Gloucester-Hartpury forward Zoe Aldcroft has been confirmed as the Red Roses captain for 2025.

Aldcroft, who has 58 caps for her country, will lead the side as they begin preparations for this year’s Guinness Women’s Six Nations and Rugby World Cup.

World Rugby Women’s 15s Player of the Year in 2021, Aldcroft has captained England on numerous occasions, first taking the leading role on her 25th birthday in an 89-0 victory over USA.

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She recently skippered the Red Roses to comprehensive wins over Wales and Scotland in the 2024 Six Nations, and will be supported by vice-captains Marlie Packer - who Aldcroft replaces as captain - and Megan Jones.

England head coach John Mitchell said: “Zoe is a phenomenal rugby player who consistently performs to a high standard in the PWR and at international level.

“She leads by example through her world-class actions, on and off the field, and is an integral member of our leadership group. The values it takes to be a high-performing Red Rose are ingrained in her character and she is highly respected within the squad. We believe Zoe will thrive in the role.”

Aldcroft said: “It’s an incredible honour to be awarded the Red Roses captaincy. 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 and our whole leadership group.”

Last weekend, Aldcroft played a part as Gloucester-Hartpury moved to within two points of top spot in the Premiership Women’s Rugby table with a commanding 40-17 win over Bristol Bears at Ashton Gate.

Having been 10-7 down at half time, the defending champions moved through the gears to win the second half 35-7 and spoil the Bristol debut of American superstar Ilona Maher, who came off the bench in the second half.

Gloucester-Hartpury started superbly, with Emma Sing crossing for the first try as she took full advantage of the overlap on the right hand side before sprinting over.

She converted the try, but Bristol hit back with Millie David going over to cut the gap to 7-5.

Just before the half time break, Lleucu George was shown a yellow card and Bristol took the lead as flanker Alisha Joyce-Butchers took the ball out wide before throwing a big dummy which gave her the space she needed to finish in the corner, leaving her side 10-7 up at half-time.

Gloucester-Hartpury came out firing after the break, scoring 21 unanswered points to open up a big lead.

The first try came through Natasha Hunt, as she sniped around the fringes and finished after a dominant line out drive.

Rachel Lund, making her first appearance for Gloucester-Hartpury since October, crossed for the next try after some patient attacking build up play.

The bonus point was secured when Maud Muir powered over just past the hour mark.

Sing converted all three tries, before Bristol looked to stage a comeback heading into the final quarter as Sarah Bern crossed with just over 10 minutes to go, cutting Gloucester-Hartpury’s lead to 28-17.

But the Circus put the win beyond doubt when Mia Venner and Georgia Brock got over for two late tries, Brock’s try just reward for a superb performance off the bench from the loose forward.

Cheltenham Tigers have taken top spot in Women’s Championship North 1 with a 38-5 win at West Park Leeds.

Emma Hennessy opened the scoring and Zoe Heeley added two tries as they led 17-0 at half-time, Mary-Ann Gittings with a conversion.

Tigers added three more tries in the second half, from Anna Howes, Bethany Taylor and Hennessy, Gittings converting all three.

This weekend they face second-placed Buckingham Swans, who are are a point behind them, both sides having played nine games.

Drybrook were 46-29 Championship South West 2 winners over Dings Crusaders Mavericks, Haidee Field with two tries.

There was one apiece for Jenna Skidmore, Fenn Wightman-Smith, Bethany Howard, Meg Butler, Alisha Smith and Becky Jones, with Wightman-Smith adding three conversions to seal Drybrook’s second win of the season.

Dursley had a NC 2 South West (North) walkover against Tewkesbury, as did Cheltenham North against Chippenham in NC 3 South West (North).