The Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 promises to be a watershed moment for women’s rugby, and Zoe Aldcroft, the inspirational captain of England’s Red Roses, is at the forefront of this movement. Her journey from a young girl playing rugby with boys in Scarborough to leading England into the global spotlight encapsulates her grit, determination, and love for the game.
From Scarborough to the World Stage
Zoe Aldcroft’s love affair with rugby began when she joined her brother at Scarborough Rugby Club. Despite being the only girl on the field, her toughness made an impression early on. “I must have been 12 at the time. There was this huge guy they called ‘Cannonball’,” she recalls. “When he broke the line, I knew I had to stop him. I dropped my shoulder and nailed him.” Her ability to hold her own against boys gained her the respect of her teammates and fueled her passion to pursue the sport.
Seeing young girls now thriving in rugby at Scarborough Rugby Club — where there are over 50 girls’ players across various age groups — fills her with pride. “It’s changed so much,” Zoe says optimistically, a reflection of the growing opportunities available for women in rugby and beyond.
Overcoming Impostor Syndrome
Despite her accolades, including being named World Rugby Women’s Player of the Year in 2021 and earning over 65 caps for England, Aldcroft admits to grappling with impostor syndrome. “It makes me feel like I have to push myself again,” she shares. This drive for perfection fuels her performances, both on the field as a leader and off the field as a student of the game. Aldcroft often revisits match footage alone after games, determined to identify areas of improvement before she can completely relax.
A New Culture of Excellence
Since former All Black coach John Mitchell joined the Red Roses setup, the team has cultivated a stronger bond and culture of unity. Aldcroft highlights, “We’ve done a lot of work in telling the stories of our lives and building a deeper connection. The tighter we are as a team, the harder we fight for each other on the pitch.”
This renewed focus on teamwork will be tested as England takes on fierce competitors like New Zealand, France, and Canada. The challenges ahead are immense, but Aldcroft remains optimistic. “If we do win the World Cup, it will change our lives — and inspire future generations of young girls to dream big.”
Getting Match Ready: The Importance of Recovery
As a professional athlete, recovery is key for Aldcroft and her teammates. One essential addition to any athlete’s recovery regimen is Arnicare Recovery Gel, known for easing muscle soreness. This effective, fast-absorbing product can help athletes maximize their performance in their next match.
Beyond Rugby: A Future in Podiatry
While her focus remains on rugby for now, Aldcroft has already started planning for life after her playing career. Aspiring to become a podiatrist, she recently completed a foot-health course, a testament to her dedication and long-term vision. “It’s about making bad feet good — I love that,” she says with a laugh, showcasing her practicality and quirky sense of humor.
The Red Roses’ Path Forward
As England prepares to kick off their World Cup campaign, Aldcroft highlights the support from a growing fanbase and her belief in the team’s potential. “This World Cup has the potential to change women’s rugby forever,” she affirms. As role models for the next generation, the Red Roses hope to replicate the impact of England’s Lionesses, who united a nation during their Euros victory.
With Aldcroft’s leadership, this summer’s tournament is set to inspire countless young girls, proving that dreams can be achieved with courage, hard work, and resilience.
