**Welsh Rugby Stars Alisha and Jasmine Joyce-Butchers Share Exciting Personal News as They Prepare to Welcome First Child**
In a heart-warming announcement that has delighted fans across the nation, Welsh international rugby players Alisha Joyce-Butchers and Jasmine Joyce-Butchers have revealed they are expecting their first child together. The couple, who both represent Wales at the highest level in women’s rugby, made their announcement public through a joint social media post on Tuesday.
Their shared post featured a touching image of a baby scan with the words “Coming November 2025” elegantly written across it, signalling the couple’s anticipation for the arrival of their baby. The news comes just months after the pair celebrated their wedding in December 2023, surrounded by friends and family at the picturesque Gellifawr Woodland Retreat in Pembrokeshire. Now, they are joyfully preparing to embark on the next chapter of their lives as they await the arrival of their first child.
In a candid message shared with their followers, Alisha explained, “We’ve been keeping a little secret. At the start of this year, Jasmine & 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 went on to describe the unique journey they have experienced as a couple, and the overwhelming joy they feel to finally share their news.
The announcement also clarified Alisha’s recent absence from the Wales squad during the Six Nations Championship, which had fuelled speculation among supporters and within rugby circles. According to the Welsh Rugby Union’s new Performance Maternity Policy, Alisha will be given time away from international duties and supported upon her return to the squad. As a result, she will miss the forthcoming World Cup and the planned two-Test series against Australia later in the year.
Addressing her absence, Alisha said: “We appreciate there has been interest and speculation around my absence from the Wales Six Nations campaign but now you know why. We had the 12-week scan today and now we are excited to share with you all that I am pregnant, and we are having a baby.” The rugby star also noted that the experience of morning sickness posed new challenges, especially with Jasmine having sporting commitments, but their excitement and sense of togetherness have seen them through.
Jasmine, who has continued competing at the highest level throughout this period, reflected on the significance of the news in their lives. “To say we are excited would be an understatement. We have been desperate to share the news but knew we had to wait for obvious reasons. Once we got married, we always planned on starting a family and we both know this is a new chapter in our lives. It does put everything, including rugby, into perspective,” she said.
Messages of support and congratulations quickly poured in from across the sporting world, with the Welsh Rugby Union’s Head of Women’s Rugby, Belinda Moore, offering the couple their full backing. “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,” Moore stated. She also highlighted the union’s commitment to supporting the pair throughout this significant personal milestone.
This announcement marks yet another step forward for the visibility of LGBTQ+ families, not just in rugby, but across elite sport in Wales and further afield, and highlights the importance of supportive policies like the WRU’s Performance Maternity initiative.
As the Joyce-Butchers family look forward to welcoming a new member later this year, their story resonates as one of love, support, and the evolving face of modern sport. Prominent Welsh rugby figures and fans alike will be watching their journey with keen interest, wishing the couple all the best in the months ahead.