By TOM SANSOM

AFTER an undefeated year which featured a third consecutive Six Nations title, and back-to-back victories over New Zealand, England’s Red Roses grew a cut above the rest and from this bunch, World Rugby’s Women’s Player of the Year emerged.
Second row Zoe Aldcroft, 25, received the prestigious award from England legend Maggie Alphonsi, in a surprise ceremony with her Gloucester-Hartpury teammates.
“I spend most of my weeks training with those guys so it was really special to have all of them in the room when I received the award,” Aldcroft said. “It was amazing to receive...