John Mitchell appointed as new England women’s head coach

John Mitchell has been appointed as head coach of the England women’s team and will take over the role after the men’s World Cup that ends on 28 October. The 59-year-old will leave his position as defence coach for Japan’s men’s team to replace Simon Middleton.

“The Red Roses have set an incredible standard and foundation for women’s rugby, being the most successful team in the Six Nations which is a tremendous achievement,” Mitchell said.

Mitchell’s return to England after spells with the men’s national team as forwards coach from 1997-2000 and defence coach from 2018-21. He said he wanted England’s women’s team, which has just won a fifth straight Six Nations title, to “mature in key areas and become a truly champion side that can rightfully contest for the World Cup in 2025.”

England’s most-capped player and their former captain, Sarah Hunter, has been appointed to the role of transition coach after her retirement from international duty.

“I would like to honour the hugely supportive Red Roses fans with successful performances as we work towards winning and selling out Twickenham Stadium for the Rugby World Cup in 2025,” added Mitchell.

The black mark on Middleton’s reign was two World Cup final defeats to New Zealand and Mitchell’s main target will be to claim the prize on home soil in two years’ time. Louis Deacon will keep his role as forwards coach and will be acting head coach until Mitchell joins.

Lou Meadows has been promoted from her role as under-20s head coach to attack coach for the senior team, with Charlie Hayter becoming head of women’s performance.

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