Zoe Aldcroft, the England captain, said winning the Rugby World Cup was “what dreams are made of” and that winning 33 matches in a row made the case that the Red Roses team were the greatest in women’s rugby history.
Aldcroft led England to a 33-13 win against Canada at a sold-out Twickenham to cap off a dominant few years. Their last loss came against New Zealand in the 2022 Rugby World Cup final, which ended a previous unbeaten run of 30 games.
The Gloucester-Hartpury co-captain, who was appointed Red Roses skipper in January, said: “Honestly it is unbelievable. It is literally what dreams are made of. We have so much belief in this group, we have built something so special over the last three years and today was about sticking to our processes and believing in ourselves.
“Everyone just had to do their own job and I think that is what everyone did today. I am just so proud of every single one of those girls. It was such an amazing occasion as well, playing in front of 82,000 people. That was next level and I think it was a chance to redefine women’s rugby.
“We have been on this journey of ‘for the girls’, it wasn’t just about the girls in that circle but also the girls we inspire and the girls who have come before us. Also for everyone who supports us and wants to be a part of us as the Red Roses. It was just amazing. A dream come true.”
Aldcroft was also asked if she believed the World Cup trophy sealed their title as the best team in women’s rugby history, to which she replied: “It definitely feels like that. We have had 33 wins in a row, we have finally put the cherry on top of the cake with winning the World Cup. It feels great at the minute.”
John Mitchell took over as head coach in 2023 with all roads leading to this final, after the team failed at the last in the previous two World Cups. The New Zealander said the triumph was among his best achievements in his almost 30-year coaching career. He said: “It’s big. To be part of a winning World Cup side is huge. Sometimes you look back and: ‘Jeez, certain tournaments elude you.’ I must admit I am only normal. Could be sitting here saying: ‘I could have brought closure to a World Cup.’ Being part of bringing closure to a World Cup is very fulfilling.
“It’s nice to see the girls realise their potential and the staff who have worked very, very hard. We are very well resourced, I am grateful for that.”
The crowd set a record attendance for a women’s rugby match with 81,885 at the home of England rugby. Aldcroft said: “The most emotional part was stepping off of the bus and seeing the amount of people in the stands and I was like: ‘Oh my goodness, this is it.’
“Coming out to 82,000 people, it was unbelievable. You could hear them supporting us throughout the whole game. Knowing probably about 80-odd thousand for us was massive so I am so grateful and thankful to play in front of everyone today.”
The final win feels like a turning point for women’s rugby in England. Mitchell said: “This is just the start. What an unbelievable atmosphere. If this is the start, look out what the future is going to look like.”
The Red Roses will celebrate their win with an event at Battersea power station on Sunday, while England’s league season begins on 24 October.
