Rugby World Cup Winner Named Cumbria's Top Athlete
England rugby star Abbie Ward, who helped make history winning the Women's Rugby World Cup at Twickenham, earned her home county's highest sporting honor. The Cumbrian native says she was inspired by fellow award winners at the 2026 ceremony.
A World Cup champion came home to celebrate the win of a lifetime.
Abbie Ward, who helped England's Red Roses claim victory at the Women's Rugby World Cup in 2025, was named Cumbria Sportsperson of the Year at the 2026 Cumbria Sports Awards. The rugby star received the honor in front of family, childhood coaches, and teachers who helped shape her journey from a 10-year-old beginner to a world champion.
Ward's path to rugby greatness started early in her home county. She won the U20 Nations Cup in 2011 and made her senior debut for England in 2015. By 2017, she was starting in a World Cup final, and in 2019, she captained England to a Grand Slam in the Six Nations Championship.
The historic World Cup victory at Twickenham came in front of a packed crowd. Ward and her teammates made history together, capping off a remarkable 2025 season for the Red Roses.
Off the field, Ward broke important ground for women in rugby. She became the first woman in English rugby to take advantage of maternity pay, opening doors for future players to balance motherhood and professional sports.
The Ripple Effect
Ward's impact reaches far beyond championship trophies. Host Mike Zeller told the ceremony audience that Ward "continues to inspire young athletes across Cumbria, showing what determination, dedication, and belief can achieve."
The athlete herself was quick to share the spotlight. "It's an absolute honor to win this award and I am very proud to be from Cumbria and hear so many amazing stories of athletes, coaches and volunteers," Ward said after receiving the recognition.
She flipped the script on inspiration, pointing to fellow honorees as her motivation. "People often talk about World Cup winners as being inspiring, but for me it's the other people here tonight who are the real inspiration," she explained.
Ward attended the ceremony with her mother Libby and Alan, her childhood rugby coach. Teachers from Sedbergh School, where she studied, also joined the celebration.
The champion's humility matched her athletic achievements, proving that true champions lift others up.
More Images
Based on reporting by Google: rugby world cup
This story was written by BrightWire based on verified news reports.
Spread the positivity!
Share this good news with someone who needs it
