In a move that marks the end of an era for English rugby, Red Roses captain Zoe Aldcroft has announced her retirement from international duty following England's triumphant World Cup campaign. The 28-year-old lock forward revealed her emotional decision after leading her team to glory on the global stage.
A Captain's Perfect Farewell
Aldcroft described her retirement timing as "perfect," having achieved the ultimate prize in rugby union. "Going out on a high is exactly what I wanted," the Gloucester-Hartpury star explained. "Winning the World Cup and then stepping away feels like the right way to close this chapter of my life."
From Pitch to Sidelines: Coaching Beckons
The influential second-row won't be leaving the sport entirely. Aldcroft confirmed she'll be transitioning into coaching while continuing to play domestically in the Allianz Premier 15s. Her immediate focus will be returning to club duties with Gloucester-Hartpury before embarking on her coaching journey.
"I'm excited to give back to the game that's given me so much," Aldcroft stated, her voice filled with anticipation for this new challenge.
A Career Forged in Resilience
Aldcroft's journey to the pinnacle of women's rugby has been remarkable. Having made her England debut in 2016, she quickly established herself as a cornerstone of the Red Roses' pack. Her leadership qualities saw her appointed co-captain in 2023 before taking sole responsibility of the captaincy.
"The honour of pulling on the England shirt never diminished," she reflected. "Every cap, every match, every moment representing my country has been precious."
Leaving a Lasting Legacy
As she prepares to hand over the captaincy, Aldcroft leaves behind a transformed women's rugby landscape in England. The Red Roses' World Cup victory under her leadership has inspired a new generation of players and cemented the team's status as global powerhouses.
Her final message to teammates and fans alike was simple yet powerful: "Keep believing, keep pushing boundaries, and never settle for anything less than extraordinary."
