Yahoo Sports England need 'extraordinary' leader Aldcroft - Mitchell
England head coach John Mitchell believes new captain Zoe Aldcroft is "the kind of leader" the team needs heading towards this year's Women's Rugby World Cup.
Mitchell announced last week that Gloucester-Hartpury lock Aldcroft, 28, would replace Marlie Packer as Red Roses captain in 2025.
"They [Aldcroft and newly appointed men's captain Maro Itoje] are extraordinary at what they do and that's why they can lead people," said Mitchell.
"I love a person who is consistent with their actions. Zoe's an athlete and a person who takes great pride in being consistent in her actions and she's the kind of leader we need in front of us."
Packer was skipper for England's past two Six Nations Grand Slam successes but the competition for places in the back row played a part in the decision to change the captaincy.
"It's an absolute honour and privilege to be able to drive this amazing team to where we want to go," said Aldcroft, who will have Packer and Megan Jones as vice-captains.
"A massive part of being a captain is leading by example. When I speak, I really mean what I'm saying and I like to think about what I'm saying.
"But it's also about bringing everyone else around me up and making sure everyone can be themselves and thrive in whatever they're doing."
The Red Roses will look to win a fourth successive Women's Six Nations Grand Slam in March and April, before hosting the Women's Rugby World Cup in August and September.
