The former Malton & Norton junior takes over from Marlie Packer, who will instead now serve as vice-captain alongside Leicester centre Megan Jones.
Scarborough-born Aldcroft, who plays for Gloucester-Hartpury alongside fellow ex-Malton & Norton academy stars Rachel Lund and Tatyana Heard, will lead the Red Roses as they begin their preparations for this year’s Guinness Women’s Six Nations and hotly anticipated Rugby World Cup, which begins in August.
Several of the latter’s pool matches will be held at York’s LNER Community Stadium, including the United States’ clashes with Australia and Samoa, Canada vs Fiji, Italy vs South Africa and Spain’s fixtures against Japan and reigning champions New Zealand.
Speaking on Aldcroft’s appointment, head coach John Mitchell explained: “Zoe is a phenomenal rugby player who consistently performs to a high standard in the PWR (Premiership Women’s Rugby) 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.”
Leading the Red Roses into a massive year…
Your captain for 2025, @zoealdcroft_ 🌹
— Red Roses (@RedRosesRugby) January 10, 2025
Mitchell also cited the competition for Packer’s spot in the back row as part of the decision to hand the North Yorkshire talent the captaincy.
He added: “Marlie is an incredible person and an inspiring leader, whose contributions as captain to our culture and leadership have been invaluable. She will continue to play a significant role in helping us raise our performance levels in 2025.
“As with many positions, there is intense competition for places in the back row and Marlie’s ability to deliver big performances on the pitch needs to be her focus. I’ve outlined as a challenge for her, one that I know she’ll take on with everything she has.
“Making decisions like this is never easy, but I believe it will push us to perform at our best and ultimately benefit the Red Roses. Marlie has been entrusted with a continued leadership role and she will undoubtedly be pivotal in supporting Zoe, and working alongside Meg, to lead the team in 2025, ensuring we reach our full potential.”
28-year-old Alcroft, who won the first of 58 caps for her country back in 2016, has captained England on numerous occasions, including an emphatic 89-0 victory against the United States on her 25th birthday in November 2021.
More recently, she led England to comprehensive wins against both Wales and Scotland in last year’s Six Nations campaign.
“It’s an incredible honour to be awarded the Red Roses captaincy,” Aldcroft admitted.
“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.”
