England number eight Alex Matthews says captaining the Red Roses in the Women’s Rugby World Cup on Saturday in front of her father – who has terminal cancer – “means everything”.
The 32-year-old was named skipper for her side’s final pool match in Brighton against Australia, with regular captain Zoe Aldcroft recovering from a knee injury sustained in the opening game.
Having got the all-clear from prostate cancer in 2014, Matthews’ father, Dave, was diagnosed again in 2023 and this has since become terminal., external
He will watch his daughter in Brighton for the first time live at this World Cup and Matthews told BBC Sport: “I think my dad will be pretty emotional.
“This will be my family’s first World Cup game. My dad hasn’t been too comfortable travelling far lately because he’s been ill, but he’s made it this weekend.
“He’s excited and now wants to come to every game – he’s definitely caught the fever.
“It means everything that he’ll be there to see me lead out the team. It’s something I never thought would happen, and not necessarily something I wanted to happen, but my dad always said I’ve had it in me.
“Him being at the game means everything, and having my mum there too.
“It’s also one of my oldest sister’s birthdays, so they’ve got a couple of nights away in Brighton to enjoy the atmosphere.”
Vice-captain and former skipper Marlie Packer replaced Aldcroft for the record win over Samoa last Saturday, but is not in the matchday squad to face the Wallaroos.
Centre Megan Jones is the other vice-captain under Mitchell and, despite being named to start her third pool game, remains in her usual leadership role.
Matthews last captained England at WXV1 in September against the United States, when head coach John Mitchell prepared for a situation without Packer and Aldcroft.
She tasted success in leading the side for the first time with a crushing 61-21 victory.
“I wasn’t expecting it at all [to be captain against Australia], especially when we have the leadership group that we do. I did it in Canada against USA,” added the 2014 World Cup winner.
“Mitch (Mitchell) almost knew it was coming and prepped me for it.
“It was a good job as I definitely would have been overthinking it. Nothing changes and I will lead from just playing rugby.
“I am a good delegator and just speak when I need to, which I think lands well with the girls.”
Mitchell added: “We just happen to have a superhuman that’s highly respected and a world-class player that demonstrates her performances through her actions.”
