Rugby Star Says It Was ‘No Easy Task’ Returning to Field 7 Months After Giving Birth to First Child

**Millie Elliott Returns to Rugby Seven Months After Welcoming Daughter Gigi**

Rugby star Millie Elliott has made a remarkable comeback to the field, just seven months after the birth of her daughter, Gigi. In a candid interview with ABC Sport Daily, Elliott, who welcomed Gigi on October 8 with her husband, fellow rugby player Adam Elliott, drew parallels between her return to the sport and the challenges of recovering from a significant injury.

At 27 years of age, Elliott’s return to rugby has not been without its difficulties. She described the process of reacquainting herself with the physically demanding world of rugby as “no easy task”. Elliott expressed her determination clearly, stating, “I knew that I had my work cut out for me,” illustrating the challenges inherent in bouncing back physically after childbirth.

Support from her family, friends, and medical professionals played a crucial role in Elliott’s successful transition back into sporting life. She acknowledged the importance of ongoing rehabilitation, saying, “There’s a lot of prehab and exercises and rehab and physios that you have to see. I’m lucky enough that I’ve had that support and I’ve been able to get back to this stage, feeling really fit and confident.” This network has been invaluable, especially during the early days of parenthood, which often raised doubts about her ability to return to rugby.

Elliott further commented on the unique demands placed upon athletes, particularly those balancing motherhood. “As part-time athletes, being rugby league players and women, we juggle a lot of responsibilities. There were definitely some early postpartum days where I questioned how I would return to rugby,” she revealed. This sentiment highlights the often-overlooked challenges female athletes face as they seek to blend professional commitments with family life.

Becoming a mother has profoundly influenced Elliott’s outlook regarding her priorities as an athlete. She stated, “You have to be quite selfish to be an athlete, spending time away from your family due to training, late-night physio sessions, and rehabilitation.” This realisation has necessitated a shift in how she configures her life, turning the spotlight on balancing her roles as both an athlete and a mother.

While she embraces these changes, Elliott remains deeply passionate about rugby, emphasising that sport is “part of who I am.” Her commitment to the game continues unabated, and she eagerly anticipates sharing this passion with her daughter. “I’ve been thinking about how as athletes, we consider our sport daily. This anticipation drives my return to the pitch,” she commented.

With the upcoming matches, Elliott’s resolve to compete is strong. Reflecting on her team’s past achievements and future challenges, she remarked, “The girls won the shield last year, and returning to play is not going to be an easy feat against the Blues, especially since they haven’t clinched a win in Newcastle yet.” She sees her daughter in the stands as a motivating factor, adding a personal dimension to her return to the sport.

Elliott’s journey resonates beyond the rugby field, encapsulating the multifaceted reality of modern sportswomen. Her narrative illustrates not only personal resilience but also the vital role of support systems in achieving a successful balance between motherhood and athleticism. As she prepares for her return to the game, Millie Elliott is poised to inspire many with her story of determination and growth as both an athlete and a mother. As she steps onto the pitch, she does so with the cherished memory of her daughter watching on proudly.