England kicked off their campaign as strong favourites to defend the WXV1 title they claimed last year.
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This year’s competition, hosted in Canada, surprised fans online due to the unexpectedly small crowd for what would have been a sell-out match in England.
The Red Roses, currently on a 17-match winning streak, remain the undisputed world number one women’s team.
One fan tweeted: “#WXV come on Canada. There’s no one there!”
Another asked: “Where’s the crowd? If these two teams were playing anywhere else, the stadium would be packed.”
A third commented: “Great to watch Red Roses vs USA on iPlayer. Pity about the low turnout, but at least you can hear the calls more clearly!”
Meet the partners cheering on England’s Red Roses during WXV3
WXV1 was created to ensure more top-level clashes in women’s rugby, but as its second season begins on Sunday, the question remains: can anyone challenge England?
Ranked number one in the world, the Red Roses are firm favourites to retain the title they claimed last year in New Zealand. England are on an impressive 17-match winning streak, which includes recent victories over France and reigning world champions, New Zealand.
While matches against the Black Ferns and hosts Canada loom large, England will first face the United States on Sunday. The Americans, ranked eighth in the world, will be looking to cause an upset.
We take a look at the loved ones who could help the Red Roses to victory.
#1. Zoe Aldcroft’s husband
Luke is another rugby enthusiast who has been playing at Hartpury College in Gloucester for over five years. Zoe, 25, is often there to cheer him on whenever his team takes to the pitch.
Luke also coaches the Hartpury 2nd team in the university league and works full-time at a school. In his free time, he coaches the local side, Longlevens RFC.
The pair share a love for the outdoors, regularly going rowing and hiking together. When not adventuring, they can often be found attending family functions and friends’ weddings.
Though it’s not known when the two plan to marry, Luke is a devoted and supportive boyfriend, always on hand to encourage Zoe.
Speaking to Talking Rugby Union in January, he said: “She [Zoe] got nominated for Player of the Year over email, and a week later she got it.”
He added: “I don’t know what she was thinking, but I was a bit all over the place.”
“She does like to push me, and she’ll be brutally honest with me at feedback. If she sees me play, she’ll tell me something is s*** or mention a missed tackle.”
“It is what I need, and it is the way she is. Her style.”