England have named ahead Zoe Aldcroft as captain forward of the Ladies’s Six Nations Championship in March, with the World Cup to observe in August, the Rugby Soccer Union stated on Thursday.
Gloucester-Hartpury’s Aldcroft, who has received 58 caps since making her debut in 2016, beforehand captained the Purple Roses to wins over Wales and Scotland in final yr’s Six Nations. The 28-year-old replaces Marlie Packer as skipper.
England coach John Mitchell has picked Packer, 35, to be a vice-captain together with 28-year-old Megan Jones.
“It is an unimaginable honour to be awarded the Purple Roses captaincy. I really feel privileged to have the belief of John Mitchell and the teaching workers,” Aldcroft stated in an announcement.
“To have the ability to observe in Marlie’s footsteps means lots to me. I’m extraordinarily grateful for the information and recommendation she has shared with me over time, and I do know I will probably be nicely supported by her, Meg and our entire management group.”
Mitchell stated unfastened ahead Packer will proceed to play a major position within the staff.
“As with many positions, there’s intense competitors for locations within the again row and Marlie’s capability to ship massive performances on the pitch must be her focus,” he stated.
“Making choices like that is by no means straightforward, however I imagine it’s going to push us to carry out at our greatest and in the end profit the Purple Roses.”
The coach stated he believed Aldcroft will thrive as captain.
“She leads by instance by way of her world-class actions, on and off the sphere,” he added.
England, who’ve received all of their matches since dropping the 2022 World Cup closing to New Zealand, will look to win the trophy for the third time once they host the match this yr.
They kick off their Six Nations marketing campaign at residence to Italy on March 23.
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