Zoe Aldcroft replaces Marlie Packer as England women's rugby captain, set to lead Red Roses at 2025 World Cup

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Zoe Aldcroft has been announced as the new England women's rugby captain, taking over from veteran loose forward Marlie Packer. The Gloucester-Hartpury lock has led out her country on numerous occasions and is set to oversee England's 2025 World Cup campaign on home soil. Aldcroft has been captain of her club side since 2018, and has won back-to-back Premiership Women's Rugby titles.

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Zoe Aldcroft has been named as the England women’s rugby captain and will lead out the Red Roses at the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup.

The long-time Gloucester-Hartpury lock takes the reins from veteran loose forward Marlie Packer, who started the last three World Cup finals, winning one.

Aldcroft has been captain of her Allianz Premiership Women’s Rugby side since 2018 and guided the Cherry and Whites to back-to-back league titles over the last two seasons.

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The 28-year-old called it an "incredible honour" to captain her nation, with the world’s premier tournament arriving on home soil in August.

"It's an incredible honour to be awarded the Red Roses captaincy," said Aldcroft in England Rugby's announcement. "I feel privileged to have the trust of John Mitchell and the coaching staff.

"To be able to follow in Marlie's footsteps means a lot to me. I am extremely grateful for the knowledge and advice she has shared with me over the years, and I know I will be well supported by her, Meg [Jones] and our whole leadership group."

The change sees the 2023 World Rugby Player of the Year hand over to the winner in 2021, and is a symptom of England’s strength in depth at flanker and number eight.

Wales-born Leicester Tigers back Megan Jones has been named vice-captain alongside Packer, who retains her role in John Mitchell’s leadership group.

Mitchell said: "As with many positions, there is intense competition for places in the back row and Marlie's ability to deliver big performances on the pitch needs to be her focus.

"Making decisions like this is never easy, but I believe it will push us to perform at our best and ultimately benefit the Red Roses.

"She leads by example through her world-class actions, on and off the field, and is an integral member of our leadership group.

"I've outlined that as a challenge for her, one that I know she'll take on with everything she has."

Aldcroft’s club side, Gloucester-Hartpury, are locked in a gripping title race with Harlequins, with the London-based outfit currently occupying top spot by a mere two points.

You can watch and stream Premiership Women’s Rugby action live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

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Packer, who counts 108 international caps among her extensive list of honours and achievements, made her England debut in 2008.

Young back row stars Maddie Feaunati and Sadia Kabeya are both 22 years old and continue to exert significant pressure on Packer’s starting spot, despite Kabeya's lengthy injury absence last year.

"I have loved every minute of being captain of the Red Roses and have created memories in the role that will last a lifetime," Packer said.

"Zoe is a fantastic leader who deserves this opportunity. The way she conducts herself on and off the field is outstanding; she has all the attributes to succeed as Red Roses captain.

"She has my full support, and I will do everything I can to enable her. I will continue to give everything to the team."

Stream the Gallagher Premiership and Premiership Women's Rugby on TNT Sports and discovery+

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