Valkyrie captain Peach announces pregnancy

York Valkyrie Captain Sinead Peach and her partner Callum Curzon have announced the exciting news that they are expecting their first child later this year.

Peach will remain a vital member of the squad during her pregnancy, supporting her Valkyrie team-mates with the off-the-field leadership that has inspired the team's successes ever since her arrival in 2021.

Discussing her news, Peach said: "It was a surprise to us both, but an amazing surprise at that. Everyone that we've told so far couldn't have been more happy and supportive for us.

"When I told Lindsay and Clint, they said to me that it's going to be the most magical time of my life and a new chapter that's just starting. The club have said they'll support me all the way and I've also had such amazing support from all the girls too.

"I'm still young and rugby league is my life, so I will be back on the field next year, all being well. I'll just have my baby watching from the crowd!

"I'm still very much involved with the girls. I'm just taking an off-field approach as captain this year. I will be at every training session and I'm getting involved in everything apart from the contact.

"I'll still be a leader off the field and helping in every area that I can, including working with Georgie (Hetherington), who's moved to hooker and done a great job there so far.

"I'm still working really closely with the girls and supporting them just as much as I always have. Personally I'm still working as hard as I can, so nothing much has changed just yet!"

Alongside 19 of her Valkyrie team-mates, Peach signed a two-year professional deal with the club during the off-season, with maternity leave support included in all contracts.

Peach added: "To have that maternity payment gives me a massive sense of security and I'm so thankful to the club to have it in my contract." 

Director of Rugby Lindsay Anfield, said: "I'm delighted for Sinead and Callum and we're looking forward to welcoming the next member of the Valkyrie family!

"I've known Sinead since she was 16 playing schoolgirl rugby league, so it's been amazing to be part of her journey both as a player and a person especially as she now enters this next chapter in her life.

"Sinead will keep herself as fit as possible throughout her pregnancy, I'm sure, and we'll help her as much as we possibly can as she aims to return next season.

"I'm also delighted that Sinead will be supported by the club through maternity leave payment, which is a massive statement and shows that we're investing in our players, even when they're not out there on the field and they choose to start a family."

York RLFC Chairman Clint Goodchild added: "Everyone at the club is delighted for Sinead and her partner Callum and it's exciting to have another addition to the Peach family and the rugby league family.

"Sinead will remain a vital member of our squad this year, as a support to the girls and a leader off-the-field. 

"We're really glad that we can offer support to our players through the maternity leave payments in their professional contracts.

"We want our players to be able to pursue all avenues of life and not be restricted by being an athlete. Hopefully this sets a trend for the sport and we can continue to push forward in this area."

Peach joined York from Castleford Tigers in 2021 and has been nominated for the prestigious Woman of Steel award in every season she has spent at the Valkyrie, winning the prize last year.

The 25-year-old has been a vital part of Anfield's side, leading York to a maiden Grand Final in 2023 as well as a record back-to-back League Leaders' Shields in 2022 and 2023.