Zoe Aldcroft, captain of England’s victorious Women’s Rugby World Cup team, opened up about the emotional journey of leading her side to glory and the pressures of being the favorite. Reflecting on the moment she realized England had won the final, Aldcroft recalls trying to hold back tears as the game neared its conclusion. With 12 minutes to play, England held a commanding 20-point lead against Canada, and the dream of a World Cup victory was becoming a reality. The final score of 33-13 secured their triumph, and Aldcroft couldn’t help but be overwhelmed with emotion as she saw her family cheering from the stands.
The weeks that followed were a “massive whirlwind,” but Aldcroft’s focus quickly shifted back to the domestic season. After a brief holiday in Ibiza with her teammates, she returned to Gloucester-Hartpury to prepare for the upcoming Premiership Women’s Rugby season. With three consecutive titles under their belt, Gloucester-Hartpury are set to kick off their campaign against Saracens.
As a leader of the Red Roses, Aldcroft felt the weight of expectations but remained calm under pressure throughout the World Cup. One of the team’s greatest strengths, according to Aldcroft, was their composure in key moments. Despite Canada’s early try in the final, Aldcroft remained confident in her team’s ability, drawing strength from the belief that they could see the job through. Reflecting on her leadership, she emphasizes the importance of instinct and feeling the mood of the team. She recognized that every player is different and needed to be approached in unique ways to get the best out of them.
Despite the euphoria of winning the World Cup, Aldcroft acknowledges the challenge of returning to club duties swiftly after such a monumental achievement. Yet, she is committed to taking the World Cup experience into the new season, hoping to continue her growth as a leader while having fun on the pitch.
Looking ahead, Aldcroft’s motivation now extends beyond personal success. She aims to guide the next generation of players, particularly the newcomers at Gloucester-Hartpury, and pass on her knowledge to help them carve their own paths in rugby. With her World Cup victory behind her, Aldcroft is now focused on continuing to expand the reach of women’s rugby while staying grounded and content with where her career is heading.
