Simon Middleton: ‘I would love the Red Roses to be called the best team across sport’

The most successful head coach in world sport right now lives in Pontefract and is not afraid to be different. “I do a lot of things that a lot of other coaches don’t do,” says Simon Middleton, freely admitting he is not the type to pore over self-improvement manuals. “I was sitting with some of the younger players at breakfast the other day talking about the last book we’d read. I said: ‘I think mine was Winnie the Pooh.’

Maybe that helps explain why his team, England’s all-conquering Red Roses, have racked up a record-breaking 25 consecutive Test victories. Simplicity alone does not win World Cups but overcomplication can be fatal. Middleton gives an embarrassed chuckle when asked if he has any tips for Jürgen Klopp or Pep Guardiola but any coach would love to bottle what he is currently brewing.

The checklist of positives is impressive with the Women’s Rugby World Cup about to kick off in New Zealand next Saturday. A world-class squad full of inspiring leaders? Tick. A nice blend of youth, experience, power and pace? Tick. Pretty much the only thing Middleton’s tournament favourites don’t yet have is the actual World Cup, last hoisted by England in 2014.

So what is his – and their – secret? Cynics will point to the Rugby Football Union’s decision to offer full-time professional contracts in advance of any of their rivals. Even New Zealand were steamrollered on tour in the UK last year. Any coach, they argue, would look good with that kind of armchair ride.

But hang on. No side wins 25 Tests in a row with muppets in charge. While Middleton’s CV does include the disappointing 2017 World Cup final loss to the Black Ferns, he was named World Rugby’s coach of the year in 2021. Unassuming and approachable, he is quick to