Centre Meg Jones will captain England in the Women's Six Nations after Zoe Stratford stepped down due to pregnancy. Jones, who made her debut as an 18-year-old fly-half in 2015, takes over from Stratford for the tournament starting 11 April against Ireland.

Jones will be supported by experienced vice captains Amy Cokayne and Alex Matthews. The 27-year-old brings unique perspective to the role, having played both 15s and sevens rugby - including appearances at the 2016 Rio Olympics and 2024 Paris Games.

England enter the tournament as defending champions on a 33-match winning streak dating back to the 2022 World Cup final. Coach Louis Mitchell praised Jones' leadership qualities, noting her ability to lift teammates and produce consistent performances. The captaincy represents a significant milestone for Jones, who faced personal challenges in 2024 with the loss of both parents within four months.