
Return to Rugby Postpartum: Navigating the Mother-Athlete Journey. EP#578
From BJSM Podcast by BMJ Group
September 19, 2025 · 50 min
About this episode
The episode discusses the World Rugby Guidelines on returning to rugby after pregnancy, focusing on the mother-athlete journey.
In this episode of the SASMA Podcast, Dr. Minjon Ras speaks with Dr. Izzy Moore, Joanna Perkins, and Dr. Leigh Gordon about the newly released World Rugby Guidelines on returning to rugby after pregnancy. Together they unpack the six-phase pathway designed to support female athletes, explore the physical and mental health considerations unique to postpartum recovery, and discuss the role of coaches, medical teams, and performance staff in creating a supportive environment. The conversation blends evidence, personal experiences, and practical advice—empowering athletes and practitioners to ensure that returning to rugby postpartum is safe, individualised, and sustainable. Please see link to the guidelines here : https://rfu.widen.net/s/nrjppzdnkv/postpartum-guidance---final
People in this episode
Host: Dr. Minjon Ras
Guests: Dr. Izzy Moore, Joanna Perkins, Dr. Leigh Gordon
Topics covered
- postpartum recovery
- return to sport
- female athletes
- rugby guidelines
- mental health
- physical health
Keywords
- rugby
- postpartum
- female athletes
- recovery
- guidelines
- mental health
- physical health
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: World Rugby, SASMA Podcast, RFU
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