
Zoe Aldcroft, the newly appointed captain of the England women’s rugby team, is gearing up for a monumental challenge as she aims to lead the Red Roses to Rugby World Cup redemption. The 28-year-old has been a key figure in England’s rise to the top of women’s rugby, and now, as their captain, Aldcroft has the weight of her team’s hopes on her shoulders. After a devastating loss in the 2022 Rugby World Cup final, Aldcroft’s leadership and determination will be crucial as England looks to reclaim their place as the world’s best.
Aldcroft Reflects on the Heartbreaking 2022 Rugby World Cup Final

Aldcroft’s journey to the captaincy has not been without its challenges, and her leadership qualities were truly tested during the 2022 Rugby World Cup final in New Zealand. The Red Roses, undefeated throughout the tournament and on a 30-match winning streak, entered the final against the Black Ferns with high hopes. Despite their incredible form, it was the New Zealand team that emerged victorious in a nail-biting 34-31 finish.
“I didn’t think there was a chance we were going to lose,” Aldcroft reflects. “I felt super confident. I had been super nervous before the semi, but going into the final all my nerves disappeared.”
However, the game quickly turned into a test of resilience. On 19 minutes, England’s Lydia Thompson was sent off, and just ten minutes later, Aldcroft herself was forced to leave the pitch due to a concussion. With the clock ticking down and England within touching distance of a decisive score, the match slipped away from them. “It was just heartbreaking for everyone involved,” Aldcroft admits. “We hadn’t written that story, it just wasn’t how it was supposed to end, it was super, super difficult.”
This devastating defeat was a bitter pill to swallow, especially after England’s dominance in the tournament. Aldcroft, like many of her teammates, struggled to process the loss. “Personally, I felt really embarrassed about it,” she says. “There had been so much talk about how good we were, how we had won all these matches in a row, and we couldn’t win the ultimate game.”
Aldcroft’s Struggles and the Road to Recovery

Following the loss, Aldcroft returned home to England, grappling with the aftermath of the final. For the first time in her life, she felt disconnected from rugby. “I didn’t want to see anyone for two weeks,” Aldcroft confesses. “I was really dreading getting back into rugby.” It was a rare moment of doubt for the otherwise resolute player. The sting of the loss weighed heavily on her, but with the support of her teammates and the love for the game reigniting within her, Aldcroft pushed through.
Aldcroft returned to Gloucester-Hartpury to continue her club commitments. There, her teammates helped her rediscover her passion for rugby. Together, they lifted the Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR) trophy at the end of that season, and they went on to defend their title in June. This success on the domestic stage helped Aldcroft regain her confidence, and she began to look forward to the challenges ahead.
Aldcroft Named Captain of the Red Roses
Fast forward to the beginning of this year, and Aldcroft was handed the prestigious role of captain of the Red Roses. The news was met with enthusiasm from the rugby world, as Aldcroft has long been regarded as one of the top players in women’s rugby. With her leadership, England will look to build on their strong foundation and continue their pursuit of excellence.
Aldcroft, who had already established herself as a key player for England, now finds herself in a new role with a heightened sense of responsibility. But she is ready for the challenge. “It’s an honour to be named captain, and I’m excited to lead this incredible team,” she says. “We have unfinished business, and I’m ready to do everything I can to help this team reach the top.”
Preparing for Redemption: Aldcroft’s Leadership Philosophy
As captain, Aldcroft’s leadership style is shaped by her passion for the game and her love for her teammates. She is driven by a fierce desire to push herself and her team to the very limit, both physically and mentally. “I love going to those dark places, especially with my teammates,” Aldcroft says. “I just love the feeling of doing everything you can and putting your body on the line and the fact that everyone has done that for each other. That really drives me as a person.”
This mindset will be crucial as England enters their next World Cup campaign, which will be played in England in August. Aldcroft’s leadership will be instrumental in guiding the team through the inevitable challenges they will face. “We need the reflections from that final [2022] so that if the adversity does come again, we can deal with it,” she says. “We have no idea what will be thrown at us on that day, but how can we best manage it and put ourselves in a place where we are unstoppable?”
Aldcroft’s perspective is one of growth and resilience. While the pain of the 2022 World Cup final loss will always be a part of her journey, she views it as a necessary experience for her team to evolve. “We’ve learned from that loss, and we’re stronger for it. We will embrace whatever comes our way this time,” she explains.
Aldcroft Vision for England’s World Cup Success
With the 2025 Rugby World Cup in England on the horizon, Aldcroft is focused on ensuring her team is fully prepared to challenge for the ultimate prize. Under her leadership, the Red Roses will be looking to bounce back from the heartbreak of 2022 and finally capture the Rugby World Cup title.
“I want us to be the best team we can possibly be, to embrace the highs and the lows together, and to fight for each other in every moment,” Aldcroft says with determination. Her vision for the team is clear: resilience, unity, and an unwavering commitment to greatness. As captain, she will lead by example, drawing on her experiences to inspire the next generation of rugby players.
England will undoubtedly be a force to be reckoned with in the 2025 World Cup, and Aldcroft’s leadership will be pivotal to their success. With her passion for rugby, her mental fortitude, and her love for the game, Aldcroft is more than ready to take on the responsibility of captaincy and guide her team to glory.
A Legacy in the Making
As Aldcroft embarks on this new chapter of her career as captain of the Red Roses, she is not just focused on winning the World Cup—she is also committed to leaving a lasting legacy for women’s rugby. Her leadership and dedication will inspire future generations of players to pursue their dreams and push the boundaries of what is possible in the sport.
For Aldcroft, rugby is not just about winning titles—it’s about the bonds forged with her teammates and the shared journey of growth and achievement. “The game is about the people you play with, the challenges you face, and the strength you draw from each other,” she says. With her leadership, Aldcroft will ensure that the Red Roses are not just a team, but a family, united in their pursuit of excellence and ready to take on the world once again.
As Aldcroft leads England into the 2025 Rugby World Cup, the rugby world will be watching closely. Will she be able to lead her team to redemption and guide them to the title they so narrowly missed in 2022? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—Aldcroft’s journey is far from over, and her legacy is just beginning to take shape.
