Jones to captain Red Roses in Stratford absence
Centre Meg Jones will take over the England captaincy after Zoe Stratford, who led the Red Roses to Rugby World Cup glory in September, announced she is expecting her first child in September. Jones, 29, was one of England's star performers in their run to the world title, earning nomination to the shortlist for World Player of the Year. She has won 33 Test caps and was one of Stratford's vice-captains, along with back row Marlie Packer, for England in 2025.
England's statement on Jones' promotion specified she would take over the role "for 2026". "Firstly, I'm really excited for Zoe and wish her and Strats [husband Luke Stratford] every happiness on their news," Jones said. "It's a huge honour to have been named captain of the Red Roses.
Mitch [head coach John Mitchell] and I have built a strong relationship over the past three years and it's a great feeling to have his trust to lead the group along with a tight leadership team. "I'm buzzing to get back in camp with the girls for the Six Nations. I'll just be the same old Meg and know I'll have great support from Zoe, the leaders and the whole squad.
" Jones nominated for World Rugby player of the year Jones will have the experienced duo of hooker Amy Cokayne and number eight Alex Matthews as her vice captains. England begin their defence of their Women's Six Nations title against Ireland on 11 April. Jones was born and raised in Cardiff, but moved across the border to England as a teenager and qualifies for the Red Roses through her English mother.
She made her England debut as an 18-year-old fly-half in a 26-7 defeat by New Zealand in July 2015. She has also starred in Sevens, travelling to the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro with Great Britain and then playing at Paris 2024. When her Sevens contract was scrapped in 2020 as part of Covid cost-cutting measures, Jones worked as a delivery driver to make ends meet.