Lucy Lockhart has tapped the brains of other "rugby mums", outlining her plan to play in October's Rugby World Cup for the Wallaroos less than six months after the birth of her first child.
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The Queensland Reds vice-captain, initially forced home from a rugby stint in England due to COVID-19, was on Wednesday crowned last season's Super W player of the year.
With her baby due in April, Lockhart will miss the Reds' 2022 campaign but has remained part of the Wallaroos squad and is desperate to feature in New Zealand's showpiece event.
"My goal is to be ready for selection in October," the No.8 said.
"That gives me about five-and-a-half months to be ready, physically and mentally.
"I've been speaking to a lot of rugby mums, or mum athletes, about their return to play.
"You have to think about it physically, but also mentally because you are away from the baby.
"This is my first. I'm really just learning the ropes and winging it.
"We'll see how we go. I've got that goal but my No.1 priority will be bub."
The Wallaroos have been starved of Test experience since COVID-19 hit, their part-time status making quarantine bubbles and logistics impossible to balance with full-time jobs.
New coach Jay Tregonning took control late last year, Lockhart impressed with his methods after watching a recent camp from the sidelines.
Australian Associated Press
