Meg Jones has been appointed captain of England ahead of their Women’s Six Nations campaign in the absence of regular skipper Zoe Stratford.

Stratford, who led the Red Roses to World Cup glory on home soil in September, announced on Wednesday that she is pregnant with her first child and will miss the upcoming tournament.

In her stead, centre Jones will step up to skipper John Mitchell’s side having served as one of two vice-captains last year. The 29-year-old was recently named as part of The Independent’s Influence List to mark International Women’s Day.

She will be supported by No 8 Alex Matthews and hooker Amy Cokayne as part of a three-strong leadership group for the Six Nations.

“Firstly, I’m really excited for Zoe and wish her and [her husband] every happiness on their news,” Jones said.

“It’s a huge honour to have been named captain of the Red Roses. Mitch and I have built a strong relationship over the past three years and it’s a great feeling to have his trust to lead the group along with a tight leadership team.

“I’m buzzing to get back in camp with the girls for the Six Nations. I’ll just be the same old Meg and know I’ll have great support from Zoe, the leaders and the whole squad.”

Mitchell, who signed a new contract earlier this year, will name his England squad for the Six Nations on Friday and is expected to hand opportunities to a significant cohort of uncapped players.

Young Bristol Bears back rower Demelza Short is expected to earn a first call-up on the back of impressive form in Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR), while club teammate Millie David should press for a debut on the wing.

Harlequins centre Sarah Parry and Loughborough No 8 Haineala Lutui are other youngsters known to be of interest having previously been invited into Red Roses camp.

Like Stratford, hooker Lark Atkin-Davies and lock Abbie Ward are pregnant and will therefore miss the Six Nations. Wing Abby Dow and centre Emily Scarratt have retired since the Rugby World Cup, with the latter moving on to Mitchell’s coaching staff.

England open their Six Nations against Ireland at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium on Saturday 11 April.