Rivals may be envious of Toulouse’s budget but the French and European champions’ success is not just about money.
The Northampton Saints tyro and Saracens barnstormer Tom Willis are strong Six Nations contenders, according to Lawrence Dallaglio.
England Rugby have announced a leadership change that means Marlie Packer will no longer be captain of the Red Roses.
Less than eight months out from their home Rugby World Cup, head coach John Mitchell has selected experienced leader Zoe Aldcroft as captain for 2025.
The 2021 World Rugby Women’s 15s Player of the Year has 58 caps for her country which have included a handful of successful run-outs as captain, the first being in November 2021 in England’s 89-0 victory over the USA.
England’s new captain said: “It’s an incredible honour to be awarded the Red Roses captaincy. 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.”
Aldcroft is the current co-captain of back-to-back Premiership Women’s Rugby champions Gloucester-Hartpury alongside Red Roses teammate Natasha ‘Mo’ Hunt.
Packer, who has captained England since Sarah Hunter’s retirement in March 2023, has been named as a vice-captain alongside Leicester Tigers’ Megan Jones.
Introducing your Red Roses captain, and vice captains, for 2025 🌹
— Red Roses (@RedRosesRugby) January 9, 2025
Head coach Mitchell said: “Zoe is a phenomenal rugby player who consistently performs to a high standard in the PWR 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.”
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.”
Packer, who in her time as England captain was named World Rugby Women’s 15s Player of the Year (2023) and led the team to four titles (two Six Nations, two WXV), said: “I have loved every minute of being captain of the Red Roses and have created memories in the role that will last a lifetime. I remain determined to be the best Red Rose I can be and will continue to give everything to the team.
“Zoe is a fantastic leader who deserves this opportunity. The way she conducts herself on and off the field is outstanding; she has all the attributes to succeed as Red Roses captain. She has my full support, and I will do everything I can to enable her.”
England kick off their Guinness Women’s Six Nations campaign on 23 March against Italy at York’s LNER Community Stadium.
Further home fixtures follow against Scotland in Leicester at Mattioli Woods Welford Road on 19 April and versus France at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham as the final match of the competition on 26 April.
They’ll additionally play away to Wales at the Principality Stadium on 29 March, and Ireland at Virgin Media Park on 12 April.
The Red Roses will open RWC 2025 against the USA on 22 August at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light before two more pool fixtures at Franklin’s Gardens, Northampton (versus Samoa, 30 August), and Brighton & Hove Albion Stadium (versus Australia, 6 September).
The RWC 2025 final will take place at Twickenham Stadium on 27 September, following the semi-finals at Bristol’s Ashton Gate on 19 and 20 September.
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The Northampton Saints tyro and Saracens barnstormer Tom Willis are strong Six Nations contenders, according to Lawrence Dallaglio.
The Saracens number eight has been in irrepressible domestic form, but does he suit Steve Borthwick’s game plan?
Rivals may be envious of Toulouse’s budget but the French and European champions’ success is not just about money.
They have tried him as the starting option many times, he has not got anywhere near as much runways as Reiko though to prove himself. He had a very strong 2019 WC but just wasn't able to kick on from there. He is like many super talented young players who actually find their ceiling when they are quite young. The assumption is when someone bursts onto the scene as a 19 year old that they will get better every year, but lots of players don't.
They have tried him as the starting option many times, he has not got anywhere near as much runways as Reiko though to prove himself. He had a very strong 2019 WC but just wasn't able to kick on from there. He is like many super talented young players who actually find their ceiling when they are quite young. The assumption is when someone bursts onto the scene as a 19 year old that they will get better every year, but lots of players don't.
Agreed but neither one of them can string 2 games together without getting injured. Then you have guys like Proctor, Godfrey, Love who step up while they are in rehab.
Agreed but neither one of them can string 2 games together without getting injured. Then you have guys like Proctor, Godfrey, Love who step up while they are in rehab.
Agreed
No way, it is Reiko who can't gel with anyone. I think JB and Reiko are being asked to play incredibly limited roles. Our best game last year against Ireland JB was used far more as playmaker.
No way, it is Reiko who can't gel with anyone. I think JB and Reiko are being asked to play incredibly limited roles. Our best game last year against Ireland JB was used far more as playmaker.
Don't forget Conrad's insane line breaking ability as a young man. That's what got attention on him and of course his famous nickname. Probably the most deceptive appearances in NZ Rugby. When he first played for Wellington I recognised him from university and couldn't believe my eyes, I thought he would get demolished but he ran rings around everyone that season.
Reiko has not really demonstrated that as you pointed out, his instinct is a burst of speed on the outside and a fend, but defenders all over that and despite his speed, power and strength even SR teams have a relatively easy job containing him.
