Zoe is hoping to inspire the next generation
INTERNATIONAL rugby player Zoe Aldcroft, the newly-crowned England women’s player of the year, says it is “heart-warming” that her success is inspiring a new generation of students on the women’s rugby programme at Hartpury.
A few years ago, the England international and Gloucester-hartpury Women’s RFC player was on the same pathway herself as she combined being part of the women’s rugby academy alongside studying a Level 3 Extended Diploma Sport (Performance and Excellence) Rugby at Hartpury College.
Zoe’s development as a rugby player continued within the women’s academy programme while she completed a BSC (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science degree.
Now, the award-winning 23-yearold is delighted to be able provide support and offer the benefit of her own experience to the next generation of players on the women’s rugby programme at Hartpury.
“I never thought of myself as a role model before, but this year I have been spending some time coaching the girls on the women’s rugby programme at Hartpury,” said Zoe, among a number of current and former Hartpury students to play rugby at international level.
“In fact, there are a couple of girls from my home town of Scarborough who have followed in my footsteps and have come down to Hartpury to follow what I did and to pursue their rugby dreams.
“For me, that’s really heart-warming, knowing someone.
“I just tell them to work as hard as they can. You can’t really beat hard work and as long as they are working hard and enjoying it, hopefully they are going to get there one day.”
Zoe’s own determination and commitment paid off when she was named the Rugby Players’ Association Telegraph Women’s Sport England player of the year following her impressive performances for England and Gloucester-hartpury Women’s RFC.
“I was absolutely over the moon when I’d found out I’d won – I still can’t quite believe it,” reflected Zoe.
“Of course, it’s always great to win an award, but because it’s based on votes from team-mates and players that you inspired from other clubs, it does feel extra special.”
Sean Lynn, Head of Women’s Rugby at Hartpury University and head coach of Gloucester-hartpury Women’s RFC, said: “It’s great to see Zoe win this award – I couldn’t be happier for her.
“She always works very hard and is a warrior on the field, along with being a well-mannered person off it. She is a fabulous role model to our students and other players.”
Many past and present members of the Gloucester-hartpury Women’s RFC squad are current or former Hartpury students who have gained international caps, including England World Cup winner Natasha Hunt, Kelly Smith and Tatyana Heard.