Zoe Aldcroft is a trailblazer in women’s rugby, celebrated for her leadership, resilience, and impact on the game at every level. As captain of England’s Red Roses, she guided the team to World Cup victory in 2025, an achievement that secured her place among the sport’s greats. With three consecutive Premiership titles for Gloucester-Hartpury and global recognition as World Rugby Women’s 15s Player of the Year, she has become an inspiring figure whose story resonates far beyond the rugby pitch. Organisations invite her to speak because she embodies excellence, teamwork, and the power of calm leadership under pressure.
Her rugby journey began in Yorkshire, where she first played with Scarborough RUFC. Determined to pursue her passion, she progressed to West Park Leeds and then Hartpury College, combining education with a growing commitment to rugby as a full-time career. Alongside her studies, Zoe honed the discipline, resilience, and determination that would define her playing style and leadership. She went on to represent Darlington Mowden Park before joining Gloucester-Hartpury, where she emerged as a central figure in the team’s development. Her England debut came in 2016, a landmark moment that marked the start of her international career.
From her first World Cup selection in 2017, Zoe has consistently performed at the highest level. She stood out in the 2020 Six Nations, earning the title of England Women’s Player of the Year. With Gloucester-Hartpury, she helped secure Premiership Women’s Rugby titles in 2023, 2024, and 2025. Her leadership qualities were formally recognised when she was appointed Red Roses captain in 2025, culminating in guiding her side to World Cup victory that same year.
As a speaker, Zoe draws on her journey to illustrate how commitment, teamwork, and belief can drive success against the odds. She speaks with authenticity, offering audiences practical lessons from her experiences of captaining at the highest level while remaining grounded and approachable. Whether addressing leadership, resilience, or motivation, Zoe leaves a lasting impact, showing that true success is measured not only in trophies but in the ability to inspire others to achieve their best.
