Former England captain Marlie Packer has mentioned that Zoe Aldcroft taking up as Purple Roses skipper for 2025 was the “proper factor” for the staff.
Aldcroft was appointed because the staff’s new captain on Jan. 9, with Packer, 35, named vice-captain together with 28-year-old Megan Jones.
England’s Six Nations marketing campaign begins on March 22 when the defending champions host Italy on the LNER Group Stadium in York. Aldcroft can be set to steer England into their dwelling Rugby World Cup that begins in August.
Packer, who has greater than 100 England caps and was named World Participant of the 12 months in 2023, mentioned head coach John Mitchell’s handing of the reins to Aldcroft was the proper resolution.
“Mitch [John Mitchell] and I’ve a extremely good working relationship, deep down I do know it’s the proper factor for the squad,” Packer instructed the BBC.
“I mentioned that to him on the time, I 100% again Zoe. She is an unbelievable participant but in addition an incredible human as effectively.
“I’m nonetheless a part of the management staff. I’m nonetheless a vice-captain so I nonetheless really feel valued.
“If I had been utterly dropped I’d be pondering if my World Cup was over. It’s what is true for us, for the squad going into this World Cup.”
Packer took over as captain following Sarah Hunter’s retirement in 2023. She has gained seven Six Nations titles and was a part of the staff that lifted the 2014 World Cup.
The choice to interchange Packer as captain got here amid rising competitors for locations within the back-row.
“In case you have a look at my taking part in minutes during the last couple of seasons, I’ve been subbed off across the 60-70-minute mark after which Zoe has taken over as captain,” Packer mentioned.
“I believe Zoe has performed each recreation for England since getting back from her knee damage. She was solely meant to play 40-50 minutes on her first recreation again and performed 80 minutes.
“You need an 80-minute captain and somebody who leads by instance. Zoe does that and fairly overtly says it isn’t about the way in which she talks however the actions.”
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