Gloucester-Hartpury’s Zoe Aldcroft started for England in last weekend’s victory over France at the Stade Marcel Michelin in Clermont, the Red Roses’ first win on French soil for seven years.

Speaking after the game, she admitted that the whole group were delighted to battle their way to a hard-fought victory, but already looking forward to this weekend’s return encounter.

“Everyone was delighted with the weekend’s result and happy to get the win.

“I don’t think there have been any huge changes to the way we play. We’ve been working hard in training since the game, looking at France in even more detail. We are treating it the way we treat every game and working in ways to improve our performance from last week.

“The atmosphere was amazing. The French are always great hosts. We could hear the band playing throughout the game and they were playing in the post-match function afterwards, lifting our spirits even further after the game.”

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Zoe was one of the first group of England Women players to be awarded a professional contact and admitted that it’s having a real impact upon her performances.

“It was amazing to receive it. It now gives us the time to rest and recover and reduces the pressure that comes with having to have a day job. I’m really grateful to have it.

“We have lots of little group sessions. Our training is also tailored to what we need as individual players.

“We have lots of different characters in the team. Everyone plays their part and has a different role to play on and off the field.

“We are very much looking forward to this weekend’s game at Sandy Park. We know a good number of tickets have been sold which should make for a brilliant atmosphere.”

Zoe Aldcroft delighted with win in France and looking forward to return encounter

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