everywhere, especially with women who face the societal challenge of balancing careers with motherhood.”

Abbie is the first Red Roses player to benefit from the new Rugby Football Union (RFU) maternity policy, which includes providing opportunities for players due to go on maternity leave, to move into other safe employment in the rugby network until they take their leave, which is 26 weeks on full pay.

Abbie said: “What’s most important to me is that my story can serve as an example for sportswomen in the future.

“I hope I can be a test case to show what’s possible for female athletes when they have great support around them during and after pregnancy.

“The world of women’s sport is changing rapidly, and enabling professional athletes to keep competing as mothers is another important milestone.”

The documentary is now available to stream on ITVX.