Megan Jones is the current captain of the England Red Roses. The 29-year-old centre was officially appointed in March 2026, taking over from World Cup-winning skipper Zoe Stratford — the player you probably still know as Zoe Aldcroft. More on that name confusion in a moment.
If you landed here a little baffled by what’s happened to England women’s rugby leadership, you’re not alone. A name change, a pregnancy, and a new era — all at once. Let’s untangle it.
The New Era: Megan Jones Appointed as Red Roses Captain for 2026
There’s a quiet confidence about Megan Jones that was always going to make her a captain — it was just a matter of when.
The answer turned out to be March 2026. Head coach John Mitchell confirmed the appointment ahead of the Women’s Six Nations, elevating Jones from her vice-captaincy role into the full armband. At 29, she steps into the job with more than a decade of England experience behind her, having made her international debut aged just 18 back in 2015.
The numbers from 2025 alone make the case for her selection almost unanswerable: she started in 12 of England’s 13 matches, helped secure a Six Nations Grand Slam, and finished the year with a Rugby World Cup winners’ medal. She was also shortlisted for World Player of the Year. Not bad for someone Mitchell described as bringing “infectious energy.”
Beyond the pitch, Jones is also a Restart Trustee — the official charity of the Gallagher Premiership and Premiership Women’s Rugby — which tells you something about the kind of leader she is. The kind who shows up when the cameras aren’t on.
Mitchell was unequivocal in his praise: “Meg reflects our values; her personality, capabilities and leadership are hugely valuable to the Red Roses squad. She brings an infectious energy that lifts those around her.”
And Jones herself? Characteristically grounded. “I’ll just be the same old Meg,” she said, “and know I’ll have great support from Zoe, the leaders and the whole squad.”
She’ll be supported by vice-captains Amy Cokayne and Alex Matthews, both of whom have earned over 80 caps for England. This isn’t a team in transition — it’s a team doubling down on what works.
Why is Zoe Aldcroft (Stratford) Not Playing? Injury vs. Reality
Let’s address the elephant in the room — or rather, the search bar.
Thousands of people are Googling “why is Zoe Aldcroft not playing” right now, and the confusion is completely understandable. The player you’ve been following for years under the name Aldcroft is no longer playing under that name at all.
She changed her name. In June 2024, Zoe Aldcroft married Luke Stratford — a former hooker and current women’s rugby coach — at Hackness Grange in Scarborough. It was, by all accounts, a very Zoe wedding: the groom reportedly wore shorts because he “hates wearing trousers.” From that point on, she’s been Zoe Stratford, OBE.
So the next time you search for her and nothing comes up — that’s why. The algorithm hasn’t quite caught up with the wedding photos yet.
Is Zoe Stratford Pregnant? The Reason Behind Her Absence
She is not injured. And this cannot be said clearly enough, because the rumours have been swirling.
Zoe Stratford is expecting her first child, which is why she is absent from the 2026 Women’s Six Nations. It is a joyful, entirely voluntary step away from the game — the kind of “absence” that deserves congratulations, not concern.
The confusion around an “injury” is, frankly, a failure of the information ecosystem. When a decorated captain suddenly disappears from squad lists without much fanfare, speculation fills the void. The reality is far simpler and far happier.
This is the same player who led England to World Cup glory on home soil in 2025 — one of the most iconic moments in the history of women’s rugby in this country. She steps away, for now, on the highest of highs. That’s not a crisis. That’s a brilliant chapter ending so another can begin.
Evolution of the England Women’s Rugby Captaincy (Recent Years)
The Red Roses’ recent captaincy story reads like a relay race — each baton passed at exactly the right moment.
| Captain | Period | Key Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| Sarah Hunter | Until 2023 | England’s most-capped player; retired as a legend |
| Marlie Packer | 2023–2024 | Won 20 consecutive matches as captain; two Six Nations Grand Slams; WXV1 titles |
| Zoe Stratford (née Aldcroft) | 2025 | Led England to Women’s Rugby World Cup glory on home soil |
| Megan Jones | 2026–present | Current captain; 2026 Six Nations campaign |
A few things stand out from this timeline. First, the consistency: Mitchell has never had to scramble. Every transition has been planned, every successor already embedded in the leadership group before the armband changed hands. Packer was vice-captain before she captained. Aldcroft (Stratford) was vice-captain under Packer. Jones was vice-captain under Stratford.
There’s a system here — and it works.
Second, the calibre. Sarah Hunter is arguably the greatest England women’s player of all time. Packer won World Player of the Year in 2023. Stratford won it in 2021 and lifted the World Cup. Jones was on the shortlist for World Player of the Year in 2025. England aren’t stumbling into their captaincy choices. They’re making them with a ruthless, far-sighted logic.
The Red Roses have won four consecutive Six Nations Grand Slams. They are, right now, the best women’s rugby team on the planet. And that doesn’t happen by accident.
FAQs About the Red Roses Captain and Leadership
Who is the current captain of the Red Roses rugby team?
Megan Jones is the current captain of the England Red Roses, appointed in March 2026. The 29-year-old centre took over from Zoe Stratford ahead of the 2026 Women’s Six Nations. Jones — known as “Magic Meg” — stepped up from the vice-captaincy role she had held under Stratford and previously under Marlie Packer. She is supported by vice-captains Amy Cokayne and Alex Matthews, both of whom hold over 80 England caps. Head coach John Mitchell personally selected Jones for her leadership qualities, her influence on squad culture, and her consistently high-level performances throughout the 2025 season.
Why did Zoe Aldcroft change her name to Zoe Stratford?
Zoe Aldcroft changed her name following her marriage to Luke Stratford in June 2024. The couple married at Hackness Grange in Scarborough — Zoe’s hometown — and she took her husband’s surname, becoming Zoe Stratford. Luke Stratford is a former rugby player and current women’s rugby coach (most recently at Sale Sharks Women). The name change happened before the 2025 season began, which is why many fans remained confused during the Women’s Rugby World Cup when the official team lists began reflecting her new name. She is the same player — World Player of the Year 2021, World Cup winner 2025 — just with a different surname.
“This family milestone is closely linked to her upbringing, which you can read about in our deep dive into zoe aldcroft parents.”
Is Zoe Stratford injured?
No — Zoe Stratford is not injured. The former Red Roses captain is absent from the 2026 season because she is expecting her first child. She is not carrying a physical ailment, has not undergone surgery, and has not retired. Her absence is a planned, personal decision. When the news broke, her successor Megan Jones was among the first to offer congratulations, saying she was “really excited for Zoe.” Once her family circumstances allow, there is no reason why Stratford — still only 29 — could not return to international rugby. The door remains firmly open.
For official and updated information on the England Red Roses squad and captaincy appointments, visit England Rugby and the Rugby Players’ Association (RPA).
