The Wales rugby internationals are excited to start a family following IVF
The couple announced the baby news with this sweet photo on social media(Image: Alisha Joyce-Butchers/ Instagram)
Bristol rugby teammates Alisha Joyce-Butchers and Jasmine Joyce-Butchers have announced they are expecting their first child together.
The Welsh international duo, who signed two-year deals to play for Bristol Bears in April, took to social media to confirm they are “so excited” to start a family together.
They posted a baby scan image with ‘Coming November 2025’ emblazoned across it, and shared how Alisha had fallen pregnant after starting IVF earlier this year.
Alisha’s post read: “We’ve been keeping a little secret. At the start of this year Jasmine and 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.”
Alisha, whose absence from the recent Six Nations sparked curiosity, will be reintegrated into the Wales Women’s squad in line with the WRU’s new Performance Maternity Policy.
This means she’ll sit out the forthcoming World Cup and the two-Test series against Australia, reports Wales Online.
Having exchanged vows in December 2023 at the idyllic Gellifawr Woodland Retreat in Pembrokeshire, the couple is now embarking on a new chapter in their lives.
Content cannot be displayed without consent
Following the reveal, Alisha expressed her gratitude for the support and understanding regarding her Six Nations absence, saying: “We appreciate there has been interest and speculation around my absence from the Wales Six Nations campaign but now you know why.”
Alisha also touched on the importance of privacy during such personal moments: “We wanted to let all our family, friends and the Wales squad know before we went public and am sure everybody can relate to that.
“The morning sickness has been a new experience, especially while Jaz has been off playing rugby, but we are both delighted with our special news.”
Jasmine added: “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.
“It hasn’t been easy keeping it a secret but once we got married, we always planned on starting a family and we both know this is a new chapter in our lives and it does put everything, including rugby, into perspective.”
Belinda Moore, WRU Head of Women’s Rugby, expressed: “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.
“The WRU offers them our full support, and we look forward to welcoming a new Wales supporter to the family.”
It was announced in April that Jasmine and Alisha, along with Welsh international player Keira Bevan, had signed to Bristol Bears on two-year deals.
At the time, Alisha said: “I’m excited to commit the next two years to Bristol. The club offers such a great programme, staff and support and I can’t wait to see what the next two years brings for us.”
Jasmine added: “I absolutely love being a part of this team both on and off the field. I love the way we play at Bristol Bears and the laughs and camaraderie we have off the field.”