Alisha Joyce-Butchers (left) married Jasmine Joyce-Butchers in December 2023 Wales flanker Alisha Joyce-Butchers has announced that she is expecting a baby with wife and team-mate Jasmine Joyce-Butchers. The 27-year-old was a notable absentee in the 2025 Women's Six Nations and has now revealed: "We've been keeping a little secret." The baby is due in November, meaning Alisha Joyce-Butchers will miss the Rugby World Cup which kicks off in August. "At the start of this year Jasmine and I started our IVF journey. Today I am so happy to say that I am 12 weeks pregnant, and so excited for what's to come," she wrote on social media, alongside an ultrasound photo. "We appreciate there has been interest and speculation around my absence from the Wales Six Nations campaign but now you know why," said Alisha Joyce-Butchers. "We wanted to let all our family, friends and the Wales squad know before we went public and am sure everybody can relate to that. "The morning sickness has been a new experience, especially while Jaz has been off playing rugby, but we are both delighted with our special news." Jasmine Joyce-Butchers said: "To say we are excited would be an understatement. "It hasn't been easy keeping it a secret, but once we got married we always planned on starting a family, and we both know this is a new chapter in our lives and it does put everything - including rugby - into perspective." The couple are both professionally contracted players with the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) and play their club rugby with Bristol Bears. They recently signed new two-year deals with the Premiership Women's Rugby club. Wing Jasmine is also a three-time Olympian with Great Britain Sevens. The WRU said Alisha Joyce-Butchers will return to the squad in a controlled manner under its new performance maternity policy. "On behalf of the Wales women's squad, the players, coaches and staff, the WRU and everybody in the Welsh rugby family, we send our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to both Alisha and Jaz," said WRU head of women's rugby Belinda Moore. "The WRU offers them our full support, and we look forward to welcoming a new Wales supporter to the family."
Wales flanker Joyce-Butchers announces pregnancy
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Wales Rugby Player Alisha Joyce-Butchers Announces Pregnancy with Teammate"
Bbc News
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TruthLens AI Summary
Wales flanker Alisha Joyce-Butchers has recently announced that she is expecting a baby with her wife and teammate, Jasmine Joyce-Butchers. The couple, who married in December 2023, shared the news via social media, revealing that Alisha is currently 12 weeks pregnant and that the baby is due in November. This announcement comes as Alisha has been absent from the 2025 Women's Six Nations, which sparked interest and speculation regarding her situation. In her heartfelt message, she expressed excitement about the new chapter in their lives and clarified that they had been keeping this joyous news a secret. Alisha also mentioned the challenges of experiencing morning sickness while Jasmine continues to compete in rugby, emphasizing the couple's shared anticipation for the future as they embark on this journey of parenthood together.
Both athletes are contracted players with the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) and play for the Bristol Bears in club rugby. They recently signed new two-year deals with the Premiership Women’s Rugby club, highlighting their commitment to the sport even as they prepare for their growing family. The WRU has expressed their full support for Alisha during this time, stating that she will return to the squad in a controlled manner under the new performance maternity policy. Belinda Moore, the WRU head of women’s rugby, conveyed the organization's congratulations and best wishes to the couple, welcoming the prospect of a new supporter joining the Wales rugby family. This announcement not only celebrates their personal milestone but also reflects the evolving landscape of women's sports and the support systems in place for athletes balancing professional commitments with family life.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The announcement of Alisha Joyce-Butchers' pregnancy has significant implications, not only for her personal life but also for the broader context of women's sports and societal perceptions surrounding it. This news serves multiple purposes, reflecting both personal milestones and a public narrative within the rugby community.
Purpose Behind the Announcement
The couple's decision to share their pregnancy publicly serves to clarify Alisha's absence from the recent Women's Six Nations. This transparency aims to quell any speculation regarding her health or commitment to the sport. By framing the announcement as a joyous occasion, they foster a positive image of family-building in professional sports, particularly for women, who often juggle personal and professional aspirations.
Community Perception
This announcement is likely to resonate well within communities that support LGBTQ+ rights and women in sports. The couple’s visibility as a married same-sex couple starting a family can inspire others in similar situations, promoting acceptance and representation. It sends a message that personal life events, such as starting a family, should be celebrated rather than stigmatized in professional settings.
Potential Underlying Issues
Although the announcement appears straightforward, it may also serve to distract from ongoing challenges faced by women athletes, such as inadequate support during pregnancy and maternity leave. By focusing on the positive aspect of their pregnancy, there may be an implicit avoidance of discussing the structural issues within sports that need addressing, including policies regarding maternity leave and support for athletes who wish to start families.
Reality of the News
The authenticity of the news seems credible, as it includes personal testimonials from both Alisha and Jasmine, as well as support from the Welsh Rugby Union. However, the framing of the story could still be seen as a strategic move to galvanize public support and maintain a positive image for both the athletes and the sport itself.
Broader Implications
This announcement could have societal implications, potentially influencing attitudes toward women in sports and family planning. It might encourage more open discussions about work-life balance for athletes, and possibly lead to changes in policies regarding maternity in professional sports.
Target Audience
The news primarily appeals to LGBTQ+ communities, women athletes, and sports fans who advocate for gender equality and representation. It invites a supportive response from those who value inclusivity and the normalization of family-building among professional athletes.
Impact on Financial Markets
While this specific news is unlikely to have a direct impact on stock markets, it reinforces the image of women’s sports, which can influence sponsorships and funding in the long term. Companies that support or invest in women’s sports might see increased visibility and consumer support as a result.
Global Context
The announcement aligns with a broader trend of increasing visibility for LGBTQ+ couples and women in professional sports, which is relevant in today’s social climate focused on equality. It reflects ongoing changes in societal norms and could potentially inspire policy changes or initiatives to support athletes in their personal lives.
Use of AI in the Article
It’s plausible that AI tools were utilized in drafting or editing the article, particularly in terms of structuring the narrative or optimizing language for engagement. The tone is positive and celebratory, which may have been influenced by AI algorithms that prioritize reader engagement.
In conclusion, this news article is a mix of genuine personal achievement and strategic public relations, aiming to highlight the joys of family while subtly addressing the challenges faced by women athletes. Its reliability is reinforced by the personal nature of the announcement, though it must be viewed within the broader context of ongoing issues in women’s sports.