THE entire nation will be cheering on the England women’s rugby team this WXV3.
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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.”