Red Roses captain stood down from Rugby Word Cup with immediate effect
Rugby NewsThursday, 28 August 2025 at 22:24
Massive setback for the Red Roses! England captain Zoe Aldcroft has been ruled out of the rest of the pool stage at the Women’s Rugby World Cup with a knee injury.
The 28-year-old, who started the dominant opening win over the USA, is one of 13 changes made by head coach John Mitchell for Saturday’s clash with Samoa.
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It’s the first time since January, when Aldcroft was appointed skipper, that she won’t feature in the matchday 23. The lock picked up the injury in the USA game.
? Former captain Marlie Packer takes over as skipper. Mitchell is also resting a number of his frontline stars in Northampton.
Packer, the 111-cap flanker, hasn’t played since her red card in the World Cup warm-up win over Spain — another game where she led the side in Aldcroft’s absence.
The Red Roses are flying, riding a 28-game winning streak after putting 69 points on the US in their tournament opener.
Packer said:
"To captain your country at a World Cup is a complete honour.
Three years ago [at the World Cup in New Zealand] it was the first time I captained my country when we played South Africa, to do it again at a World Cup is very special.
We don't want to rush Zoe [Aldcroft] and she knows the whole squad back her and want her back with us."
"To captain your country at a World Cup is a complete honour.
Three years ago [at the World Cup in New Zealand] it was the first time I captained my country when we played South Africa, to do it again at a World Cup is very special.
We don't want to rush Zoe [Aldcroft] and she knows the whole squad back her and want her back with us."
EDITORS PICKS:
Red Roses pride: Nine World Cup stars who are out and proud
England’s Red Roses aren’t just rugby powerhouses — they’re also trailblazers for LGBTQ+ represenation in sport.
As they charge into this year’s Rugby World Cup on home turf, nine stars are proudly out and representing both their country and community.
Here’s the incredible lineup flying the flag for Pride while chasing World Cup glory:
Marlie “Captain Fantastic” Packer — England
Captain. Flanker. Champion. And a Red Rose through and through. Marlie Packer heads into her third World Cup with England, fresh off a one-match ban that had fans worried she might miss out. No chance. A 2014 World Cup winner already, she’s determined to lead the Roses to another title — and she’ll be doing it alongside her fiancée, teammate Rosie Galligan.
Rosie “Resilient Rose” Galligan — England
Rosie Galligan’s journey is pure resilience. From making her professional debut with Saracens in 2016 to lifting back-to-back WXV 1 titles, Galligan is no stranger to success. This is her second World Cup, but there’s an extra twist this time: she’s engaged to teammate Marlie Packer. Power couple energy incoming.
Mackenzie “Maple Leaf Turned Rose” Carson — England
Born in Canada. Built for rugby. And now a Red Rose. Mackenzie Carson has already played three World Cups for Canada — but in 2025, she’s switched allegiances to England. Better still, she’ll be suiting up alongside her partner Sarah Bern, making them one of rugby’s fiercest power duos.
Sarah “Scrum Queen” Bern — England
England powerhouse Sarah Bern is used to breaking through defences — now she’s breaking barriers too.
With Carson, her partner both on and off the field, Bern is set for another World Cup campaign. Expect big hits, big carries, and big love stories in red and white.
Megan “Sevens Speedster” Jones — England
England’s youngest-ever sevens debutant at just 17, Megan Jones has built a career on speed, skill, and fearless play. After recovering from injury in 2024, she’s back and ready for the World Cup stage. Off the pitch, she’s happily with Great Britain teammate Celia Quansah — another rugby star in her own right.
Holly “Golden Boot” Aitchison — England
A natural playmaker with a golden boot, Holly Aitchison has done it all: Six Nations, World Cup, the Tokyo Olympics. Now she’s back in Red Roses colours for the 2025 World Cup, and she’ll be lining up with her partner — and fellow England star — Hannah Botterman.
Hannah “Front-Row Force” Botterman — England
The front-row force who eats scrums for breakfast. Hannah Botterman already has Grand Slam medals and World Cup experience to her name, but this year brings an extra special twist: she’s heading into the tournament alongside her partner, teammate Holly Aitchison. Roses united, on and off the pitch.
Amy “Cross-Continental” Cokayne — England
From New Zealand to England and back again — Amy Cokayne’s rugby story spans continents. After stints with Harlequins, Leicester Tigers, and now Sale Sharks, she’s earned her spot in another World Cup campaign. With experience at both the 2017 and delayed 2021 editions, Cokayne is set to be a vital presence for England in 2025.
Claudia “Chief in Command” Moloney-MacDonald — England
Dynamic, versatile, unstoppable. Claudia Moloney-MacDonald can shine at scrum-half or wing, and she’s been doing just that for Exeter Chiefs Women. A Six Nations Grand Slam winner in 2019 and a World Cup veteran from 2021, she’s back again to bring pace and passion to the Roses.
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