Don't forget Conrad's insane line breaking ability as a young man. That's what got attention on him and of course his famous nickname. Probably the most deceptive appearances in NZ Rugby. When he first played for Wellington I recognised him from university and couldn't believe my eyes, I thought he would get demolished but he ran rings around everyone that season.
Reiko has not really demonstrated that as you pointed out, his instinct is a burst of speed on the outside and a fend, but defenders all over that and despite his speed, power and strength even SR teams have a relatively easy job containing him.
I would have Pollock involved in the Argentina tour, not this years Six Nations. Willis should be involved though. I completely agree England have missed Chessum – he does that 6 role very well and I think George Martin plays better with Chessum in the team, Martin didnt kick on in the summer or autumn for me.
6. Chessum 7. Underhill 8. Willis
With CCS and Earl on the bench.
I would have Pollock involved in the Argentina tour, not this years Six Nations. Willis should be involved though. I completely agree England have missed Chessum – he does that 6 role very well and I think George Martin plays better with Chessum in the team, Martin didnt kick on in the summer or autumn for me.
6. Chessum 7. Underhill 8. Willis
With CCS and Earl on the bench.
greatest coach of all time
Oh boy, what nonsense these terrorist supporters spout! "land occupied by Israel", "democracy for everyone", "no one is trying to take land away from Israel". Are you sane? Each statement is ridiculouse!
Suffice to say, the entire region would slaughter Israelis if they could, you know, "from the river to the sea"! That's real genocide!
Fact is Israel is here to stay and is the ONLY democracy in the region and have to be the toughest in the region supported by the biggest military in the world, the USA!
I'm a Christian but support Israels right to exist, frankly I don't believe there are many innocents when it comes to the primitives surrounding Israel and support any and all action taken to ensure Israel survives.
Oh boy, what nonsense these terrorist supporters spout! "land occupied by Israel", "democracy for everyone", "no one is trying to take land away from Israel". Are you sane? Each statement is ridiculouse!
Suffice to say, the entire region would slaughter Israelis if they could, you know, "from the river to the sea"! That's real genocide!
Fact is Israel is here to stay and is the ONLY democracy in the region and have to be the toughest in the region supported by the biggest military in the world, the USA!
I'm a Christian but support Israels right to exist, frankly I don't believe there are many innocents when it comes to the primitives surrounding Israel and support any and all action taken to ensure Israel survives.
Ireland NZ a qtr not a semi
We'll see what he does …..
Your welcome kid.
What a joke. Poisoning, imprisonment and murder is not freedom.
What a joke. Poisoning, imprisonment and murder is not freedom.
I don't know what state run rubbish you've been listening to in Russia, but NATO isn't made up of untrained criminals because The Urkrainian army shot all your professional soldiers years ago.
I don't know what state run rubbish you've been listening to in Russia, but NATO isn't made up of untrained criminals because The Urkrainian army shot all your professional soldiers years ago.
So living under that despot Putin's bloody regime would be an improvement? We've seen how democracy has been crushed in Russia. How opposition politicians are poisoned, jailed and murdered. Don't talk to us about freedom when we know all about Russia's tyranny.
So living under that despot Putin's bloody regime would be an improvement? We've seen how democracy has been crushed in Russia. How opposition politicians are poisoned, jailed and murdered. Don't talk to us about freedom when we know all about Russia's tyranny.
And number 6: France-South Africa beginning of November (even above the Ireland-France which is annual)
And number 6: France-South Africa beginning of November (even above the Ireland-France which is annual)
They spoke Russia did they? Its Russian Comrade. Your point of view is twisted. Russia instigated a terrorist separatist movement that resulted in the war you speak of.
They spoke Russia did they? Its Russian Comrade. Your point of view is twisted. Russia instigated a terrorist separatist movement that resulted in the war you speak of.
short answer, yes
He's on a two-year deal and has sadi he will prob not extend. How does doing what you said you would do = sabotage??
He's on a two-year deal and has sadi he will prob not extend. How does doing what you said you would do = sabotage??
Venue, yes wrong choice of word, although I'm not sure that's true that World Rugby schedules the Rugby Championship. Anyway, the point is the All Blacks, i.e. Scott Barrett and co. do not pick the "venue" and haven't been avoiding SA at Eden Park because they are scared because they have no say anyway.
Venue, yes wrong choice of word, although I'm not sure that's true that World Rugby schedules the Rugby Championship. Anyway, the point is the All Blacks, i.e. Scott Barrett and co. do not pick the "venue" and haven't been avoiding SA at Eden Park because they are scared because they have no say anyway.
Aye DW👍
Aye DW👍
United States of America | US | UK
