Zoe Aldcroft will replace Marlie Packer as the England captain for this year’s Women’s Six Nations and Rugby World Cup.

In a significant change, which could signal that Packer’s World Cup spot is under threat, Aldcroft has been selected to lead the group in a pivotal year for John Mitchell’s side.

World Rugby XVs Player of the Year in 2021, Gloucester-Hartpury lock Aldcroft has long been one of the most consistent performers for England, having captained her country on numerous occasions. She first took the leading role in an 89-0 victory over United States in November 2021 and skippered the Red Roses to comprehensive victories over Wales and Scotland in the 2024 Six Nations.

“Zoe is a phenomenal rugby player who consistently performs to a high standard in the PWR (Premiership Women’s Rugby) and at international level,” said Red Roses head coach Mitchell. “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 was an “incredible honour” to be given the opportunity to lead England as they bid to win a home World Cup later this year.

“I feel privileged to have the trust of John Mitchell and the coaching staff,” said Aldcroft. “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.”

Flanker Packer, who took over the Red Roses captaincy in 2023 under former head coach Simon Middleton, has been demoted to vice-captain alongside centre Meg Jones.

Why Packer has been demoted

Marlie Packer’s reign as England captain coincided with a highly successful period for the Red Roses, winning back-to-back Six Nations Grand Slams and WXV titles. She guided the squad during a period of significant change, yet there is a sense that the responsibility of leadership had started to detract from her own game.

The back row is where England are most stacked with talent, and there are concerns that 35-year-old Packer is no longer the firecracker of a player who succeeded the great Maggie Alphonsi after the 2014 World Cup and was named World Player of the Year in 2023. Such doubts put her place in the starting XV under pressure.

The likes of Maddie Feaunati, Sadia Kabeya and Morwenna Talling are all putting their hands up for selection. Kabeya spent the majority of last year injured, which granted Packer some extra breathing space, but the Loughborough Lightning forward is now back in the mix and pushing for a starting spot.

In an illustration of England’s extraordinary depth, there is also Georgia Brock and Lilli Ives Campion, the combative Gloucester-Hartpury and Loughborough forwards who both earned their first senior England caps in WXV warm-up victories last year.

In shedding the armband, Packer should be able to concentrate on not slipping down the pecking order. The demotion could even act as a motivator for Packer to rediscover her best form. “Marlie’s ability to deliver big performances on the pitch needs to be her focus,” said Mitchell. “I’ve outlined that as a challenge for her, one that I know she’ll take on with everything she has.”

What Aldcroft will bring to role

Aldcroft has long been regarded as England’s most valuable player, so this promotion does not come as a surprise. She may be softly spoken, but the 58-time capped Red Rose is a fierce competitor who has long demonstrated that she is prime captaincy material. Indeed, she has led Gloucester-Hartpury to back-to-back PWR titles as co-captain of the club.

There are few in the international arena who can match Aldcroft’s work-rate (she completed all 81 tackle attempts in PWR last season) and she will bring a calming presence to a side that will be under enormous pressure to win this year’s World Cup on home soil.

“Zoe is a fantastic leader who deserves this opportunity,” said Packer. “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.”

Verdict: This a good move for England

The Six Nations will be an important dress rehearsal for Aldcroft to get to grips with her new status within the England set-up. Having underlined their supremacy with a second consecutive WXV title last autumn, the Red Roses should breeze through the championship, but it is the latter half of the year where they must do the real business.

England cannot afford to lose a third straight World Cup final, especially at home. Aldcroft is one of many in England’s squad who carries the baggage of the 2022 final defeat by New Zealand. In front of the media, she is professional and straight-talking, but there is a sense she will need to relax into that forward-facing side of the role in time for the World Cup.

Her pedigree, though, as a world-class competitor and intelligent rugby player makes her the perfect candidate to lead England in such a crucial year.