Here at Keith Prowse, we had the privilege of interviewing England Women’s rugby player and World Player of the Year for 2021, Zoe Aldcroft. Zoe has just been announced as the new England captain, replacing Marlie Packer, for 2025 as the Red Roses build up to the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup this summer.
Zoe has had a fantastic career and with the women’s rugby team. So, when the opportunity to get to know her came up, we jumped at the chance. We asked Zoe everything from her early years in rugby, her England career so far and her future aspirations…
So, Zoe, when did your passion for rugby begin?
My biggest influences were my dad and my brother. One day I went down to Scarborough RFC when I was nine years old and started training with the other juniors. I just thought I’d give it a go – I absolutely loved it and decided to stay.
How long did you stay at Scarborough for?
I stayed there until I was twelve as that was when I had to stop training with the boys. I then went on to play for Malton girls, then West Park Leeds until I was fifteen, representing the Yorkshire U15s.
What happened after you left West Park Leeds?
I went to Hartpury rugby college straight after. It was a full-time rugby programme, designed to help develop talented players but you were still able to complete your studies alongside. After college, I left for university and secured a place at Northumbria, graduating with a degree in Sports and Exercise Science. I also played rugby for DNP (Darlington Mowden Park) alongside.
At what point did you decide rugby was the sport for you? What was your route into England?
I was always sporty growing up; I played netball, cricket and even got into dancing. It was when I went to Hartpury that I knew I wanted to pursue rugby – honestly, I had no time to do anything else! I always aspired to play for England but, I didn’t look too far ahead. I just kept reminding myself to remain level-headed and made sure I did the hard work that was needed. It was in 2015 when I went on my first England camp. Sarah Burnham and I were the only newbies with all the England regulars. That’s when I realised when I could play for England. I signed my first contract for the RFU in 2019…it’s just been a road upwards from there.
Talk us through life after your first cap…
A year after my first cap, I made my first appearance against France. I was in the library at university when I got a call from Matt Ferguson (England’s forwards coach), where he asked if I was free to play on a certain collection of dates. I initially replied with ‘I actually have a holiday booked then’ to which he swiftly responded with ‘I was just wondering if you wanted to join the squad out in the US’. That’s when the holiday took the backseat - I replied with a big yes!
We then travelled to Salt Lake City. I wasn’t guaranteed game time, but I wanted to go for the experience. I was named on the bench for the game against France and ended up coming on for the last 5 minutes – the feeling was so surreal. To then score the winning try…I can’t quite put it into words.
Let’s talk a little more about your time with England. Tell us, how does it feel to be a part of the World’s No.1 team…what pressure does that bring and how do you deal with that?
It feels amazing to be the number one team – it’s a credit to the girls and the hard work that they put in, to be in the best shape and condition to play to the exceptional level needed. The pressure of people trying to bite our ankles, knock us down and wanting to beat us certainly fuels our hunger to strive in constantly improving.
What’s it like wearing the England shirt and has that feeling changed throughout your career?
The buzz and excitement, but also the nerves that come with it, is truly amazing! It’s a feeling that never changes and I don’t think I’ll ever get tired from it.
Now you’re in the leadership group, is there anything you would like to change with the team?
No not at all! The mindset of the girls is fantastic. As a leader, my aim is to adopt a leadership style where I lead by example and through my own actions. So, when I captain the team, that’s the only thing I want to do.
Any career highlights? What are your career goals?
A consistent highlight for me is playing in the stadiums, in front of the fans. The support I always incredible and we can’t thank everyone enough. The adrenaline it gives you, hearing the fans screaming your name and cheering you on…it’s just amazing. It’s one thing we all really missed when playing during the pandemic/restrictions. One of the main reasons we play is to help show young girls that it is possible to play (and it is seriously cool, not that we’re biased!) A particular standout moment in my career is definitely when we beat the Black Ferns. I won’t ever forget that.
What will a World Cup win do for the women’s side of rugby?
Honestly, the women’s game will erupt – I can see huge benefits coming from a World Cup victory. The increased crowds, the increase in participation levels and showing just how brilliant this game is. Girls…it’s cool…we promise!!
Do you have any good luck charms?
I take a little knitted doll of Jonny Wilkinson to every game – it’s a known thing of mine and it’ll never change. Whilst the kits, changing rooms and squad changes, he remains the comfort and confidence I need.
Finally, what was it like to become the 2021 World Player of the Year?
I mean, the nomination for this award came as a huge surprise and was announced in a shared presentation before the Canada game. Thrilled to be nominated. So, to actually win…I can’t put it into words. Everything I do is for the team, but these individual awards show my performances are working. I’m not sure where this will exactly take me, but I can safely say the road ahead is an exciting one with so many opportunities. I do know that I want to be a podiatrist when I retire from the rugby – everyone has nasty feet and I just want to make them pretty. But for now, anything is possible!
Congratulations to Zoe for becoming the new England captain for 2025, leading the Red Roses forward as they build up to the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup this summer. Bring it on and good luck!
