Sports / NZ Women's same-sex couple Satterthwaite, Tahuhu announce pregnancy

New Zealand Women’s captain Amy Satterthwaite has announced her pregnancy and is expecting a baby in January 2020. She got married to Lea Tahuhu in March 2017 after getting engaged in 2014 and will now take a break from the game. Satterthwaite is now eyeing to return to the field in 2021 Women’s 50-over World Cup which is to be held in New Zealand. This has confirmed that she will miss the upcoming mega event in the shortest format next year.

Recently, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) recently announced the list of the White Ferns players who were awarded the central contract. Amy Satterthwaite, being the captain, is the part of it and she will now benefit of the same as well. The NZC introduced the leave provision policy for the pregnant players and she will be the first player to benefit from it.

Announcing the news, Amy Satterthwaite expressed her delight and termed it as a special moment of her and Tahuhu’s life. “Lea and I are overjoyed to share the news that I’m expecting our first child early in the new year. It is a special time in our lives and we can’t wait for this new chapter,” she said according to New Zealand Cricket’s official website.

She will only make a comeback now when she feels its the right time to do so. The 32-year-old though still believes that she has a lot to offer to the team and is targetting the 2021 Women’s World Cup to return. She also thanked the board for support.

I am very lucky to have support from NZC

“I am very lucky to have great support from NZC with regard to taking a break from the game to have a family. I feel I still have a lot to give to the game and look forward to working my way back with an eye on the 2021 ICC Women’s World Cup held in New Zealand,” she further added.

The NZC chief executive David White was also happy for Amy Satterthwaite and Lea Tahuhu and cleared that the board will totally support the couple. He also announced that the former will be the first player to benefit from the pregnancy leave policy of the board.

“As soon as the Women’s Master Agreement (already agreed in principle) is signed off and confirmed, Amy will be announced as one of our contracted WHITE FERNS for the 2019-20 year. As such, she will be the first player to benefit from the new pregnancy leave provisions included in the new agreement.

“This means she’ll be paid her full retainer throughout and, although possibly fulfilling some off-field contractual obligations, will not be required to train or play,” White said.