New England captain Meg Jones says she aims to be a relatable leader, but admits she may tone down some parts of her character in her new role.
Jones has been promoted to lead the world champion Red Roses after skipper Zoe Stratford announced that she is expecting her first child in September.
“I’m still going to be me, but probably less weird!” she told BBC Sport.
“Probably a bit more serious at times, but I want to keep that playful nature.
“I want to be relatable because growing up I always thought professionalism and being the top of your game meant being really serious.
“It’s actually quite the opposite for me – when I’m doing well is when I’m enjoying myself.”
The 29-year-old, who was nominated for World Player of the Year in 2025, is part of a clutch of England players who celebrate scores with a now-familiar ‘cowboy’ dance.
Jones has also co-hosted the Barely Rugby podcast with team-mate Hannah Botterman and comedian Harriet Kemsley, discussing life away from the pitch, while her honesty about her grief in the wake of her parents’ deaths has earned her praise.
Jones, who has an outline of Stratford lifting the Rugby World Cup tattooed on her calf, says she will learn from both her predecessor and England’s all-time leading points-scorer Emily Scarratt, who has stepped into a coaching role with the Red Roses.