World Cup Winners Packer & Galligan Expecting Baby in October

Two rugby champions who tackled their way to World Cup glory are now preparing for their biggest adventure yet: welcoming a baby together.

Rosie Galligan, 27, and Marlie Packer, 36, shared the joyful news on Instagram this week that they're expecting in October 2026. The engaged couple, who both play for Saracens and England's Red Roses, posted a sweet pregnancy scan photo with the caption: "Baby Packer due October 2026 and your mummies and big brother can't wait to meet you."

Packer already has a five-year-old son named Oliver, who's about to become a big brother. The flanker made her England debut in 2008 and has racked up an impressive 112 caps for her country, including being part of the 2014 World Cup winning squad.

Galligan, a lock with 31 Test caps since her debut, helped England win the Grand Slam in the 2022 Six Nations. Most recently, both players were key members of the Red Roses team that brought the Women's Rugby World Cup trophy home to England in 2023.

Why This Inspires

Galligan joins a growing wave of England women's rugby players choosing to start or expand their families while maintaining elite athletic careers. She's the fourth Red Roses player to announce a pregnancy this year, following captain Zoe Stratford and Bristol teammates Lark Atkin-Davies and Abbie Ward.

This trend reflects a powerful shift in professional women's sports, where athletes no longer have to choose between motherhood and their careers. The support systems within England Rugby are creating space for players to embrace both roles, showing young athletes that these dreams don't have to be mutually exclusive.

The couple's announcement was met with an outpouring of love from teammates, fans, and the rugby community worldwide. Their openness about building a family together while competing at the highest level sends a message of hope and possibility to LGBTQ+ athletes everywhere.

Sometimes the greatest victories happen off the field.