A former England rugby captain has said she started coaching so she can "give back" to the sport she has achieved so much in. Marlie Packer, 35, from Yeovil, Somerset, has taken over the girls and women's teams at Ashley Down RFC, based at Bristol's Lockleaze Sports Centre.

England have named forward Zoe Aldcroft as captain ahead of the Women's Six Nations Championship in March, with the World Cup to follow in August, the Rugby Football Union said on Thursday.

Zoe Aldcroft will replace Marlie Packer as the England captain for this year’s Women’s Six Nations and Rugby World Cup.

Zoe Aldcroft has been appointed Red Roses captain as England make a major change as they enter the year of a home Rugby World Cup. Gloucester-Hartpury lock Aldcroft replaces flanker Marlie Packer, who had served in the role for two years and will remain as one of two vice captains to the new skipper alongside centre Meg Jones.