England’s World Cup-winning captain and Gloucester-Hartpury star Zoe Stratford has revealed she is expecting her first child, with the baby due in September. Stratford shared the exciting news on Instagram, expressing gratitude and joy alongside her husband Luke, a former rugby player and coach.
Following her instrumental role in leading the Red Roses to World Cup glory seven months ago, Stratford announced she will miss the upcoming Women’s Six Nations tournament. England begins their campaign against Ireland at Twickenham on April 11. In Stratford’s absence, Trailfinders’ Megan Jones will captain the England side, supported by vice-captains Amy Cokayne and Gloucester-Hartpury’s Alex Matthews.
Gloucester-Hartpury boasts strong representation in the England squad. Matthews is joined by club teammates Mackenzie Carson, Maud Muir, Tatyana Heard, Natasha Hunt, Emma Sing, and Mia Venner. Among the 38 players named, seven are uncapped at senior international level. The squad gathered at the England Rugby Performance Centre at Pennyhill Park to prepare for the tournament. Ticket sales have soared, with over 67,000 already sold for England’s opener at Allianz Stadium, setting a record for the Women’s Six Nations.
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Wales, too, feature Gloucester-Hartpury influence, with flanker Kate Williams named captain. Williams, appointed co-captain for upcoming Test series and the 2025 Rugby World Cup, will lead Wales in their opening match against Scotland at the Principality Stadium on April 11. Williams is backed by clubmates Sisilia Tuipulotu, Kelsey Jones, Alaw Pyrs, Bethan Lewis, and several uncapped players. Notably, fullback Nel Metcalfe is unavailable due to injury.
Ireland’s squad includes four Gloucester-Hartpury forwards: Neve Jones, Sam Monaghan, Niamh O’Dowd, and Ellena Perry. Scotland’s squad features former Cheltenham scrum-half Leia Brebner-Holden.
On the club competition front, Gloucester-Hartpury winger Mia Venner delivered a stunning performance with a hat-trick in a thrilling comeback victory over Loughborough Lightning. Trailing 31-12 at halftime, Gloucester-Hartpury fought back to win 43-38 in an exhilarating match. Venner’s early try and pivotal plays throughout the game, alongside key contributions from teammates like Tatyana Heard and Lleucu George, cemented the victory.
Cheltenham Tigers remain in contention for the Women’s Championship North 1 title after a commanding 54-10 win against Bury St Edmunds. Jess Dadds led with a hat-trick, supported by Sophie Tandy and others. Tigers face bottom-placed Blaydon Red Kites next in their final game, needing a bonus-point win to overtake Sale FC 1861.
Elsewhere, there were impressive team efforts in the Women’s Championship South West and regional leagues, including Drybrook’s dominant 90-0 win, Hucclecote’s solid victory against Supermarine, and Cheltenham North’s walkover. The top tiers saw heightened competition with clubs like Pershore and Minchinhampton securing significant wins.
The Women’s Six Nations, alongside competitive club rugby, continues to showcase the depth of talent and passion across England, Wales, and Ireland, with Gloucester-Hartpury players starring prominently on multiple stages.